Kitchen Trends: Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs Tile

Keeping your kitchen up-to-date with the latest trends can be a bit of a balancing act. You need to find the flooring that will stand the test of time but also suit your property without becoming unfashionable. Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there right now, though choosing between them is easier said than done.

Different flooring types offer different benefits to homeowners, so what’s right for one kitchen may not be right for another. Before you make your decision, it really does pay to do some research on your options.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at luxury vinyl tile (LVT), along with two of its more traditional counterparts, ceramic and stone tile. By the end, you should have a clearer idea of what to choose!

It’s fair to say that the word ‘vinyl’ hasn’t always screamed luxury flooring. These days, though, things are a little different. Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a hot topic in the industry at present; its popularity has rocketed recently, and rightly so.

First and foremost, LVT’s durability makes it ideal for kitchen environments, where spillages, heat and general moisture are all more likely. Its make-up means it’s not prone to expansion and, despite requiring less upheaval during installation, it’s strong enough to take whatever you – or your family – might throw at it in the coming years.

The excellent reproduction quality on offer today is another major selling point for LVT, especially when you buy from reputable manufacturers like Berry Alloc and Polyflor. It means you can achieve the appearance of wood, stone or ceramic without breaking your budget. It’s also easier to maintain than its natural counterparts; a quick wipe will address any spillage, ensuring it always looks as good as new. A decent warranty only adds to the peace of mind.

Round-up:

• Easy to clean
• Simple to install
• Affordable
• Impressive realism
• Wide range of styles and colours to choose

While LVT is a relative newcomer to the world of flooring, stone and ceramic tiles have been found in kitchens for many years now. If you’re after a classic and durable option that’s capable of handling everyday use in the kitchen, it could well be the way forward. There are, however, a few things to consider.

First and foremost, authentic stone and ceramic tiling is more expensive than the materials that imitate it, such as LVT and laminate. For the money you spend, you’ll get a floor that will likely last a lifetime, but it’ll also be difficult and costly to change as trends evolve in the future. Installation requires a fair bit of upheaval and will be tough without professional help.

Many people opt for a stone or ceramic tiles because of the fully authentic appearance they offer, and until recently, they had good reason. Nowadays, though, the reproduction quality of the luxury vinyl offered by companies like Karndean is so impressive that you may even struggle to tell the difference. Another benefit is the stability offered by stone and ceramic, but with no flex at all, both are unforgiving on dropped crockery and falling children. The latter is also more prone to cracking itself when hit by falling items – and expensive to repair.

Round-up:

• Authentic appearance
• Fantastic durability
• Expensive to buy
• Professional installation required
• Longer lasting