Kitchen flooring- what is good non-slip?

catterlen

Hi all,
We are considering relaying our kitchen floor. When we moved in, there was (and still is) old, dark carpet laid on concrete, with some chipped areas of quarry tiles and old vinyl tiles underneath, and it smells bad, due to years of spills and grease, pets etc.
I would like something warm-ish underfoot, as we are on sold fuel central heating, and the main woodburner is in the kitchen, but in summer months we do not have any heating in the house at all, so am not keen on tiles.
However, my other concern is that my mum uses crutches to walk, with rubber grips on. When laminates or tiles get wet, this can be really dangerous. I was considering real wood, or possibly cork planks with the same fittings as laminate, but would like to know what anyone thinks of these flooring types, or if you have any other suggestions. Slippiness is one concern, warmth and also how these things may react in a kitchen (water etc) although it isn't particularly damp. Obviously the lack of heating in summer might prove a problem, but I don't know if this is better or worse for different floors. So, basically, any sugestions would be really welcome, or any new ideas/experiences. THanks!

alastairkennedy

Timber expands / contracts quite a bit over a year. Even frequent mopping will have an effect. It also dents / scuffs fairly easily.

What about vinyl / linoleum / rubber flooring. All hard wearing and durable, some are better non-slip than others. None are that warm. Vinyl may be best, from top notch Amtico, to servicable Polyflor. Rubber (environmentally better) options include Dalsouple.

** you need to keep the burner away from any of these **

The likes of Amtico can be very expensive, but kitchens are generally fairly small areas, and it lasts.

underlay_guru

Hi,

Try a non-slip vinyl flooring from your local carpet shop? the surface has a slightly sandy texture to it, and would be ideal. Tell the carpet shop you ahve been recommended an R10-rated vinyl' and they will know exactly what you mean!

In relation to being warm underfoot, a lot of vinyls are available with a felt backing, which helps the floor to feel warmer underfoot.