When considering kitchen renovations in Oakville / Mississauga the Kitchen and Bath team will be the first to say that with so many materials available for kitchen floors, it can be harrowing to choose which floor will work best for you. Learning the advantages and drawbacks of each material will prove prescient and help inform your important decision. Kitchen floors impact your kitchen and can be the focal point of your kitchen renovation.
Manmade Materials
Concrete provides an industrial look to your kitchen floor. Concrete is moisture resistant, easy to clean and free from allergens. If considering built-in floor heating, it is an ideal flooring. It is visually appealing but it does not make for an easy installation and the colour choices are limited but if done correctly, concrete floors can be striking.
Nicknamed floating timber floors, engineered wood is a composite of wood veneer over a plywood base. It is more popular now as it looks like solid timber but is inexpensive and easier to install. However, it dents easily and can be damaged by spillage. Take special care with this material as it can only be refinished once.
Laminate floors often look like real wooden floors but are actually plastic, durable, and easy to install. It can be placed over old floors and is ideal for damp areas. Many types of laminates snap together, so no glue is needed and it can be self-installed. If damaged, laminate cannot be restored and will need to be replaced with spare boards of the same make. Many assume laminate will be cheaper than hardwood floors, but that may not always be true. Also not the best choice if you are environmentally inclined.
Vinyl flooring is the most affordable option, easy to work with, quiet, soft and comes in a variety of colours and looks. It is available in uncut rolls or as stick-on tiles and is made of petrochemicals and has colour on the uppermost layer. The biggest disadvantage of vinyl is seams, unavoidable in most rooms. The seams are weak and moisture often gets in and lifts the vinyl, and mold and mildew can grow in between the seams. But for the price it is still a decent option. It is water and stain-resistant and easy to keep clean.
Naturally Derived Materials
Bamboo flooring is a new material gaining popularity as it is considered environmentally friendly. Bamboo is harvested every seven years and the roots are intact and ready to produce more bamboo shoots once likewise harvested. Bamboo is highly moisture-resistant but make sure you select a bamboo flooring company that harvests bamboo responsibly. Your kitchen renovations experts in Oakville/Mississauga can advise accordingly.
Cork is a renewable resource and offers the same strength and durability as a hardwood engineered flooring. It is also highly acoustic, allergy-free, and has a natural wax called suberin that repels insects and is fire-resistant. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree and is harvested every nine years without harm to the tree. Cork requires sealing on a regular basis and is tougher to keep clean than vinyl.
Linoleum is 100 percent natural and made from renewable resources such as linseed oil, natural pigments, pine resin, cork and powdered wood. It is very durable, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. It is often confused with vinyl, but linoleum is environmentally responsible and the colour runs through the whole thickness. It is easy to maintain and does not need refinishing or polishing. Available in many colours, but linoleum does not look as classy as other materials such as natural stone and timber.
Hardwood floors are an excellent choice. Their beauty, versatility and variety make hardwood floors ideal for any kitchen design. They are durable and come in many different colours, stains and textures. Timber can be pricy but is long-lasting with proper care. It needs sealing and is susceptible to water damage but can be sanded back when needed.
Tiles range from ceramic to stone tiles such as travertine and marble. Many ceramic tiles can have stone-like qualities and need less maintenance. The most practical tile is non-slip and has a grout that matches the tile. Large tiles that look seamless are available, and tiles are versatile with many different colours, textures and shapes, and range in price dramatically, either being an affordable or expensive choice. The Kitchen and Bath kitchen renovation team in Oakville/Mississauga can answer any questions about flooring choices and the best suited option your home.
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