Unlike some materials that are perfect for kitchens, laminate flooring walks a fine line. Detractors claim that laminate is not appropriate for kitchens because moisture—a fact in kitchens—can harm it. Advocates argue that laminate is one of the better floor coverings for kitchens because moisture can be controlled.
Matte-finish laminates are one of the most preferred laminate finishes that are used for the kitchen and other carpentry works. These laminates have a moderate reflective surface, and good resistance to scratches and dust, which makes matte finish laminates easy to clean and maintain.
PVC laminates are impervious to water, heart, corrosion and termites, and can also be treated to have antibacterial properties. This makes them ideal for modular kitchen units. They are more durable compared to other finishes, and hence are conducive to long-term use, while also being economical.
Laminate, on the other hand, is made out of recycled hardwood, so it is not waterproof. Due to its melamine wear layer, it has a tough finish which resists against scratches and may have minor protection against minor water (quick spills).
Laminate generally lasts about 15 to 25 years. Some laminate floors may look good for up to 30 years. Since the kitchen tends to be a high-traffic area in the home, look for high-quality laminate if you'd like your flooring to last for 20 years or more.
Choose the Laminate Colours with Care
Make your colour selection based on the size of the room, the amount of natural light that's available, your style of cooking and your taste, of course. Remember, white and light colours make a room look larger but are also more challenging to keep clean.
Glossy Finish
High gloss cabinets are ideal for small spaces since they reflect light and are great at making limited spaces look bigger. And since they reflect so much light, smudges, fingerprints and scratches are more noticeable than they are on matte kitchen furniture.
If your goal is to create a sleek, contemporary and efficient kitchen design, you may want to consider laminate kitchen cabinets. Laminate and wood are the two most popular materials used for kitchen cabinets, and they both offer a range of advantages and disadvantages related to price, durability and appearance.
Virgo PVC laminates are termite resistant and borer resistant delivering hygienic finishing at your home ranging from your kitchen to wardrobe to walls to doors to all corners of your home. These laminates possess a multitude of properties including urea-free, anti-bacterial, water-resistant, stain-resistant.
The super shiny glossy laminates are the perfect flooring sheets to add style to your more modern spaces. The awesome light-reflecting properties can add depth to your smaller or large commercial or residential spaces. The high gloss decorative laminates can be used for kitchen renovations and wardrobe makeovers.
PVC laminate is a sheet of material created by fusing decorative paper and plastic resins in the shape of sheets. They are available in various finishes, including matte, glossy, textured, high gloss, and various patterns and plain colours.
Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.
You can put laminate flooring in your kitchens. However, you will need to be careful when installing it, as laminate isn't waterproof. You need to install appropriate vapor barrier underlayment to protect the flooring from moisture. You'll also have to clean up any spills immediately.
The short answer is that there isn't any laminate flooring on the market that's totally scratch proof. It's just a fact that any flooring material, from natural wood to engineered timber or hybrid flooring, can be damaged.
For the ultimate in durability, it's hard to beat porcelain tile. Though similar in appearance to ceramic, porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, which makes it stronger and more resistant to damage. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, from six-inch squares to 18-inch planks that mimic hardwood.
It is not necessary for your kitchen floor to be darker than the base cabinets or wall cabinets. The color of your kitchen floor can actually be a little lighter or darker than the cabinets. This creates a proper balance in the room.
“Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn't absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring.
Poly-vinyl chloride sheets are composite plastic sheets which give a tough finish. Therefore, they can be installed without a substrate. This kitchen cabinet material is inexpensive and easy to install. Being waterproof and oil-proof, it makes a wise option for kitchen cabinetry.
Since most lighting tends to highlight the upper cabinets, use acrylic finishes on them for a glossy, attractive look. Laminate is a good choice for lower cabinets since they are likely to see more wear and tear. You can choose textures and colours that complement each other for a coordinated look.