Kitchen floor - tiles or vinyl or something else?

Hejo

Hi, we are putting in a new kitchen - it will be a white gloss number with a wood laminate worktop.

I'm stumped on what tiles to put on the floor. We previously had a vinyl sheet which was orrible. My mum and dad will be staying with us and aren't so mobile on their feet so I want something safe for them.

Haa anyone got any recommendations? Im worried about tiles being slippy - are they? Would wood effect vinyl tiles be better? As with so much in life and kitchens I havent got a clue!!:o

tanith

We ran our wood effect laminate floor all the way through the ground floor including the kitchen and ok its not an expensive looking floor but it works for us, is so easy to keep clean and its not cold underfoot .

Leif

I really like porcelain tiles, but whenever I went into Topps to look at the porcelain tiles, I would struggle not to fall over as the display area had polished porcelain floor tiles. It was really dangerous. So I got satin porcelain tiles. They are not in the least bit slippery, but of course they are hard if you fall. There are modest priced satin ceramic tiles too, and I have some in my bathroom. They are tough too. I still prefer the look of polished tiles, but I think they are dangerous. (It may well be the soles of my Doc Martin shoes that do not grip porcelain tiles. But you cannot be sure other shoes do not have the same problem. )

Lino is making a comeback. Good quality lino looks nice, and is warmer underfoot than tiles. Not as tough though.

Ben84

To be very concise...

Grout = cleaning drudgery
Lino = no grout

Hejo

Thanks all - good point about the grout!! Will check out the satin tiles. Does the adhesive on vinyl tiles stay stuck to the floor - looks like it will lift up in the corners? Am I better off getting a sheet of vinyl?Are there any brands that are recommended?

Leif

My late mother had a patterned vinyl floor covering, and to be honest it looked fine. Obviously it will not last as long as tiles/wood, and it can tear and rip. Not as up market I guess, if that matters.

Hejo

thanks Leif, we want something that looks a bit upmarket as weve spent a small fortune on the kitchen and want to set it off nice.

vic_sf49

I've got lino at the moment which has a tile effect on it. I thought it looked a lot nicer than most of the tile options I had, is easier to clean, and warmer on the feet.

ormus

proper tiles everytime.
looks the part and is very functional.
never put laminate flooring in a wet area. (take no notice of any 10/25 yr warranty they try on you).
lino? bathrooms only please. (if pushed).

danemi1

karndean or tarket strip vinyl flooring if there is the budget - it is what we are thinking of going with in our new kitchen - we have a Marley equivalent - think they are now Tarkett and it look like wood - is soooooooo durable - not hard under foot and fairly warm - only down side is the price but you can get it for around £15 a sq metre if you shop around

dasmon777

I would recommend wooden flooring tiles, they feel warm underfoot even in winter and very easy to maintain.

There is a myth that they are subject to warping, but that's only if they are subject to substantial water problems.

The really great thing and why I love ours, is that they are easy to look after, clean and re-varnish. We have had ours for over 12 years now and two years ago we sanded them down, re-varnished them and they look as good as new.

Obviously it is my opinion and I am sure that others will think differently, but once you go to wood I don't think you will ever want to change.

For saving money, they are brilliant too.