An often overlooked yet essential aspect of a functional kitchen is the quality of its floor. If you have ever rented a home and were not able to make changes to the flooring, you will be well aware of just how frustrating it is to attempt to use the space when the floor needs replacing. In your own home, a traditional building may have beautiful floors that are unfortunately no longer fit for purpose, or a new-build might have standard yet dull floors installed upon construction. Whatever the case may be, here are four ways you can tell that it’s time to change your kitchen flooring.
1. Your Floor is Stained
A kitchen is a messy place. Even the cleanest and tidiest of households have accidents, and in some cases, these accidents lead to stains. A spilled drink or a pair of dirty shoes can leave marks on the floor. Although some materials are easier to clean, others absorb particles and maintain a stain even after the floor is clean. Over time, a stained floor can make the kitchen look dirty. Since it is supposed to be a sanitary place, replacing the floors can help undo this damage.
2. Your Floor is Damaged
Speaking of damage, the most obvious reason to replace your flooring is if it has broken. To protect your feet from injury, a broken floor should be dealt with as soon as possible. For hardwood and tile, this is usually fairly straightforward since a single plank or tile can be replaced without redoing the entire floor. With tiles made of natural stone, for example, it is easier to make fixes compared to all-in-one flooring. Keep your kitchen safe by replacing your flooring if the damage poses an injury or tripping risk. The high traffic of a kitchen requires the utmost caution.
3. Your Floor Isn’t Level
In some cases, when the floor isn’t level, it’s because the flooring has been installed improperly. In other cases, it’s due to the uneven foundations of the building or the underlying structure. Ask a professional to help you check if the issue is structural or superficial. Uneven flooring can be unsightly and dangerous in a kitchen, which is why it is best to replace it.
4. Your Floor Doesn’t Suit Your Kitchen
Your kitchen floor may be stain-free, unbroken, and perfectly level, but if you simply no longer appreciate the way it looks, then that can be a good enough reason for a replacement. Especially if you have lived in your home for a long time or are planning to stay there for the next few years, it can be more pleasant to enjoy your home in its entirety by addressing these details and making it suit your design vision. Of course, if you are still happy to use your kitchen and the style of its flooring doesn’t interfere with its functionality, replacing your floors doesn’t need to be a top priority, but it can make the space come alive.