What is The Best Floor For The Kitchen?

Choosing the best floor for the kitchen is not always an easy decision, but it is an important one. Your kitchen is the centre of your home and a high-traffic area. Therefore the floor must have the right characteristics. This is, after all, the place where you prepare your lunch and do all of your cooking and baking. The floor should be durable and also easy to clean. Besides that, the choice of the floor depends on the overall style you wish for your kitchen. One affects the other. 

Today’s article by ShBarcelona explores trendy types of floors for kitchens. Read through the advantages and disadvantages to come up with the best idea for your new kitchen floor.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of floors

Porcelain floor tiles

Porcelain floor tiles are very popular due to its strength and durability. They are recommended when renting out a property for these exact reasons.

Advantages

• These tiles are heat resistant and can handle sudden temperature changes.
• They are not easy to crack or damage.
• They are easy to clean and waterproof (they don’t absorb any liquid at all).
• They come in various shapes and designs, and can even have a special anti-slip finish.
• Because of their durability, this is the most cost-effective tile when investing in new flooring for the long-term.

Disadvantages

• They are affordable, but pricier than ceramic tiles.
• The larger tiles are, of course, more expensive.
• They can be difficult to cut and place, that’s why we recommend a professional tiler.
• These tiles can feel cold in winter, as they don’t contain the warmth that laminate or natural wood has.

Ceramic floor

This is the best and most common choice for kitchens (apart form porcelain tiles), as ceramic tiles are water resistant and you have ample options when it comes to colour and style. 

Advantages

• The tiles are non-porous and therefore stain-resistant.
• They are durable and affordable.
• They come in different glazes and designs.
• They are non-slip and easy to clean.

Disadvantages

• Ceramic floor tiles require professional installation.
• There’s less water absorption compared to porcelain tiles.
• They are also less shock-resistant compared to porcelain tiles.

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Vinyl floor

Vinyl looks similar to laminate or wooden floors. If you’re looking for affordable flooring, then vinyl is the way to go. It is cheaper per square meter and doesn’t require professional installation.

Advantages

• You have many options in style and design.
• Vinyl flooring is easy to install and repair.
• It is cheaper compared to a laminate floor.
• You can use it in every room, including bathrooms and toilets.

Disadvantages

• This is not the most durable option, as it damages quickly.
• It doesn’t tolerate heat as well (above 45 degrees Celsius).
• The PVC compostion of vinyl doesn’t qualify as the most sustainable flooring.
• It can look artificial because of the way the design is printed on the vinyl.

Natural stone

Natural stone, like granite or marble, is the most elegant choice when it comes to the material. It adds a special and unique touch to a kitchen. Compared to other types of flooring, this is the hardest available.

Advantages

• It is very much heat-resistant.
• Its aesthetics are uncomparable, as natural stone adds warmth to the space.

Disadvantages

• As the material is porous, a natural stone floor can be easily stained.
• This is not the best choice when renting out your apartment.
• Natural stone is heavy and expensive to install.
• As it concerns a natural product, it can change over time and look different from before.

Hydraulic tile floor

Hydraulic tile floors are highly decorative because of its unique pattern. Hydraulic flooring can be found in many apartments in Barcelona. 

Advantages

• These tiles look very stylish and you have many options in design.
• The installation of this type of tile is easy.
• They are durable.

Disadvantages

• These tiles are very expensive.
• The material is porous and therefore vulnerable to stains and dirt.
• Installation requires a professional tiler.
• This is a high-maintenance tile.