Floor Your Kitchen For Function And Flair
Does your kitchen flooring need an upgrade? Are you looking for flooring that is as stylish as it is functional?
Laminate flooring brings the best of both worlds to kitchen spaces with incredible function paired with endless design flair. Keep reading to discover how laminate can transform the heart of your home.
Choose High Durability Laminate Floors
When choosing new floors, durability should be a top concern for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Laminate flooring offers exceptional scratch and stain resistance thanks to a highly durable top layer called the wear layer.
Select Thicker Wear Layers
The thickness of the wear layer directly impacts strength and longevity. Standard laminate flooring has wear layers ranging from 6 to 12 mil thick. For kitchen installations, opt for a thicker 12 mil wear layer.
Some premium-grade laminate floors feature wear layers up to 30 mil thick, making them a smart investment for busy kitchens. The thicker overlay protects against daily wear from foot traffic, chair legs, falling utensils, and pet paws.
Look For High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
High pressure laminate (HPL) flooring is made by compressing all layers with pressures exceeding 1000 psi. This ultra-tight bonding process makes seams less likely to swell when exposed to spills.
HPL's dense construction also resists gouges, scratches and prevents moisture from seeping between layers. For kitchen and bath areas, always look for durable HPL laminate flooring.
Appropriate Installation Maximizes Durability
Proper installation is also key to boosting laminate floor lifetime in kitchens. Be sure all seams fit snugly together with no gaps between boards.
Most flooring professionals will use adhesive sealant and a rubber mallet during the install to achieve super-tight seams less prone to moisture damage. Tight locking systems along the board edges also help.
Protect Floors from Moisture Damage
While laminate flooring excels in kitchen friendliness, no flooring is impervious to standing water. Protect laminate floors from excess moisture by taking a few simple precautions.
Seal All Exposed Edges
The tongue-and-groove edges along the sides of laminate planks connect tightly. But the end edges often remain exposed even after installation. Since exposed edges provide an entry point for moisture, take care to fully seal edges with a flexible silicone caulk.
Install Waterproof-Core Laminate
Several leading laminate brands now offer flooring featuring a waterproof HDF core. Made of pressed wood fibers, HDF cores treated with special resins repel water while retaining dimension stability better than standard MDF or particleboard.
Waterproof core laminate laughs off spilled drinks, pet accidents, and leaky pipes while preventing ugly bubbling or planks coming apart.
Use Protective Mats Under Appliances
Protect heavy appliances from denting or scratching laminate floors by using felt pads underneath. Look for pads with a waterproof membrane to also catch appliance condensation and prevent water marks.
Maintain Beauty With Simple Care
Easy maintenance should be an essential aspect for busy kitchen floors. Keep things simple by implementing these laminate care tips.
Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine
Prevent oil, grease and dirt from building up by quick-mopping the floor once a week. Use a slightly dampened flat mop to attract dust without getting the flooring too wet. For deeper cleaning power, add a small amount of gentle cleaner to the mop water.
Stay away from harsh cleaners, bleach and ammonia that could cloud, discolor or damage the protective wear layer over time.
Address Spills and Leaks Quickly
Promptly wiping up wet messes prevents excess moisture from being absorbed. For large spills or appliance leaks, immediately soak up standing water then use fans and a dehumidifier to facilitate quick drying.
If moisture seeps between planks resulting in bubbling or separation along seams, the damaged section will need replacement.
Enhance Kitchen Design With Stylish Finishes
Beyond being smart functionally, today's laminate floors provide a wide spectrum of colors, patterns, textures and visual styles allowing customized design options for kitchen spaces.
Overview of Color and Pattern Options
The variety runs from traditional oak and maple wood looks to striking exotic woods, natural woven textures, and dead-ringer visuals of ceramic tile, limestone, marble and slate.
Contemporary gray wood laminates complement modern decor beautifully while warm, natural oak tones feel right at home in country kitchens.
Samples Show True Color and Pattern
When dealing with such a range of finishes, it helps to have physical samples to make the best selection.
View samples against cabinetry in natural room light to achieve your perfect floor for pairing with existing elements or inspiring a full kitchen remodel.
Design Flexibility and Coordination
The affordable pricing of most laminate flooring allows switching up styles down the road without breaking your decorating budget. Or easily replace worn kitchen floors without needing to replace good cabinetry.
Mix and match laminate visual textures, colors and sheens throughout kitchen zones to create a custom designed space.
Laminate flooring allows kitchen floors to achieve style along with substance thanks to durable, low-maintenance construction paired with versatile design flavors to suit personal tastes.
By choosing laminate floors made with quality construction elements like thick wear layers and waterproof cores, then caring for them properly, you can enjoy beautiful floors for decades.
Give your kitchen a functional, resilient, and easy-to-clean floor surface while simultaneously elevating the decor with on-trend colors and styles when you choose laminate.