The installation of laminate floors in the kitchen is one of the most popular flooring trends these days. Besides its timeless appeal, it is also hygienic - an extremely important factor to consider as food borne bacteria is mostly active in this particular part of the home.
"One of the other major reasons why homeowners like to install laminate floors in their kitchens is because spills and dirt can be easily cleaned," says Peter Geyer, National Sales and Training Manager of Berry Floor at Pioneer Flooring in South Africa. He adds that laminates have a non-porous surface which does not trap dirt, oil or grime. The floors can therefore handle almost any creative chef or toddler's cooking mess.
The kitchen has become the living room of the home. It is a room where memories are made and family members get together to socialise after a busy day. "Laminates complement this unassuming function of a kitchen as it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere", Geyer maintains. Another added value would be that you can take the chill out of spending quality time in this particular room come winter time by installing underlaminate heating.
Geyer recommends three specific laminate products for the kitchen. "For traditional type of kitchens, the Cottage Loc range is best suited as the colour range and texture would add a warm touch to the kitchen." Cottage Loc is ideal for people who are looking for something different as there is a slight chamfer between the boards which adds to the authentic wood look that this range achieves.
"Darker laminates in the kitchen such as the Berry Loc Wenge is the best option as it requires low maintenance", advises Geyer. Laminates with a white wash such as the Berry Loc Ivory will accentuate the modern kitchen look but may have to be continuously cleaned due to the light colour of the floor. To create the very popular beach cottage look, it would be best to use a neutral product such as the newly launched Cottage Marine Oak.
Homeowners should furthermore ensure that they install laminate flooring designed to resist the moisture content of a kitchen. "Laminate floors suitable for kitchens should feature Aqua Resist – a treatment that makes the floor coverings resistant to moisture." It is however important to note that although this means that your flooring is resistant to moisture, they are still not, and never will be, waterproof.
"It is therefore advisable to permanently move your appliances that require water, like washing machines and dishwashers to a separate room when you install laminates in your kitchen," Geyer affirms. It is also essential to lay the laminates after the kitchen cupboards have been installed as laminates need to be able to expand and contract and heavy granite kitchens tops restrict this movement."
*The advice and care given here is on the recommendations of the manufacturer. It serves as a guideline and is offered in good faith but without warranty.
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