Kitchens are undoubtedly the busiest areas of our homes, where we get to cook the tastiest meals and spend some quality time with our loved ones. For this very reason, it’s important to choose sturdy kitchen flooring that can withstand the heavy daily foot traffic and still look good year after year. Out of all the flooring options on the market, vinyl tiles are undoubtedly the most preferred option among homeowners. Here are some of the reasons why.
Vinyl Tiles Are Durable
Thanks to their durable construction, these flooring kitchen tiles will make you forget about changing your floor for decades. Vinyl tiles are made of many protective layers which makes it hard for the flooring to get damaged. In fact, the top protective layer, commonly referred to as a ‘wear layer’ is measured in mil (one-thousandth of an inch- 40 mil equals approximately 1mm), and the thicker this layer is, the more durable the tile will be. But even though vinyl tiles’ thickness can vary from 6 up to 20mil, it’s recommended to choose at least 12 mil thick tiles, depending on the traffic in this area of your home.
Vinyl Is Water-Resistant
Vinyl tiles are highly moisture-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry much if you or your kids accidentally spill liquids on the floor. This is thanks to the core layer, which sits just below the protective layers and serves to prevent any liquid from penetrating the tile by keeping it on the surface in a form of a puddle until you wipe it away. This is not the case with the other popular flooring options such as laminates or expensive hardwoods, which won’t only drain your wallet but can also easily get damaged.
Vinyl Tiles Are Easy to Install
One of the best things about vinyl floor tiles for kitchen is that they’re so easy to install, and the hardest part is exactly the first step – removing the old flooring. After you’re done with the first step, you should know that they’re a couple of installing methods, usually depending on the tile you choose.
So, starting from the most commonly used one, installing your new vinyl tiles for kitchen floor is a very simple process that can be your next DIY project. This method doesn’t require any special skills and tools, and won’t eat much of your precious time too, since you only need to click-lock the tiles next to each other and you’re done.
Some luxury vinyl tiles or planks will require the method of loose-laying them, which is similar to the previous one, with the only difference being that these tiles will sit in their position due to the friction they make.
However, some models will require the traditional process of gluing them down with special adhesives. But don’t worry if crafty stuff is not your cup of tea, since you can always hire a professional to get the job done for you. If you’re wondering about the costs, know that an average vinyl kitchen flooring supply and the installation costs are around $26 to $35 per meter square Australia wide, even though it highly depends on the type of vinyl tile you choose, as well as the state you live in.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Use a mild solution when cleaning your vinyl tiles. When it comes to stains, you can always scrub them with a piece of lemon and a homemade baking soda paste, or use the very well known formula of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. However, make sure you don’t use any hard chemical cleaners, commercial “mop and shine” products, solvent-based polishes or abrasive sponges and scourers, since they will only damage the flooring and leave a dull film, making your new vinyl tiles looking old.
Also, don’t hesitate to grab your vacuum cleaner and get in action, since vinyl tiles are completely safe to be vacuumed on a daily basis. Only make sure you skip the “beater bar” attachment, since it’s sturdy and may scratch and damage the surface.
Vinyl Flooring Kitchen Tiles Come in a Plethora of Options
Vinyl tiles come in various designs, which means they can fit in different kitchen designs regardless of their decor. If you have a traditional kitchen, go for plain vinyl tiles and choose bright options for modern and contemporary decorated spaces. For the vintage luxurious or Victorian-styled kitchens, there’re many gorgeous options such as marble designs or those that look like hardwoods- except for the fact that they’re way more practical and less expensive.
