8 Best Commercial Flooring Options for Kitchens and Bathrooms


 

Whether you are building your house from the ground up or just renovating some parts of it, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. However, you cannot forget about one very important aspect – your kitchen and bathroom.

The kitchen and the bathroom are two areas where water is constantly present, which can greatly impact their look as well as functionality. That is why you should look for the appropriate type of flooring that can handle moisture, constant spills and steady streams of water. In addition, it should be safe and sanitary, as well as aesthetically pleasing. With that in mind, we have come up with a list of flooring options for your bathroom and kitchen. Take a look.

Bricks and natural stone

Commonly used materials in kitchens and bathrooms are bricks and natural stone. However, as there are various types, you should do your research and see which kind would be best for your space.

No matter which option you go for, you should know that every floor that uses natural stone is unique as no two pieces look the same. In addition to their luxurious look, these materials are also eco-friendly and purchasing locally acquired stone can lower the environmental impact of transport. If you are looking to incorporate the biophilic design into your space, this is a great approach as stone can make people feel closer to nature.

The biggest downside of these materials is their price, as they are quite expensive. Moreover, stone and brick are susceptible to water due to their porosity. So if you opt for this choice, make sure you apply sealers once or twice a year. Additionally, avoid polished surfaces as they are quite slippery when wet.

Vinyl flooring

A very popular option is vinyl. It is quite often used in kitchens and bathrooms due to its great features.

You might not associate vinyl with elegance, but the way it is made is rapidly changing. Now, manufacturers are able to mimic natural materials, which makes vinyl an appealing flooring solution. In addition to the improved look, vinyl can also be textured, which is great as it provides traction. Moreover, it is also waterproof and stain-proof, making it super easy to clean up. Vinyl is also much softer than stone and thus, better if you have to stand around in the kitchen all day long.

However, when installing vinyl, you might have seams. In this case, you have to make sure the seams are well bonded as moisture and dirt can get trapped in between sheets of vinyl. The sheets can also come apart, which can result in accidents. That is why you should have professionals do it, as then you will probably also get a warranty.

Ceramic tiles

When it comes to ceramic tiles, there are porcelain and non-porcelain options. They differ in water absorption; porcelain can absorb 0.5% or less. For bathrooms without bathing facilities, there is less need for porcelain tiles.

If your tiles are properly glazed, they should be 100% waterproof. Tiles are also one of the most durable options on the market and that makes them great for spaces that get a lot of foot traffic. In case a single tile gets damaged, you can replace it without having to change your floors all over again.

Ceramic tiles can be quite slippery when they get wet. This problem can be solved by using textured tiles or smaller tiles, as there is more grout in between and it minimizes the skid surface. Keep in mind that unglazed tiles are very porous.

Rubber flooring

Perhaps it sounds a bit odd, but rubber flooring is being used more and more.

Seeing as how rubber doesn’t absorb liquids and provides traction in wet conditions, it comes as no surprise that it is used in water-prone areas. This kind of flooring is quite easy for cleaning and maintaining. Moreover, high-quality rubber matting is an amazing choice as it gets even more slip-resistant when it’s wet and is probably the most comfortable option for feet and joints.

On the other hand, even considering all the benefits, the look and smell of rubber put some people off. So, make sure it fits in with the look of your kitchen and bathroom before making a purchase.

Cork flooring

Another comfortable as well as attractive choice is cork.

Cork is a very eco-friendly flooring option; it’s made from tree bark which grows back. It is also waterproof and moisture-resistant, in addition to offering slip-resistance due to its textured surface.

However, cork needs to be sealed and resealed every three or four years. That will help prevent stains and scratches.

Laminate flooring

Traditional laminate flooring is quite susceptible to water and moisture damage. It can swell and stain, which is not at all attractive. However, recently, a waterproof option was released, which might be just the thing you need.

Laminate can provide you with a great looking space. It is also quite low-maintenance and if you go for the waterproof kind (and you should!), it can last for a long time.

While regular laminate is inexpensive, waterproof laminate options are a bit on the pricey side. Moreover, the variety of choices is not that wide.

Engineered wood

Engineered wood is a variety of hardwood flooring along with solid wood strips. However, engineered wood is a much better option for kitchens and bathrooms.

This choice can provide you with warmth as well as give your space a look that will not go out of style any time soon. It is highly durable and low-maintenance. Engineered wood has a layer of real wood over a layer of plywood, which makes it stable and less susceptible to temperature and humidity.

Even though it resists moisture, wood can get damaged by water, so make sure to wipe it after a spill.

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum is often confused with vinyl floors. The difference is that linoleum is a natural and biodegradable material while vinyl is a synthetic product.

One great advantage of this green material is its really affordable price. A basic cleaning routine which includes sweeping and mopping is enough to maintain linoleum floors.

There are fewer colors to choose from when it comes to linoleum as it is not as widely used as vinyl. Moreover, due to its porosity, it should be polished with a sealer one or two time a year.

 

As you can see, from natural to synthetic materials, your options are numerous. It is important to take into account the needs of the room in question. How often it is used? How much foot traffic does it see daily? All of these things should influence your decision. Thankfully, by doing just a little bit of research, you are bound to find the right flooring option for your kitchen and bathroom.

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