It is interesting to think about how we look at space in our home. Not all rooms are treated equally-we use some rooms more than others, most rooms in our homes serve different functions but we all want some sort of continuity throughout the different spaces of our home.  When considering a kitchen renovation should you be looking into flooring specifically for the functionality and use of the specific space or should you run one type of flooring throughout your home to achieve the aesthetic of continuity?

I spoke with Matt Robinson, Flooring Expert, from Monarch Floor and Window Coverings to see what an expert had to say about the question of functionality and use versus continuity.

I asked Matt what type of characteristics we should be looking for in kitchen flooring and what type of materials are best to use in this particular space?:

“The two main things are that it should be moisture resistant and fairly durable to constant use as kitchens can be a busy area.  The best products for a kitchen are typically tile, vinyl, luxury vinyl tile or marmoleum.
All 4 are great for dealing with moisture and can be quite durable.  Hardwood being run right through into the kitchen has become quite common these days and can work but is vulnerable to moisture.”

I asked Matt to speak to the price of products he had mentioned in his previous response:

“The most economical would be vinyl flooring but vinyl doesn’t always fit the look you are going for.  Tile quite often can fit the look but is also very hard and if you love to cook can wear on you over time. Marmoleum will cost similar to tile and has a range of looks but similar to vinyl in that it doesn’t always fit the design that is being done.”

Matt usually is catering to the needs of his clients but I wanted to know what his favorite kitchen flooring product is right now:

“If it the design of the house or condo is very much to have an open style kitchen than I am a fan of having the flooring from the living/dining area continue right into the kitchen.  If the kitchen is separated from those
areas than tile typically looks the best.  If you want to go a little different though don’t be afraid to try something like Marmoleum or something like luxury vinyl tile.”

These can be really difficult decisions for homeowners to make and I thank Matt from Monarch for providing our followers with some expert advice on how to approach flooring for their next kitchen renovation. For any burning questions about flooring check-out Monarch website. For more inspirational pictures of kitchen renovations, visit the Klondike Contracting Kitchen Renovation page or visit our general Services page to see how Klondike can be of assistance for your upcoming project.

1. Determine your budget because like everything else there’s a high and a low end.  Regardless of your budget though, creativity will take you a long way.
2. Determine the theme that you are going for.  If you are already doing a renovation then the theme most-likely has already been determined so this should be easy.  Whether it’s country, traditional, or contemporary it’s always a good idea to maintain a consistent theme.  However, as backsplashes usually cover a small area, you can definitely do something a bit different to add interest.
3. Continue your counter material up to the wall as backsplash to be consistent.  For those who have difficulty when there are too many choices, this is always a good option.
4. Define specific work areas by varying the type of material or colours used.  For instance, try stainless steel behind your cook-top and tile the rest.  Introducing different materials will make the space more interesting and allow you to highlight those big budget items, like your Wolf range!  Be careful not to overdo it though because it could end up looking like a mess.
5. Give you backsplash the same attention your cabinetry or countertop would get.  It’s at eye level, so most likely will be the first thing you see when you enter the room.
6. Do your research!  There’s a plethora of materials to choose from including, laminates, glass, ceramics, metal, and solid surface, so make sure whatever you choose is right for your needs.
7. If you are on a budget but still want something special, choose one area to install the very expensive recycled glass tiles (for instance), and use something more budget friendly for the remainder of the space.
8. Neutrals are pretty standard these days but for interest consider adding a colourful band or border for a punch of colour.
9. If you are a collector of tiles and have an interesting collection gathered through your travels, by all means use some of them to make your backsplash a bit more unique.
10. Seek professional help if you need it and when it comes to tiling quality can vary with each tiler so make sure you do your research.

We recommend Granicrete as a new alternative.  It has the look & feel of stone but is actually an engineered, light-weight acrylic concrete that is sealed with clear acrylic resin.  It can replicate the look of almost any kind of stone, tile, or cultured cement. 

Some of its characteristics are:

• tough & resilient
• overlay system to surface new counters & floors or to resurface existing ones
• scorch & stain resistant
• non-porous and foodsafe
• easily installed without seams
• customizable with unlimited colour palette
• simple to maintain and clean
• quieter and easier on dishes
• a fraction of the cost

This overlay system allows you to resurface your counters or floors without demolition and added wastes to our landfill.  Further, there is no radon emissions or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and production is in eco-friendly plants. 

You can also use it outside on patios, driveways, pool surrounds, walkways, garage floors, outdoor kitchens, etc.

Asphalt Shingles

Advantages: Inexpensive; ranges from low-cost 3-tab shingle to architectural shingles with extra durability & style; wide selection of colours, types & manufacturers; suitable for most residential applications; easy to repair; fire resistant

Disadvantages:  Short life-span (15-30 yrs); scars easily when hot; subject to mildew & moss; environmentally unfriendly

Wood Shingles/Shakes

Advantages:  Natural look weathering to a soft grey; offers some insulation value; blends with the environment; easy to repair/replace; long lasting with maintenance (30-50 yrs)

Disadvantages:  Expensive; typically requires professional installation; high maintenance; tends to rot, split, mold, & mildew; poor fire rating unless pressure treated

Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Tin, Copper)

Advantages:  Available in different looks including cedar shingles, slate or standing seam; many colours; light weight; durable; long life span (at least 50 yrs); low maintenance; can be installed over existing roofs; performs well in high wind, hail & rain; environmentally friendly

Disadvantages:  Difficult to install; can be expensive; may require periodic painting

Tile (Concrete, Clay)

Advantages:  Non-combustible; many colours & styles; attractive; fireproof; easy to maintain; extremely durable when maintained

Disadvantages:  Expensive; heavy; used primarily in new buildings because of wight & structural requirements; installation & repairs can be tricky; fragile

Slate

Advantages:  Beautiful & distinctive appearance; fireproof; long life span; low maintenance

Disadvantages:  Very expensive; requires specialized installation; heavy; fragile; high maintenance