Your flooring is one of the most important aspects of your kitchen. It has a major impact on the overall look of the room, as it brings all the other elements together. But with so many different types of kitchen floor tiles to choose from, which is the best type of flooring for your kitchen?
Here we explore some of the flooring trends we are seeing in kitchens in Liverpool, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, to help you make an informed decision.
1. Material
The material you choose for your kitchen floor tiles will depend on your budget, your personal tastes and your lifestyle. There are a number of different options to think about here:
Natural stone
Natural stone, including granite, marble and slate, is a hugely popular choice for kitchen floor tiles. It is extremely hardwearing and enables you to have a floor with a completely unique appearance, as no two stone tiles are the same. Seen as a luxurious option, stone flooring is the most expensive option, so make sure you have budgeted for it.
Stone floor tiles have specific care requirements – they need to be sealed and can only be cleaned with non-abrasive products to keep them in their best condition.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are extremely versatile, as they can be made to look like natural stone or wood. However, as porcelain is a man-made material, it is a more affordable option than natural stone.
Porcelain is much more hardwearing than ceramic, which should not be used for flooring as it can crack or chip when placed under pressure.
Cork or bamboo
These natural materials are currently a major trend in kitchens in Liverpool. Cork or bamboo tiles have a bright, warm appearance and are ideal if you want to create a natural-looking kitchen using different types of wood.
While they vary in price, cork and bamboo tend to be cheaper than natural stone tiles, and as they are hardwearing, they will maintain their appearance for many years.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles are by far the most budget-friendly option, but this does not mean you have to compromise on quality. Vinyl is hardwearing and easy to keep clean, and these days there are a huge number of options when it comes to appearance. There are vinyl tiles available which have the appearance of stone or wood, but at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
Finish
Kitchen floor tiles need to be safe to walk on, even when wet. A highly-polished stone or porcelain floor looks classy and stylish, but can be extremely slippery, and as these are extremely hard surfaces they can be hazardous if a child falls on them. If you choose a stone or porcelain floor, it is safer to choose a matte or textured finish to prevent accidents.
Families with young children might prefer cork, bamboo or vinyl tiles. These are easier to clean, and also much softer surfaces, so if a child falls there is less risk of serious injury.
Size and shape
Larger floor tiles make your kitchen look bigger, as there are fewer dividing lines between tiles. If your kitchen is on the small side, choose square or rectangular tiles in the largest size you can get, as this will maximise the appearance of the space.
However, if you have a large kitchen, you could consider hexagonal or mosaic tiles, as these can be used to create highly effective designs which will be completely unique to your kitchen.
Colour
The colour of your floor tiles should complement the rest of your kitchen. Make sure they coordinate well with your kitchen worktops, cabinetry and other main features to create a unified look. Neutral tiles are a good choice, as they tend to go with everything, so if you decide to update your kitchen in the future, you won’t have to replace the floor if it is still in good condition.
Black and other dark colours can create a dramatic, stylish appearance in your kitchen, but they can be difficult to keep clean, as they tend to show every mark. They also tend to make your kitchen look smaller, so if you want to create the impression of more space, choose a light, neutral-coloured tile for best effect.
Find out more about kitchen trends
If you would like to know more about kitchen floor tiles and other essential kitchen trends, please contact us. HB Kitchens are highly experienced designers and installers of custom fitted kitchens in Liverpool, and will be happy to advise you on the best kitchen designs for you.