Thinking about laminate flooring for your kitchen? We've put together this handy guide with the things you might want to know.
And btw, if you're in the UK we sell laminate flooring for kitchens at Beesley & Fildes at very affordable prices!
The great thing with laminate flooring is that it mimics the expensive look of hardwood but comes with a much lower price tag. Laminate flooring is resistant to stains and scratches, and it's also super easy to clean - making it a good choice when you're renovating your kitchen on a budget but still need a high quality, hard-wearing, extra durable floor with no compromises.
What actually is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a tough and durable man-made product that is easy to clean, cheaper than hardwood, and easy to install. Even though it looks just like solid hardwood, it's actually made of 4 layers of materials fused and pressed together at a very high heat.
Layer 1: The top layer is the transparent wear / overlay layer which is for protection and durability. It seals and protects the surface of the laminate flooring from everyday wear & tear - including protection against scuffs from shoes, scrapes, pet scratches, vacuum cleaners and all the typical things you'd expect to happen in a kitchen. It also shields the decorative layer underneath from ultra-violet rays that could otherwise fade the colour.
Layer 2: The 2nd layer is where the design part comes in! This layer is the high quality printed design that gives the laminate plank its distinctive look. The colour and texture are all determined in this layer.
Layer 3: High-density fiberboard (HDF) makes up the core of the laminate plank. This is made up of softwood fibers that are broken down, combined with a wax and resin binder, and formed into planks using heat and pressure. It's developed to be extremely stable, water resistant and durable.
Layer 4: This is known as the balancing or backing layer. It is moisture-resistant and designed to ensure an extremely balanced board that will not cup or bow when properly installed and maintained.
Why use laminate flooring in kitchens?
Even many experts can't tell the difference between laminate flooring and hardwood flooring, so by choosing laminate flooring for your kitchen you really do get the full effect of a hardwood floor but at a fraction of the cost (and it's much easier to install, too).
No matter what look or effect you want for your kitchen floor, it's pretty likely that there will be a laminate flooring to fit your vision. There are many different patterns and textures – whether you want a pale rustic vintage look, a rich dark walnut, or an ultra modern effect, there are multiple styles to choose from and also different gloss levels. Whatever you have in mind, there's probably a laminate flooring to match!
There's an old wives tale (sort of!) that laminate flooring isn't good for kitchens because of the moisture issue. Some people mistakenly think that water is laminate flooring's mortal enemy... and kitchen floors definitely get wet, whether it's the kids spilling their drinks or splashes from the washing-up bowl. But laminate flooring is actually remarkably durable and it's only the very core of laminate flooring that needs to avoid water. Thanks to laminate flooring's 4 layer components (more on those below!) its core is protected from any spills and splashes, so there's nothing to worry about when it comes to regular kitchen use.
