Month: August 2020

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When it comes to interior design, accessibility is a key consideration. It’s important to ensure safety and ease of mobility around any home. In this blog, we’re going to offer advice on the best flooring types for wheelchair users with reduced mobility, to help make the most of living spaces.

There are a range of suitable flooring’s for wheelchair users which allow ease of mobility. These include: engineered wood, EvoCore, and LVT to name a few, with thick pile carpets, low quality vinyls and slippery tiled surfaces being amongst the few that are less suitable. 

There are key factors to consider to ensure safety and mobility are optimal as possible:

 

1. Durability
2. Grip
3. Comfort
4. Room Type
5. Transitions

 

Firstly though, we’re going to look at the different flooring types, and their suitability for wheelchair users.

Flooring Types

 

Different types of flooring will cater for wheelchair use better than others, with them being made with materials. Real wood, laminate and vinyl planks are the most suitable flooring types for ease of movement when it comes to wheelchairs users, and below we’ll look into why. 

 

 

Real Wood Flooring

 

Wood flooring, such as engineered wood and solid wood, provide a great surface for wheelchair users. 

 

With a hard surface, this allows for smooth and comfortable movability, avoiding any restrictions and slipping. These surfaces are highly durable, and solid and engineered wood can also be refinished if any cosmetic damage occurs. Scuffs or scrapes are no problem; the flooring can be brought back to life with ease.

Laminate

 

Laminate flooring is a top contender when it comes to manoeuvrability, and header-wearing construction. 

 

However, we recommend buying a high grade laminate to ensure flooring’s longevity, which also prevents the need for early replacement.

 

An AC rating of AC3 or above would make a suitable flooring for wheelchair users, with a recommended rating of AC5 for bathrooms and kitchens to ensure they meet suitability needs. 

Vinyl Planks 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)

 

LVT makes for one of the best flooring options for wheelchair users. It’s highly durable, and suitable for any room of the home. For ease of movement and access around the home, Luxury Vinyl Tile is a great option. Click LVT features a thicket board which aids in providing more durability. 

 

EvoCore

 

EvoCore is another one of the best flooring’s for wheelchair users. This eco friendly option offers durability and home-wide suitability, meaning safety, confidence and mobility are optimal, as well as providing bespoke eye catching designs. EvoCore features scratch resistant surfaces and high durability. Perfect for facilitating the motions of a wheelchair. 

Flooring Types to Avoid

 

• Thick pile carpets – reduces or halts movement.
• Tile – Glossy finish tile can present slippery surfaces, leading to skidding, alteration of speed, or reduced effect of a brake.
• Vinyl Roll – Whilst not all vinyl roll should be avoided, lower grade options should be avoided where possible, as durability may provide future cosmetic issues resulting in the need to replace. 

 

Key Flooring Considerations for Wheelchair Users

Safety and manoeuvring will be front of mind when choosing the best flooring.. 

 

Whilst design and appearance are nice-to-haves, they may be secondary to ensuring you’re confident in mobility in your own home.

1. Durability 

 

First on the list is durability. As expected, wheelchairs can often be heavy on flooring, particularly motorised ones. 

 

Flooring should be practical in its ability to cater for this, as well as being able to handle manoeuvring to prevent cosmetic damage such as scuffs, scratches and lifting. 

 

Considering safety first, flooring wouldn’t be practical in its purpose if it did not cater for these needs. 

 

Damage to its appearance as a result of wheelchair presence is avoidable by considering high-durability flooring options. Experiencing comfort within an interior, as well as having mobility without the need for constant caution, sounds like a win-win scenario. 

 

This can be achieved with flooring such as EvoCore or engineered wood, being easy on the eye and offering extremely high durability. 

 

EvoCore

 

EvoCore Essentials and Premium are both made of a combination of 7 different layers to create an extremely resistant and durable flooring. It’s scratch resistant surface and textured surface makes for a great foundation for wheelchair users, whilst looking amazing in any room of the home, offering a wide array of designs and styles. 

 

 

Whatever range opted for in terms of compatibility for wheelchair users, EvoCore can withstand the test of time offering wear resistance, the ability to manoeuvre with ease whilst looking amazing in the process.  

 

Engineered Wood 

 

With engineered wood, this can be finished with a lacquer or oil, adding not only a natural charm but a protective layer to aid in durability. 

2. Slippery Surfaces

 

Another key consideration when it comes to the best flooring for wheelchair users is slippery surfaces. Traction is an important part of offering ease of movement, and this is something that smoother surfaces don’t tend to account for. 

 

Glossy finishes and ceramic tile are just some of the surfaces that can reduce wheelchair movement, alter speeds, or affect the efficiency of a brake due to the lack of traction. 

 

To allow safe and easy movement around a home, flooring options such as LVT, engineered wood, or a low pile carpet that isn’t too dense, usually loop piles rather than twist or Saxony as it offers smoother traction.

3. Comfort 

 

Where comfort is concerned, there are multiple flooring options for wheelchair users. Comfort is an each to their own factor, and when it comes to those who rely on the use of a wheelchair, there are physical factors to consider. 

 

With some wheelchairs being manual, this can have a physical effect on the body. Physical comfort should not be disregarded, and flooring can impact this. 

 

To prevent making mobility a strenuous activity, laminate flooring, LVT or engineered wood will make manoeuvring around your home a breeze. 

 

Thick carpet is another surface that will affect comfort. For more reasons than one. 

 

Carpets can cushion any falls and slow down speed, however thick-piled will reduce movement, and more energy and strength to push and rotate the wheels of the wheelchair. It’s important to consider which of these are most important before making a decision.

 

4. Room Type

 

Certain flooring’s go better in certain rooms, that’s just a fact. 

 

With different requirements for different rooms of the home, needs coupled with suitability can make options more limited as a wheelchair user.

 

In bathrooms and kitchens, popular choices for these rooms of the home are tiled flooring’s. However, some tile flooring’s are finished with slippery surfaces that could affect mobility. If this is your desired design, not to worry. Some flooring’s offer slip resistant surfaces and tiled patterns, providing the design you want with the suitability you need. Flooring’s such as slip resistant vinyl and EvoCore 360 will do the job perfectly. 

 

 

Kitchens

 

When it comes to kitchen flooring’s, a popular choice is tile. However, some tile flooring’s are finished with slippery surfaces that could affect mobility. If this is your desired design, not to worry. If this is your desired design, not to worry. Some flooring’s offer slip resistant surfaces and tiled patterns, providing the design you want with the suitability you need. Flooring’s such as slip resistant vinyl and EvoCore 360 will do the job perfectly. 

 

Bathrooms

 

Bathrooms are another room of the home that tiled flooring’s are often desired in. Similarly to kitchens, this room of the home requires flooring that will need to suit the everyday functions that occur there, as well as catering for wheelchair access. Again, like the kitchen, flooring’s such as slip resistant vinyl and EvoCore will suit these needs. 

5. Transitions

Transitioning between rooms in a wheelchair is another thing to consider when it comes to finding the best surface for wheelchairs. This is because when moving from room to room, surfaces can alter. Laminate to carpet, carpet to solid wood, whatever the surfaces of your home, having varied surface textures can cause exhaustion, especially if transitioning from surfaces that allow ease of movement, to ones that don’t. Where possible, having the same or similar flooring types that offer ease of wheelchair movement such as laminate or LVT, is something to consider when it comes to creating the flooring suitable for wheelchair users. 

 

Another thing to consider is keeping room transitions level to prevent getting stuck. Mini ramps can help with this. 

 

All Flooring Types and Their Suitability

 

Flooring Type	Suitability
Solid Wood	Suitable due to durability, however not suitable for kitchens and bathrooms due to temperature fluctuations.
Engineered Wood	Home-wide suitability and highly durable makes for a suitable flooring for wheelchair users.
Laminate	Laminate with an AC rating AC3 or above would make a suitable flooring for wheelchair users, with a recommended rating of AC5 for bathrooms.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)	LVT makes for one of the best flooring’s for wheelchair users, being highly durable, and suitable for any room of the home.
Vinyl Roll	Vinyl roll is suitable providing you have ensured it comes with slip resistance. However, durability in some cases isn’t always a strong suit.
Tile	Whilst some tiled flooring can be used, ensure the slip resistance where possible as certain finishes such as glossy, or ceramic tile can cause skidding and slipping.
Carpet	Low pile carpets can make a great flooring for those confined to a wheelchair. However, carpets with a thicker pile can hinder movement and be strenuous.
EvoCore	EvoCore is another one of the best flooring’s for wheelchair users. Again offering durability and home-wide suitability.

 

Hopefully this blog has answered your questions on recommendations when it comes to suitable flooring for wheelchair users. However, should you need more information, our team of experts would be more than happy to answer any questions, get in touch now. 

The post Best Flooring For Wheelchair Users appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Parquet flooring has a long history, dating all the way back to the 15th century. A few years back, it was considered outdated and an old flooring option. However, it’s made a massive come back in recent years and is now back on trend and rightfully so! It’s increasing popularity is due to a number of reasons, so let’s have a look at what makes it so popular – that you’ll be dying to lay it in your own home!

What Is It Though?

But before we dive into all that, let’s have a look at exactly what it is. It consists of strips of wood, primarily arranged geometrically to create an intricate and luxurious looking pattern. With the help pf social media and many of us lusting after an authentic look, parquet flooring is as popular as ever. It can come in either engineered or solid wood, with even some luxury vinyl tiles coming in a parquet arrangement!

Hey Good Looking!

Of course, one of the main reasons we choose a flooring is due to the way it looks – there’s no point in going for a flooring that you haven’t fallen in love with! The good news is that the main reason parquet flooring is chosen by homeowners is because of its aesthetically pleasing looks – it’s famous for adding a luxurious and grand look to your home. This probably because it stems back to old manor houses having it! The designs, help the floor to stand out in its own right and not just ‘blend in’ so you’re getting plenty of character and charisma. However, the best part about parquet is that it is very versatile and will work with any interior theme, that be whether you’re into a contemporary or traditional look. If you’re wanting to impress your guests, then there’s no better way than with parquet, this is the primary reason it’s bang on trend.

Plenty Of Option

You’re not restricted in terms of variety with parquet wood either. Very few other flooring options offer such an intricate pattern as parquet, working well with small and large rooms – we’d especially recommend parquet in a large room to bring proportion to it.

The sophisticated look of parquet flooring means that the designs look as though they have been manually brought together, showing off a sophisticated order. They come in triangles, squares, rectangles so you can almost hand pick exactly what you want.

Variety doesn’t just stop at plank arrangements. There are many wood types, colour and finishes that you can customise your new flooring to your exact taste. You can also choose between a lacquered, oiled brushed finish to suit your personal needs and preferences, it’s a whole other ball park!

Durability Is Mega

If you’re familiar with wood flooring, then you’ll know how durable it is! It will last for a lifetime and is even likely to outlive even the person who laid it. It is probably the most durable flooring choice available on the market with the added benefit of being able to sand it down and refinish it. Wood flooring will have no problem standing up to lots of foot fall, perfect for rooms that see lots of traffic such as the hallway and living room.

One thing to keep in mind however is that the durability will depend on the wear layer or thickness. One with a bigger thickness or wear layer is of course going to last longer than one with a smaller one, but at a cost. So it’s just something you need to weigh up.

Practicality

Nobody wants a flooring that they’re going to constantly be worrying and be precious about! The good news it that maintenance is relatively easy with wood flooring. However it can stain and scratch and is no good when it comes into contact with water, so be aware of this! It is a lot better than carpet though, with one spill of red wine and it’s all over! Although wood flooring can stain its much more salvageable than carpet, as well as the busy pattern of parquet being good at disguising any damage!

Cleaning & Allergens

With many of us suffering from allergens, it’s something many of us put as a priority when choosing our next floor. Even though it might come as a surprise, the type of flooring you have in your home can actually set your allergies off. The worst being carpet, with it harbouring dust and debris. With this being said, wood flooring is fantastic when it comes to those of your with allergies and nothing stays on its surface. It is also very easy to keep clean, with only needing a quick sweep and mop a few times a week to keep it hygienic. What you see is that you get with wood, nothing lurking!

Have Your Say

Do you have any tips to share with us on updating your interior? Let us know in the comments section below!

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and discussions. We’re always finding new ways to improve our stock, so keep up to date!

The image features our: Thorpe Ranch Oak Herringbone (PAR409).

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With the housing market being very rocky, especially due to all that’s gone on, many of us are choosing to stay put in our own homes and do the necessary changes to make it suitable. There’s no reason you can’t make your home feel like a completely different place – yes you’ve guessed it, a renovation!

Conversions

Adding extra square footage to your home can be very expensive and sometimes you wish you’d just moved instead! However reinventing your existing space in your home is the perfect way to save money. Change your dusty old attic into a fabulous guest room, your basement into a snazzy air bed and breakfast or the garage into extra living space – be clever with the space you have. Basements can also work well as play or games rooms, as well as the attic being perfect for a creative studio.

Refresh Your Bathroom

If your home has just one bathroom, you can increase the value of your home hugely by installing another another bathroom. The best way to do this is to look for extra storage cupboards, like under the stairs. You could also spend the money revamping your current bathroom! An old fashioned, tired bathroom is something that’s very hard to look past, maybe because replacing sinks and showers is much more expensive than just changing the furniture. One way of adding value is making sure you include a bath, this is a huge selling point especially with young families.

Energy Efficiency

With many of us growing more and more concerned about our carbon footprint and always looking for ways to save money, our heating bills are a good place to start. Old, draughty single pane windows are a massive turn off, as well as looking outdated! The same works for insulation, with old doors letting in the cold much more than modern ones. But perhaps the best thing to consider of all is under-floor heating. Although it is expensive and disruptive to install, it can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run and will really wow perspective buyers.

Basic Updates

These are boring and sometimes tiresome but they simply need to be done to prevent your house from falling apart! Keep the paint topped up and fresh, make sure the roof is fixed to prevent any leaks, keep your gutter clear of debris, tackle and mould or rot and fix holes in the wall. The last thing you want to be doing is to splashing out on a flashy new kitchen to then find there’s rotting timber beneath the surface.

Prioritise the Kitchen

Its no secret that the kitchen is at the heart of the home and because of this its the most important room to keep updated! We’re going to jump on the band wagon and tell you to rip out your kitchen in favour of the beautifully modern open-plan room. We’d say if you only have the budget to update one room – make it the kitchen. However, there’s a fine line between making your kitchen adhere to your tastes and not going too overboard. Less is more with the kitchen, don’t fill every corner with decoration, keep things stylishly minimalistic – things are likely to get dumped there anyway!

Have Your Say

Do you have any tips to share with us on updating your interior? Let us know in the comments section below!

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and discussions. We’re always finding new ways to improve our stock, so keep up to date!

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Laminate flooring is an old faithful in the flooring world. Though new patterns and designs are in the running for favoured foundations in a home, laminate is a go-to for a great flooring that does the job and suits your design taste, with tonnes of designs to choose from. It’s the perfect cost-effective alternative to real wood flooring too. Whilst its reputation speaks for itself, we’ll look into a list of pros and cons of laminate flooring to answer your questions as to whether or not it’s the flooring for you. 

 

There are many pros of laminate flooring. These include: 

1. Ease of maintenance
2. Highly durable depending especially with a high AC rating (AC5)
3. It’s an affordable alternative to solid or engineered wood
4. Installation is quick and easy
5. Available in an array of colours and styles
6. Lifespan on average of 15-25 years
7. Suitable with all rooms of the home. AC5 is recommended for bathroom use
8. Suitable for furniture presence
9. Suitable for underfloor heating

 

With alternative cons consisting of:

1. Can’t be refinished if experiencing damage
2. Not as quiet as carpet, but can be resolved with underlay or T profiles
3. Can provide a slippery surface if AC level is lower

 

Pros of laminate flooring

1. Maintenance

 

A key factor to consider when buying any flooring is maintenance. This is because flooring is a noticeable feature, provides the foundations of your home, and can often be on the larger side of your interior investments. 

 

For these reasons, caution is often taken when it comes to things like cleaning and caring for your flooring. 

 

With laminate flooring, maintenance is a breeze. When cleaning laminate, a micro fibre spray mop, with a specialist floor cleaner, is a great way to remove dust, dirt, or grime. 

 

Too much moisture exposure will cause cosmetic damage and lifting over time. A versatile all-in-one cleaning kit will provide everything you need to have your floor gleaming and cleaned properly. 

 

 

2. Durability

 

Another benefit of laminate flooring is durability. Laminate flooring comes with an AC rating that defines how strong and durable the laminate is. The higher the number, the more durable the floor. Though a higher AC rating doesn’t always mean the best as they all serve a different purpose and suit different needs. 

 

Laminate Flooring AC Ratings

 

AC1

Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms.

AC2

Suitable for general traffic like Dining or living rooms.

AC3

Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways.

AC4

Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.

AC5

Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public buildings and large offices.

 

As well as having varied levels of durability, being able to withstand a high dosage of foot traffic, laminate also features a scratch-resistant wear layer. 

So for those busy family, homes where your laminate planks become lanes in a monster truck rally, scratches and cosmetic damage doesn’t have to be a concern. 

 

3. Cost

 

Where budgets are concerned, laminate flooring offers a wide variety of designs, and needs. Generally, the bigger the requirement in terms of durability and wear, and lifespan, the more expensive the laminate. 

 

If you’re looking for that real wood look, but at a more affordable price, then laminate is the perfect option for you. Giving all the luxury and rich textures of a real wood flooring, whilst providing durability, at a budget-friendly cost. 

 

4. Installation is easy and DIY friendly 

 

Here’s one for those DIY enthusiasts; Laminate is extremely easy to install!  So get out your tool belt, and pen at the ready to cross off another skill, because our click-lock fitting mechanism makes it quick and easy to lay laminate. No qualms, just clicks, and your flooring is laid. 

 

Floating floor installations are the recommended option when it comes to installing laminate flooring. This means that your flooring isn’t fixed to the subfloor with any kind of adhesive. 

 

Though one thing to be cautious of is the condition of your subfloor. If you have an uneven subfloor, or you’re laying on top of concrete, ensure you use appropriate underlay to prevent issues such as damp and movement in the flooring. If you’re laying over concrete, we recommend an underlay with in-built damp proof membrane (DPM).

How to fit your Laminate flooring

 

For an easy how to guide on how to fit your laminate flooring, check out the video below.

4. Offers an Array of Styles 

 

Got an eye for design? Laminate comes in an array of colours and designs, so whatever you style, there will be an option for you. Dark wood? Light wood? Grey? Whatever your style preference, there is something for everyone. 

 

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Loft Dark Grey	Valencia Tile Retro Blue	Herringbone Pearl Oak
More Info	More Info	More Info
Add to Cart	Add to Cart	Add to Cart

 

5. Long Lasting

 

The lifespan for laminate flooring varies, with the average being between 15-25 years.

 

Some lower grade laminates may need replacing after around 10 years, with higher grade potentially lasting around 30 years. 

 

These estimated life spans mean your flooring can follow you through the decades and be ready to change when new design eras come into play, so you’re not spending unnecessary money on premature replacements.

 

If you do want to keep your laminate for even longer, it’s also easy to repair or replace damaged boards.

 

 

5. Room Suitability 

 

Home-wide suitability is another pro on the list when it comes to laminate flooring. 

 

As well as your high-traffic areas of the homes such as living rooms and hallways, laminate can also be used in rooms serving a purpose that needs a little more consideration. 

Laminate is also compatible with kitchens and bathrooms providing you use an AC level of AC4 or AC5. To ensure confidence in functionality in a bathroom, AC5 is the recommended option as these tend to be more water-resistant. 

 

Some AC4 laminates also come with a water resistant feature. However, though this is not always the case, so ensure this is clarified before purchasing. Our Villa, Residence Narrow and Supreme 12mm Long Board ranges offer this feature.

 

6. Suitable for furniture

 

Laminate flooring is capable of withstanding the presence of furniture.

 

When moving furniture, ensure its moved correctly, lifted rather than pushed along your flooring to ensure maximum reduction of cosmetic damage. 

 

Dropping the furniture may result in chips or cracks, so as long as it’s handled with care upon manoeuvring, your furniture can sit comfortably on a laminated surface, furnishing your room to your liking. 

 

To further ease your mind and aid in the protection of your flooring, felt furniture pads can be used to put under the legs of furniture to create a barrier between the furniture and flooring. This will aid in scratch prevention. 

 

7. Suitable for use with underfloor heating

 

Underfloor heating is becoming a more and more popular addition in the family home, adding comfort warmth and homely essence. To add to the list of pros, laminate is suitable for use with underfloor heating. 

 

So you can have this appealing, durable flooring in your home, complementing your underfloor heating system perfectly. 

 

Cons of laminate flooring

 

1. Can’t be Refinished

 

Unlike some other types of flooring, laminate can’t be sanded down and refinished. Once it’s worn or cosmetic damage shows, your flooring will need to be replaced or repaired.

 

However, the lifespan of laminate flooring is 15-25 years on average. By the time enough wear is present to the point of notice, it may be time to replace your flooring anyway.

 

2. Not as quiet as carpet  

 

Laminate flooring is quite rigid and installed directly on the subfloor, which means walking on laminate can be noisy underfoot. Whilst this can be an issue, it doesn’t have to be left unresolved. 

 

T profiles

 

One way to reduce noise produced by laminate flooring is using transitions between rooms. Using T profiles between rooms in arches or doorways, can reduce noise by taking pressure away from the mid section of the flooring area. 

 

Underlay for Laminate Flooring

 

Another way to reduce noise is by using an appropriate underlay. Additionally, this adds a cushion between the subfloor and the laminate, creating a barrier between the flooring and subfloor, giving added comfort underfoot. 

 

Underlay comes in variations depending on flooring type and needs. Check out our blog on underlay for wood, laminate and other hardwood flooring, to make sure you get the best underlay for your needs. 

 

3. Can be a slippery surface

 

With busy family homes comes little footprints that are often followed by thud, thud, thud!

 

Laminate flooring may provide a slippery surface in certain rooms. This could lead to things such as falls, which means extra caution needs to be taken if you have little ones. 

 

However, this caution can however be thrown to the wind, as there are preventative measures that can be taken to reduce slipping. 

 

AC Rating

 

One thing to aid in slip prevention is AC ratings. A higher AC rating offers a textured surface giving better slip resistance so this will ease your mind when it comes to those little feet running in socks. 

 

Underlay for Laminate Flooring

 

Another thing to consider is underlay, so even though we can’t fully rule out slips and falls, underlay can cushion these mishaps, reducing injury. 

 

Is laminate flooring for you?

 

As you have probably picked up, the pros and cons of laminate flooring are unbalanced in the favour of pros. 

 

Whilst there are some cons to laminate, they’re outweighed by the many benefits laminate can bring to your home. Its practicality, affordability and adaptability to design aesthetic are just some of the reasons laminate flooring makes for a great contender in any home. 

 

Have more questions regarding laminate flooring? Not a problem, get in touch with one of our flooring experts today for further assistance. 

The post Laminate Flooring: Pros and Cons appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

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You know what they say; the kitchen is the heart of the home. Which is why its foundations deserve a bit of TLC. Your kitchen flooring is a key element to making your kitchen look amazing. With thousands of colours, styles and materials to choose from, we’ve made choosing the best kitchen flooring for you, a breeze – with a selection of kitchen flooring ideas. 

With kitchen flooring, there are now more options than ever before. With engineered wood, laminate, LVT, EvoCore, and vinyl being amongst the best kitchen flooring options. 

 

Moreover, the wide range of kitchen flooring options offer a range of prices to cater for all budgets, designs and styles; so choosing your kitchen flooring has never been more personal. 

 

The range of options on offer provide the opportunity to try something a little different in your kitchen, with patterns, or even zoning if you have an open-plan space.  

 

Functionality is another important consideration when it comes choosing your kitchen flooring, with factors such as:

 

• Water resistance, ability to withstand temperature fluctuation to prevent distortion
• Underfloor heating compatibility if necessary
• Durability to prevent wear damage 
• Ease of maintenance in a kitchen environment

 

When it comes to the installation, DIY is an option with some flooring’s offering a click system for an easy installation. Alternatively, a professional is another option for fitting your flooring, though will incur an installation charge. 

 

Quick Links

 

Which Flooring Can You Use?

• Carpet
• Solid Wood Flooring
• Engineered Wood Flooring
• Laminate Flooring
• Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
• EvoCore Essentials and Premium
• EvoCore 360
• Vinyl Flooring

Budget

• Flooring costs

Design Ideas

• Find a Colour Palette
• Modern or Traditional?
• Wood, Tile, or Something a Little Different?
• Create Flooring Zones
• Trending Kitchen Floor Designs

Think About Function

• Water Resistance
• Temperature Fluctuation
• Durability
• Underfloor Heating
• Maintenance
• Installation

 

Which Flooring Can You Use?

There are many different types of flooring. You’ve got your laminate, your engineered wood, your LVT and so many more options to choose from. 

 

Like anything, the suitability for flooring can differentiate room to room.

 

So, we’re going to focus on what is the best kitchen flooring, while hopefully inspiring some kitchen flooring ideas for the heart of your home. 

At a Glance

 

Kitchens are frequented rooms of the home, most commonly used for cooking, washing, laundry and sometimes entertaining. 

 

Kitchen flooring has to handle a lot of activity, from general wear and tear of high-traffic, to the effects of moisture exposure. Some types of flooring are compatible with a kitchen, and some aren’t. Below is an overview of these. 

 

Flooring type	Suitability
Laminate
Solid Wood
Engineered Wood
LVT
Carpet
EvoCore
Vinyl

  With all flooring types, we recommend underfloor heating systems, don’t exceed 27°C to protect the longevity of your flooring.

Carpet

 

Whilst it’s doable, carpet is arguably the most unsuitable flooring for your kitchen. 

 

Meal preparation and cooking can often be a messy task. Spillages and residue mishaps are inevitable in a kitchen environment, and often your kitchen flooring can bear the brunt of such accidents. 

 

For this reason, it is beneficial to have an easy to clean flooring such as laminate, solid wood or EvoCore, where those mishaps are solved with quick wipe. 

 

Of course the answer to this could be a darker shade carpet, so those spillages are easier to hide. However, you must take into consideration that with food, comes odours. 

 

Spillages could leave lingering smells if unable to clean fully, and whilst that may cause hours of curiosity for the dog, it could result in a premature flooring change due to unpleasant smells. Though if you’re familiar with young children and play dough, this just be another clean up on the to-do list.

 

Being a high traffic area of the home, a kitchen floor also needs to be durable to ensure it lasts. A carpet will wear down a lot more in this environment, as opposed to hard flooring. 

 

When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas, we’d leave carpet out of the conversation and opt for a more suitable alternative.

 

Solid Wood Flooring

 

Solid wood is another flooring option that is usable as a kitchen floor. However, we would advise against using it for this purpose. 

 

This type of flooring is exactly what the name suggests. It’s solid wood. This means that it is susceptible to natural movements and distortion from exposure to heat and moisture. 

 

Though this type of flooring looks the part, it doesn’t necessarily mean it can play the part. But that’s okay, because there are plenty of other options; solid wood can still be used in other areas of your home to spruce up your living areas. 

 

Engineered wood flooring offers a similar effect to solid wood, whilst holding the capability to withstand the demands of your kitchen environment. We’ll talk more about that next. 

 

Engineered Wood Flooring

 

Engineered wood is a good option when it comes to best flooring options for your kitchen, providing it’s well maintained. For those of you who have your heart set on the solid wood look, but don’t want the possible movement and distortion issues, then engineered wood is most likely the choice for you.

 

Engineered wood flooring is multiple layers of timber combined with a solid wood veneer. This allows for wood expansion and has a higher moisture tolerance level, meaning you get all the compliments from the appearance of a natural solid wood floor, without the concern of having to replace it from expansion deformation.

 

Additionally, this type of flooring comes in a range of styles, species and finishes. Whatever your style, there will be something for you.

 

Though this flooring can be used in a kitchen, this is under the conditions that spillages are cleaned up immediately to prevent altering the appearance of the floor, and to maintain that natural essence. Because a ketchup stain doesn’t always compliment even the highest quality wood flooring.

 

Laminate Flooring

 

Next, we’ll look at laminate. This product is a perfect alternative to real wood or tile. 

 

Coming in different styles, sizes and thickness, this type of flooring can deliver the needs of any room of the home, with a range of budget options, too. It really caters for everyone, and everything.

 

Laminate offers a wide variety of designs in comparison to other flooring because it uses a printed image to get the wood effect. Therefore, whatever your style preference, or colour schemes, laminate flooring will have an option to suit and makes for great kitchen flooring ideas.

 

One thing to consider with laminate flooring is AC ratings. Standing for “abrasion class”. AC refers to a floor’s durability against a number of key factors. The higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring is. 

 

AC1	Suitable for moderate traffic areas with little foot traffic
AC2	Suitable for general traffic areas such as dining rooms
AC3	Suitable for heavy traffic areas. Generally usable in all areas of the home.
AC4	Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces
AC5	Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces

 

When used in a kitchen, we recommend an AC rating of AC3 or above. This is because this will cater for the high traffic within this area of the home, protecting from wear more so than AC1 or AC2 laminate flooring.

 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)

 

Another possible kitchen flooring idea is Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). There are two types of LVT flooring: Click LVT and Gluedown LVT.

 

Both types of LVT are similar in their quality, though there are distinctive differences between them both. 

 

Click LVT Flooring:

 

This type of flooring requires underlay and is laid as a floating floor. It clicks together to ensure the flooring is firm and connected. 

 

• Easy and quick to install
• More expensive, although thicker, than gluedown
• Cheaper to fit than gluedown
• No glue needed
• Best for DIY 

 

Gluedown LVT Flooring:

 

While click is laid as a floating floor, with gluedown LVT the flooring is glued to the subfloor with an adhesive, aiding in the prevention of lifting and movement. 

 

• Cheaper product than click
• Needs a flat subfloor for installation 
• Use feature strips to create borders
• More expensive to fit than click 

 

In terms of being a best kitchen flooring option, LVT makes for a great option. With click LVT, comfort will be optimal from thickness and underlay.

 

Alternatively, gluedown is less likely to move, as well as feel the effects of high traffic in the kitchen as it’s attached to the subfloor. 

 

Moreover, both types of LVTare durable, water-resistant and has the appearance of real wood or tile, as well as being compatible with underfloor heating. Therefore making for a great option for kitchen flooring ideas.

 

So, when it comes to an all-rounder in the kitchen department, LVT is a perfect option. 

 

EvoCore

 

Next, we’ll look at the most versatile flooring on the market: EvoCore. Offering benefits such as durability, stability and versatility amongst many others. It’s home-wide suitability means it is an ideal option for your kitchen flooring. 

EvoCore Essentials and Premium

 

The EvoCore ranges – Essentials and Premium boast many benefits that make them one of the best kitchen flooring options. 

 

These benefits include: 

 

• EvoCore is 100% waterproof
• Built-in underlay backing
• Anti-slip surface
• No expansion or contraction when exposed to heat and cold
• Pet-friendly
• Durable and hard-wearing
• No glue needed for installation, due to its easy click-lock installation feature
• Real wood look and feel
• Scratch-resistant
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• Hides subfloor imperfections
• Can be laid over existing flooring
• Eco-friendly

 

Though both suited for kitchens, the ranges differentiate in their quality, with the Premium range being classed as more luxurious out of the two. Furthermore, EvoCore Premium range are embossed so that the texture on the surface matches the printed design, giving a realistic wood look. 

 

This means you can have a flooring suited to the practical needs of your kitchen whilst reaping the benefits of style and luxury. 

 

Just look at that list of benefits. How could this not be a possibility in your kitchen flooring options?

 

EvoCore 360

 

Having seen major success with the Essentials and Premium ranges, EvoCore has evolved further, giving you even more choice when it comes to one of the best kitchen flooring options. 

 

Another extensive list of benefits are coming your way, because EvoCore 360 whilst possessing most of the advantages as the Premium and Essentials ranges, also has its own outstanding features. 

 

For instance, those patterns commonly desired in kitchens, such as herringbone and tiled designs, are now available in EvoCore 360. And not just that. These designs can be mixed and matched too. Not sure on which colour herringbone? That’s fine. Use them all. With both wood and tiled designs there’s plenty to choose from. 

 

This range allows for intricate designs, so not only do you have flooring that plays the part, it also looks the part with bespoke options to maximise creativity and uniqueness in your kitchen. EvoCore 360 caters for mixing and matching colours for a unique look as well as joining wood to tile seamlessly.

 

Still need more kitchen design ideas, don’t worry. We’re not finished yet. 

 

Vinyl Flooring

 

Now, we’ll look at vinyl flooring. This type of flooring comes in rolls, with various designs such as tile and wood effect. This is a common option for kitchens as it offers durability, it’s easy to look after and is suitable for all rooms of the home. 

 

Offering a wide range of styles, colours and thicknesses, vinyl flooring provides the style you want, to the budget you have. 

 

Ordinarily, vinyl flooring is stain resistant and water resistant, which means it’s perfect for a kitchen. With all the potential for spills and thrills, the easy clean up that accompanies this flooring is a bonus. 

 

As well as this, vinyl has a cushioned backing for more comfort underfoot, giving a luxurious feel with every stride. 

 

Budget

 

Different flooring has different costs. Style, quality and material are just some of the factors that affect cost of flooring. 

 

One thing to note: Depending on the type of flooring you choose, there is always the potential to fit it yourself which could reduce costs in installation. However, you can also hire a professional to do the job. 

 

	Laminate	Solid Wood	Engineered Wood	LVT	Carpet	EvoCore	Vinyl
Price Range	From £8.74/m²	From £33.74/m²	From £34.99/m²	From £12.59/m²	From £7.00/m²	From £44.99/m²	From £8.99/m²
Ranges	See More	See More	See More	See More	See More	See More	See More

 

Design Ideas

 

With every interior, you need to consider the design as a whole. 

 

Colours, patterns and furnishings are just some of the factors that need to be incorporated in your vision of the finished product. Starting from the bottom up, flooring is another one of these considerations. 

 

Being the surface of the entire space, this needs to complement everything else in the room. However, this can be a long task given that we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to colour schemes. 

 

To help inspire you with possible colour schemes for your kitchen, we’ve constructed some popular schemes. Give your inner interior designer a head start when it comes to planning with these ideas…

 

Possible Colour Palette For Kitchens 

 

One look that’s proven popular in recent times is grey tones with a hint of mustard. 

This gives a stylish tone with a pop of colour to draw the attention. Whilst this offers a simplistic vibe, a complementary flooring comes in the form of something more stand out such as a patterned wood or tiled effect. 

 

Below are some possible flooring options we think would look amazing with this colour palette. 

 

Valencia Tile Blue Grey	Herringbone Palazzo Oak

 

Another colour scheme that has made its way to the top of the kitchen trends is blush pink coupled with black and silver tones.

 

This is another sleek colour scheme that allows for a rustic element to be brought in, coupling a modern and vintage vibe, giving a new contemporary look. 

 

Flooring’s that could couple with this design include:

 

Loft Bavarian Oak Engineered Wood	Brushed Grey Chevron Oak

 

Modern or Traditional?

 

When it comes to kitchen flooring ideas, the design of your kitchen as a whole plays a big part. 

 

For instance, a traditional kitchen interior often bears the need for darker wood or tiled flooring designs to add to the authenticity of the look. 

 

On the other hand, a traditional design is often best complemented with greys or white flooring tones. Light and airy is currently on-trend, making for a more welcoming space.  

 

Though there are certainly types of flooring that cross over the modern and traditional boundaries. These make for great kitchen flooring ideas, as you have the freedom to curate your own style. 

 

For instance, herringbone flooring, whilst offering a traditional design, bringing it into contemporary settings gives a modern twist on timeless classic, thus modernising this style. 

 

Let’s take a look at possible flooring ideas to parallel your traditional and modern designs:

 

Traditional

 

As previously mentioned, traditional flooring usually requires darker wood to give the bona fide classic aesthetic. Using rich colours such as browns, golds or even charcoal tones can add a luxurious feel to your kitchen.  And with colour, comes style, texture and materials to consider. Below are some possible design ideas to help inspire you with your kitchen flooring ideas. 

Modern

 

Designs that fall into the contemporary aesthetic are seeing a lighter flooring, commonly white and grey, bring finish the room with a stylish foundation. 

 

Open planned, light and airy spaces are all the rage, and white and grey flooring’s are a perfect match to home designs such as these. 

 

Of course we couldn’t leave you uninspired, so below are some possible options to give you some kitchen flooring ideas for your modern kitchen design. 

 

 

Wood, Tile, or Something a Little Different?

 

Deciding on a style can be a tough decision when there are so many to choose from. But in this case, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, more is more. 

 

There’s never been so many options when it comes to flooring!

 

LVT, laminate and EvoCore 360 all come in both wood and tiled designs so your options are endless. 

 

Looking for something a bit different?

 

What about trying a herringbone or chevron pattern to add more depth and texture to your kitchen? 

 

Or what’s more, have all eyes down and make your flooring the feature of your kitchen, with something a little more out there. 

 

 

 

Create Flooring Zones

 

Some homes have multi-use spaces. One of these uses often being the kitchen with desired modern designs typically compromising of an open-plan layout creating a light and airy vibe, as well as adding a social aspect. 

 

Flooring zones can often be a way to create distinctive areas depending on usage and distinguish between areas whilst still housing them in one space. 

 

Take an open plan kitchen diner for instance. Zoning can be a great way to separate the two, having defined areas with their own vibes. In addition, adding a tiled flooring in the kitchen, flowing to a wood flooring in the dining space of the room could be just one of the many kitchen flooring ideas that could enhance your space. 

 

Trending Kitchen Floor Designs

 

On the topic of trends, one flooring we’re loving at the minute is our EvoCore 360 range. 

 

When it comes to really making your house your home, with your own touch, this is the way to do it. It allows for bespoke designs, zoning, practicality in the kitchen and looks amazing.

 

EvoCore 360 Tudor Oak	EvoCore 360 Stormy Sky	EvoCore 360 Fossil Oak
More Info	More Info	More Info
Add Free Sample to Cart	Add Free Sample to cart	Add Free Sample to Cart

 

Think About Function

 

When it comes to kitchen flooring, while we want it to look amazing, functionality plays a part in your decision. 

 

We’ve briefly touched upon which flooring’s cater for which functions, however we will cover the whole range of functionalities to consider when making your kitchen flooring purchase:

 

• Laminate
• Engineered Wood
• LVT
• EvoCore
• Vinyl

Water Resistance

 

Water resistance is a big consideration when in relation to kitchen flooring ideas. 

 

Kitchens are hubs for moisture, being a place people cook, clean, do laundry and wash dishes. 

 

With certain types of flooring, this moisture can cause expansion, movement and sometimes lifting. As a result of this, it can often cause the need for a new flooring to be installed. 

 

For this reason, water-resistant flooring in the kitchen should be top of the list when it comes to functionality. 

 

Temperature Fluctuation

 

As well as excess moisture, kitchens see fluctuating temperatures too. Cooking or even making your cup of coffee on a morning can cause the temperature in your kitchen to rise. 

 

When this action is complete,  this heat will disperse and the temperature will drop again. Though these aren’t too significant, extreme temperature fluctuations can result in damage to flooring such as solid wood. 

 

Solid wood flooring, being made of natural materials, sees the effects of heat and moisture. It can distort, move and expand more so than any other flooring. This makes choosing a more reliable flooring such as: EvoCore, laminate, LVT or engineered wood a more compatible option.

 

Many kitchens feature underfloor heating which also aids in temperature fluctuation, and therefore needs to be catered for with the correct flooring type, but we’ll talk more about that, next. 

 

To aid in preparing your flooring to get used to the temperature of the room it will be installed in, acclimatising your flooring is a way to prevent some of the issues caused by temperature fluctuation. This is a great technique to use with the exception of EvoCore as this doesn;t require acclimatisation.

 

This gives the flooring time to adapt to the room’s natural temperature and moisture levels, and can prevent warping, buckling and splitting in the long run from it contracting and expanding through heat. 

 

Durability

 

Another functionality factor to consider is the durability of your flooring. Kitchens tend to be high-traffic areas of the home, and with a large family this is all the more true; the need for a more durable flooring is greater. 

 

Durability plays an important part in choosing the right kitchen flooring for your kitchen. Your flooring needs to take the wear of this foot traffic to prevent altering the appearance and premature replacement. 

 

Flooring such as EvoCore, engineered wood, LVT and laminate (AC3 and over) are just some of the most durable kitchen flooring’s out there and therefore, are some of the best kitchen flooring ideas when it comes to durability. 

 

Underfloor Heating

 

Got underfloor heating and not sure on what kitchen flooring is best? We can help!

 

Underfloor heating is growing more popular, and so is the need to know which flooring is compatible with it. 

 

In terms of kitchen flooring types that are compatible with underfloor heating, we recommend:

 

• Engineered Wood
• Stone and Tile
• Laminate
• LVT
• Vinyl 
• EvoCore

 

These floors are great contenders when it comes to what flooring to choose with underfloor heating because they’re able to withstand temperature fluctuation, are efficient in conducting the heat so the benefits of underfloor heating are achieved and their appearance isn’t affected by it. 

 

On the other hand, flooring types we don’t recommend using with underfloor heating are:

 

• Solid Wood
• Carpet
• Cork

 

In relation solid wood, it’s ability to withstand temperature fluctuation is not great, often resulting in damage to the appearance of the flooring. 

 

With thick carpet (over 2.5 tog), the heat of the underfloor heating can struggle to transfer, so the benefits of underfloor heating are non existent when it comes to this flooring. If you were to use carpet with underfloor heating, ensure it’s under 2.5 tog.

 

Finally, cork is a natural insulator and could therefore lessen the impact of your underfloor heating. 

 

Answer your question?

 

We hope so, however, if you need to know more, we’ve got a whole blog dedicated to the best suited floors to underfloor heating to help you further. 

 

Maintenance

 

When it comes to floor maintenance, certain floors require instant cleaning to protect from these mishaps. 

 

Generally, laminate and real wood flooring need to be cleaned with caution because they can be prone to lift with excess water presence, as well as possibly scratch if care isn’t taken when cleaning.

 

 

However, hard flooring is incredibly easy to clean making maintenance an easy job. All it takes is a brush of any dirt, followed by a clean with a slightly damp mop. Or alternatively, for real wood flooring you can use an all in one maintenance kit that includes reviving wax, making your flooring look amazing for longer. 

 

Installation

 

So you’ve found your perfect kitchen flooring? Now it’s time to install it. When it comes to installation, flooring can be a difficult job if it’s not something you’re experienced in. 

 

However, there are flooring types that offer an easier installation if you care to try your hand at fitting your flooring yourself. 

 

Laminate, click LVT and EvoCore 360, these all have click systems,  providing an easier and quicker installation. As a result, those of you DIY experts should have no trouble installing these types of flooring, and those of you who aren’t experienced shouldn’t have too much trouble.

 

Your flooring can be fit at the ‘click’ of your fingers.

 

Glue-Down LVT is also another option when it comes to recommended kitchen flooring’s, providing the correct adhesive is used. 

 

For those of you who aren’t confident in installing your kitchen floor, hiring a professional fitter is an alternative option.

 

Though this will have an installation cost, you will have the assurance your flooring is fit correctly. But trying your hand at a new skill never hurt anyone. In fact, it makes for a great boast when completed!

 

Wrapping it Up

 

To conclude, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to choosing the best kitchen flooring for you. 

 

Whilst appearance, colour and style are all initial considerations, there are practical elements such as temperature fluctuation and water resistance, to account for when it comes to this room of the home. 

 

Though these practical elements may be a lot to take in, it’s better to know the right kitchen flooring to invest in now, before purchasing something you’ll have to replace in the near future. 

 

After all, the heart of the home deserves all the love you can give it, so you can love the time spent there. 

 

Hopefully you’re now an expert in the field of kitchen flooring and are filled with plenty of kitchen flooring ideas, however should you have any more questions, get in touch with our flooring experts, and they will be more than happy to assist with your flooring needs. 

 

The post Kitchen Flooring: Which is Best for You? appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Many factors come into play when deciding on the right flooring. With both looks and practicality to consider, it’s hard to pin down exactly what you want – but there’s no reason why you can’t have both! But before you set your heart on a flooring, make sure you’ve considered your personal needs first. 

1. Underfloor Heating

If this is something you already have or are planning to install, then it will massively influence your flooring choice as not all materials are compatible with it. Even if it’s not something you’re looking to get, it will help with the selling value of your property when you do decide to move on – we can definitely see all homes having underfloor heating in the next 20-30 years!

Solid wood is a beautiful and highly durable choice, but it doesn’t work with underfloor heating unfortunately! With this in mind, if you’ve already fallen for solid wood’s authentic charm but under-floor heating is important to you, then don’t worry. You can still get this tasteful look through engineered, laminate or luxury vinyl tiles which are all compatible with underfloor heating!                                

2. Cleaning & Maintenance

The boring bit…cleaning and maintenance! Whether we like it or not, we all have to do it and our floors need a lot of attention to keep them in top specification. This is especially important if you come from a busy family household where mopping and sweeping feels endless! Therefore, the best thing you can do to make your life easier is to reduce this as much as possible. The good news is that you should have no concerns keeping wood, LVT and laminate clean – as no dirt seeps into the surface unlike carpet which is a pain to clean and you’re always worrying about stains!

One of the best attributes of real wood flooring products is that you can sand them down if any scratches or stains do occur, perfect if your pet’s claws scratch or kid’s toys. After you sand your wood floors down, you then refinish them to create the protective wear layer. Not only can this be done once, but can usually be done a number of times depending on wear layer or thickness. So if damage is something that’s more likely to happen in your household, then opt for a wood with a thicker wear layer! However if you’re wanting something a little more wallet friendly, then vinyl is scratch, water and stain proof, making for a complete care free choice!

2. Consider a Timeless Appeal

Once you spend a lot of your hard earned cash on a new floor, you’re not likely to change it any time soon, so it’s there to stay for a while! You’re probably going to change your decor before your flooring, so it’s important that you pick a flooring that will complement all types of interior themes. Timeless appeal is important, you need to make sure you’re going to like it in ten years time! We’re not saying don’t be completely conservative in your choice, but just factor in neutrality! Not only will this make your life easier, but if and when you do come to sell, it’ll help your buyers envision their own things in your home!

Have Your Say

Do you have any tips on the bedroom to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!

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The image features our: Brimham Cottage Oak (SO1035).

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