ceramic floor tiles v laminate floor tiles? Advice

scouselass

Hi I am putting new flooring into the kitchen and I am trying to decide on what will be best.

The tiler recommends ceramic, B&Q, as they have a good range and prices. And he states they are maintenance free. However, I think they feel cold to the touch, and are cold underfoot. My kids and I spend lots of time in the kitchen, moreso than other rooms, and we frequently pad round bare foot. What's the consenus with ceramic floor tiles pls?

The alternative that I looked at, in B&Q, where laminate tiles by floor master, which came with a 12 year guarantee. It didn't state it was waterproof, but said it was suitable for kitchens and 'waterproofed board' on the base. It worked out more expensive than the ceramics, which was a bit of surprise (and painful for a moneysaver like myself)! However, I thought they looked realistic and they felt good underfoot. Has anyone got this type of kitchen flooring. If so, what do you think, and how is it for maintenance, look, comfort etc.

Ta

Unbelievable_2

Don't know about laminate flooring but I have terracotta tiles in my kitchen. I don't think they are particularly cold or anything, but they can be quite hard on the back if you have to stand and iron, wash up etc. :-/

However they are easy to clean, will last a lifetime and look great ;D

philc_2

Hi!

I considered that type of laminate for my bathroom, however I just couldn't persuade myself it would be up to it from a water point of view.

Certainly think tiles look the business and will last. Have you considered underfloor heating? Not necessarily that expensive these days...

scouselass

Thanks for these replies. its good to get your feedback.

squarecat

If you are going for the ceramic, is there any option of putting electic underfloor heating?

We used the cable kit and have found it to be beyond our expectations. It is on for 30 miniutes am and pm and really does make a difference to our kitchen.

I know it is not exactly money saving, but if it makes your kitchen more use friendly.

We have also found with the ceramic floor tiles keeps the kitchen cool in the summer and the fridge/ freezer do not need to be adjusted.

Woby_Tide

we've had the floormasters in kitchen for a couple of years now. Nice and soft underfoot due to membrane underneath and none of the coldness of ceramic. A bit fiddly to lay at first but once tehe dging strips are down it's nice and easy to sweep/clean and so fra shows no sign of even any scuffs from shoes/high heels(the wifes not mine :-*!) Also no signs of any water damage on the edges around the sink area where it's had most water contact. Actually one other positive is the battle between plates/cups and the floor are probably better than that between a plate/cup and ceramics too....

MATH

We've had laminate slate effect tile in our bathroom for about a year. It has a foil backing for use in kitchens/bathrooms etc. We picked it over ceramic for its warmth and non-slip. You wouldn't know it wasn't real tile unless you touch it and it's a doddle to keep clean however there is a very slight lift in the join directly under where the shower door drips. Everywhere else is ok.

paws_3

My mum has ceramic tiles in the kitchen and i find them really cold underfoot.
We have Amtico on our kitchen floor- hardwearing and it is quite warm underfoot. ::)

scouselass

Thanks for all your fab replies, this is a great place to hear about other people's experience of products etc.

The jury has cast its vote, or should I say juror, and I decided to go for the floormaster tiles! They will be fitted in the next couple of weeks. They are grey slate tile effect (showing off now) and will be laid on a concrete floor, so the underlay will be a good thing.

I did think about underfloor heating because I think that sounds like a great idea, but I couldn't go to the extra cost of materials/fitting/utility as my kitchen has been extended and is now a fair size. However, I am considering underfloor heating for the bathroom.

So in the future if a similar question is asked about flooring I can post my response, and I hope its along the lines of wobytide.

Cheers everyone

Woby_Tide

what excellent taste... , we've the grey slate ones too on concrte, not sure where you are getting them from but we just used the B&Q membrane they sell next to them, grey foma type material. Anyway, good luck with it all!

homealone_2

i too am about to purchase ceramic tiles in my kitchen, does anyone know who are doing the best deal at the moment? we would like a dark grey/slate type, thanks