Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Flooring is an essential component of every space in your home and must be factored into a full kitchen remodel or new bathroom design. You often choose flooring based on a color, texture, or pattern to complement the kitchen or bath design, however there are other factors to take into account.

You need to consider where the flooring is going to be located and how durable it must be to withstand the room’s traffic. Some materials need time to adapt to their new environment before they’re laid to allow for swelling. There is extra labor involved in cutting or laying certain types of flooring. Is there direct sunlight shining on your floors that could cause certain materials to fade? Maybe you have a pet with claws that scratch the surface of your floor. An area near a sink or shower could become hazardous when splashed with water if your flooring surface is prone to becoming slippery.

It’s also possible that you’re eliminating certain materials because they are outdated. Advancements in technology mean there’s more variety than ever, so there is a wide range of quality flooring materials to enhance the style and functionality of your home. Here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision about flooring for your new kitchen or bath design.

SOLID HARDWOOD

PROS:

Solid hardwood is a classic choice that is durable and warm underfoot. A distressed or hand-scraped finish brings character to a kitchen design or living room and ensures the surface is not slippery. It lasts for many years and the finish can be changed over time for different looks without compromising on functionality.

Current trends embrace lighter shades of hardwood such as oak, maple and sustainable options like bamboo. Tones of honey, blonde, gray, and whitewashed wood are popular in kitchen and bath design. Reclaimed hardwood floors are always ideal to save on cost and give a lived-in look to a kitchen remodel. Newer versions are being produced in longer and wider planks for a feeling of continuity throughout the room. Another current trend is to combine a variety of shades for stunning multi-colored floor design, especially laid in patterns such as herringbone.

CONS:

Solid wood flooring is a natural product so needs to be handled with care before installation and left to acclimatize to the room for several days. After it has adjusted in size, it must be glued or nailed to a plywood or concrete subfloor so factor this into your costs.

As hardwood is affected by temperature, it’s not advised to install underfloor heating. If you want to have underfloor heating, you could consider engineered wood as an alternative. Hardwood is not completely waterproof either so make sure the surface is textured to prevent slippage and covered if near water. Hardwood is prone to scratching and is one of the most expensive types of flooring.

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

PROS:

Engineered hardwood has a top layer made of solid wood supported by fiberboard or plywood underneath. These wood by-products make it a very sustainable option. It has the same surface as solid wood flooring, also meaning it can be re-finished, but is more budget friendly. It is warp-resistant, which is especially good for on-trend wide planks. This also means it doesn’t need to be left to acclimatize before laying and it will stay level after installation. Engineered hardwood also comes in click together planks that can float on a subfloor in a kitchen or bathroom design without having to be nailed or glued, making it simpler to install than solid hardwood.

CONS:

The solid wood surface is still susceptible to scratches and marks and can only be refinished up to three times, unlike solid hardwood that can be refinished about 10-12 times. Engineered hardwood isn’t entirely waterproof either, and despite its durability, it won’t last as long as sold hardwood flooring. While it brings some of the natural beauty of hardwood, nothing can compare to the natural appeal and feel underfoot of solid hardwood floorboards.

LAMINATE

PROS:

Laminate is similar in appearance to hardwood or natural stone, as it can imitate these surfaces with an image of wood or stone covered in a protective layer. It has a core of wood by-products, making it an eco-friendlier option. It is cheaper than hardwood and is simply installed by placing it on top of a soft underlay. Laminate is warm, durable, and resistant to warping and scratching so is ideal for busy areas such as kitchen remodels or bathroom designs.

Modern technology means that laminate flooring is now available in waterproof options. Distressed and hand-scraped finishes mean surfaces are safer when wet, making laminate an ideal option for moisture-prone areas. Laminate can also cater for the demand for varying plank widths and lengths, as well as lighter colors.

CONS:

While a good imitation, laminate does not feel like the real thing. It won’t last as long as its natural counterparts, since it can’t be refinished due to its artificial surface. Check that any laminate flooring you choose is low in volatile organic chemical substances (VOCs).

VINYL

PROS:

Vinyl is a synthetic material that comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors to mimic natural flooring. It is available as a single sheet that’s cut to size and either glued or laid loose, or as planks or tiles which can also be installed by clicking together and floating the material over a soft underlay.

The vinyl is protected by a wear layer and backed with a core that can be made of a durable stone polymer or a softer wood-polymer. Vinyl is completely waterproof and therefore is suitable for kitchen or bath designs.

CONS:

Vinyl needs to be laid on a completely smooth surface as imperfections can show through. If your subfloor needs to be resurfaced prior to installation this adds to your budget. While vinyl is a cost-effective material, the lower the price, the more VOCs it emits, so it’s worth investing in a quality product. For this reason, vinyl is not particularly eco-friendly and low-quality vinyl has the potential to be hazardous to health.

TILE

PROS:

Tile flooring is an ever-popular choice for kitchen and bath remodels. Natural stone tiles, such as marble or granite are durable and a classic look. Ceramic tiles are made from baked clay, are waterproof and durable and can be highly patterned or mimic natural materials. Cement tiles are increasingly popular as they can be refinished, and their individual patterns can be laid together to form a rich design. Porcelain is a more refined and baked ceramic that is very durable, waterproof, and stain repellent, if glazed. Tiles are very versatile, giving scope for unusual shapes and arrangements, as well as colors and textures, to suit any style. This year’s larger format tiles also mean there’s less grout to maintain. Tiles pair well with underfloor heating, which is an ideal addition to combat the coldness of tile flooring.

CONS:

Tiles need to be laid, grouted and some, such as natural stone, need to be regularly sealed and properly maintained. Cement also must be sealed to keep out moisture. Glazed porcelain can be slippery, so choose a textured surface. Unglazed porcelain is safer and more forgiving if damaged, but it is not water or stain proof. Grout for any tile should be resealed every few years and kept clean to avoid mold build-up.

CONCRETE

PROS:

A concrete subfloor can easily be transformed into a floor for your kitchen or bath design. After being prepped by a professional, the concrete floor can be stained in a color to suit your style or current trends. Another option is to just polish it to preserve its natural tones for an industrial look. It’s also possible to mimic another material, such as wood or stone with realistic grains, knots, or veining. Why not go for a pattern of your choice to inject personality?  Texture can be added too for further interest. The end result is stunning while also being very durable and cost effective.

CONS:

It’s important that the concrete floor is sealed properly to protect it and ensure that it is waterproof. This finish can be very slippery when wet so texture needs to be incorporated to increase traction. Accessories such as bathmats or rugs might need to be added for warmth and to reduce the risk of slipping, which could detract from your overall floor design.

TERRAZZO   

PROS:

Terrazzo flooring is a low-maintenance and durable option for your kitchen or bath remodel. It can be custom made to suit your style and can be poured directly or purchased in tile format. It is made up of either cement or epoxy resin, which can be tinted any color. Fragments of materials such as marble, granite or glass are then added so the color combination possibilities are endless. The surface is eventually ground smooth and polished. The finish is not as slippery as other polished flooring and is scratch, flame, and stain resistant. Terrazzo is exceptionally hard-wearing and long lasting and is hugely on trend at the moment, so can update any kitchen or bath design with a unique surface.

CONS:

Terrazzo is a very old material that ebbs and flows in popularity. If you don’t keep your color choices contemporary, then it could look dated. If you decide to use expensive aggregates such as natural stone, then this will considerably add to your budget. Pouring a terrazzo floor on-site could also prove to be expensive. Terrazzo tends to feel cold, so you may want to install underfloor heating before it’s laid, which also drives up your budget.

SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS

PROS:

There are renewable and biodegradable solutions when choosing natural materials for flooring. Linoleum is a good alternative to vinyl, which is made of PVC. Linoleum, on the other hand, is made from materials such as cork dust, pine resin, and linseed oil and has come back into fashion. Bamboo canes grow back very quickly and make incredibly durable flooring that won’t warp. Cork is comfortable and safe to walk on. It is also hypoallergenic, warm and absorbs sound in busy environments.

CONS:

Linoleum and cork discolor in sunlight and can be prone to moisture damage and denting, so care and maintenance is required. Neither bamboo nor cork are waterproof, but cork can be sealed with polyurethane. Bamboo is not scratchproof and comes in a limited number of shades. All of these should be cleaned with special, ammonia-free cleaning methods that won’t soak the floor.

Consider how your flooring needs to perform and if it requires extras such as underfloor heating, specialized installation, or regular sealing to maintain it. At Lang’s Kitchen & Bath, we can guide you through flooring options for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. We’ll find the perfect balance between style and functionality so your kitchen or bath design is comfortable and luxurious. Contact us today to discuss plans for your dream remodel.