When having a new kitchen built or an old one remodeled, much of your attention and budget may be focused on the cabinetry, countertop, backsplashes, appliances, and other fixtures. In the process, you may flat-out ignore the kitchen flooring.
Doing this can be a huge mistake. If you don’t put careful thought into choosing your kitchen flooring, you may have a damaged, unsightly floor within a short period of time. When you don’t select the right material or finish for the room your kitchen may end up not looking great either.
To ensure your kitchen floor works with the room and your home and it will withstand the test of time, avoid these mistakes when selecting your kitchen flooring:
1.Failing to Research Your Flooring Options
Whether you already have an idea of what kind of floor you want or you have no idea at all, it is best to fully research what your options are, their features, and the pros and cons of choosing them.
You can start your research by going online to read up on the most popular kitchen flooring materials. Get as many details as you can about the products that you are interested in. Keep in mind that the more information you get, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your kitchen.
Next, visit your local flooring material suppliers or retailers. Look at their selection of supplies, paying close attention to the products you have already shortlisted.
If possible, bring samples home to get a feel for the product and to see how they work with the lighting in your kitchen.
2.Choosing a Flooring Material That Does Not Fit Your Lifestyle
Picking the right flooring material, however, doesn’t only mean choosing one that looks great in your kitchen. Keep in mind that some materials are better suited than others. As such, you have to consider other factors too, including your lifestyle, when choosing your kitchen flooring.
If you have kids or pets, factor them in your decision. Think about foot traffic as well. This means knowing how many people will be in your kitchen on a regular basis.
It is also important that you consider the maintenance requirements of the materials as well. If you are always busy and can only give your kitchen a thorough cleaning once or twice a week, choose a flooring type that is easy to clean and is low-maintenance.
3.Failing to Consider The Moisture Content Of The Kitchen Floor
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Moisture is another important factor to consider when choosing your kitchen flooring.
If you were thinking of getting a hardwood floor for your kitchen, you may have to nix this idea if the moisture level in this room is high. This is because moisture can cause wood to swell or warp.
In this instance, it would be better to choose ceramic or natural stone tiles. Another great option would be to use a decorative concrete flooring. You will then have a durable, stylish, and attractive kitchen floor.
4.Not Thinking About The Floor Installation
Installation is as important as your choice of flooring. Even if you chose an expensive, high-quality material, if it is poorly installed, it will look shoddy.
This is especially true if you are leaning towards ceramic tiles. When they are not installed properly, they may not adhere and even crack. And when these happen, you will need to have your kitchen re-tiled prematurely.
It is also important that your contractor tries out different grout before installation as well. Find out which combination will give your tiles and floor a more defined look.
5.Failing to Consider How The Floor Will Look In The Future
Kitchen floors usually take a lot of strain since the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home. Even if you choose the most durable and expensive flooring material, it will not always look the same.
As such, think about the transformation the material you have will go through over the years. Additionally, consider what you can do to maintain its quality and appeal. This may mean having the floor treated or stained.
In case you are having difficulties envisioning what you can do to maintain or enhance the floor in the future, you may have to select another type of material.
6.Buying a Product That Doesn’t Come With a Warranty
Although there is no guarantee that you will need to use the warranty, it is still important to buy a flooring product that comes with this.
When your kitchen flooring material comes with a warranty, you will have peace of mind knowing that it has guaranteed protection against a variety of factors. Warranty coverage typically varies by flooring type, country or region and as such, do some additional research on this.
To ensure your kitchen floor goes with the overall design of this room and your home and that it will maintain its quality for a long time, avoid the mistakes above when selecting your flooring material.
AUTHOR BIO
Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.