Laminate kitchen flooring ideas

Laminate kitchen flooring ideas create the look of natural wood or tiles but with so many plus points.

Kitchen laminate flooring is hardwearing, scratch and water resistant and easy to look after. It’s also a more affordable flooring option than real wood.

No wonder then that laminate flooring continues to be so popular for the kitchen – however big or small your space and whatever style you prefer.

Transform the heart of your home by laying laminate flooring throughout.

What is laminate flooring?

• Laminate planks are made up of several layers of pressed wood pulp and resin, topped with a durable plastic layer.
• It’s a low-cost alternative to real timber and available in a variety of colours and woodgrain effects. Laminate tiles are also available.
• Laminate is a floating floor which means it should never be glued or nailed down.
• Planks and tiles are usually between 6mm and 12mm thick.
• Laminate typically features a ‘click’ style fitting technique, making it easier to install.

A professional floor fitter can always advise on laminate kitchen flooring ideas for a specific project.

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Laminate kitchen flooring ideas

From washed grey oak to rich walnut, kitchen laminate flooring comes in a wealth of different woodgrain effects. There is something to suit every kitchen style.

Look at different lengths and widths of laminate planks too. These will add a different design element to kitchen flooring. You can also for trendy herringbone and chevron layouts with realistic, wood effect laminates.

That’s not forgetting kitchen tile effect laminates to give the look of concrete and slate at a fraction of the price.

Read on for laminate kitchen flooring ideas that will have you…totally floored.

1. Choose a tonal palette

Kitchen laminate flooring ideas come in a wide range of realistic oak finishes – from dark oak to mid timber effects and pale bleached woods.

As a subtle alternative, seek out grey washed timbers. From deep greys to silvery hues, these laminates create a really hardwearing neutral backdrop and pair well with classic kitchen colours.

Sticking to a neutral palette can also help make a compact kitchen feel bigger.

2. Consider all the options

Once you’ve decided that kitchen laminate flooring is for you – the hardest part might be picking the right colour and finish. Today’s options are endless.

Ask yourself a few questions. Do you want dark or pale floors? Would you like to create contrast with kitchen cabinets or opt for a more seamless mood? Are wide or skinny planks more suited to your style?

We recommend looking at laminate flooring in your own home not just the showroom. The tone and texture of a woodgrain finish can look completely different depending on how much natural light your kitchen gets. 

Ask for a couple of samples to take home and test in your own kitchen. It’s the best way to test out different laminates at home before committing to a full makeover job.

3. Keep it light

Keep a country style kitchen light and airy with a pale wood laminate flooring.

The cream and off-white tones of the kitchen design look super fresh by laying a light laminate floor in say beech, maple or white oak.

Add visual interest by choosing a small strip wood laminate, packed with the appearance of knots and grains.

And why not run a laminate throughout the entire downstairs of your home for a neat and harmonious flooring revamp.

4. Be bold with a herringbone pattern

Lay laminate in a herringbone pattern for a super hot interiors trend. It will add so much extra design flair to laminate kitchen flooring ideas.

It’s a striking layout that is perfect for a classic kitchen which isn’t too busy,

Laminate kitchen floors are relatively easy to install by a competent DIYer. Installing pricier real wood herringbone floors should certainly be done by an expert.

Make a start by reading our blog on how to lay laminate flooring for loads of tips.

Otherwise get in touch with a recommended floor fitter who can do a professional job of it.

5. Zone your kitchen

Don’t be afraid to use two types of laminate in the same kitchen. It’s a really useful design trick for zoning a large, open-plan kitchen living space.

Pale grey laminate flooring in the living zone creates a cool, calm and collected backdrop for relaxing and socialising. Don’t worry about light laminates getting dirty as they are so easy to keep clean and maintain.

Offset with a patterned laminate tile in the kitchen hub to subtly mark out the different functions. Stick to the same palette of shades for a really considered mood.

6. Try laminate tiles

If you adore natural stone floors, but don’t have the budget why not try a laminate tile.

Laminate kitchen floors are widely available in woodgrain effects but tile versions are an option.

Solid limestone and travertine flagstones are luxurious but can be costly to buy and install. Natural stone kitchen floors will also need regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Faux stones can recreate the natural features of a real stone but without the luxe price tag. As with wood effects, take samples home with you to see exactly how the laminate tiles will look in your own home.

7. Echo kitchen doors

Look at which way you want to lay laminate floor planks in the kitchen.

There is no right answer to this but the direction you install laminate flooring will make a big impact on the flow of a kitchen. It can also make a room feel bigger.

Placing the planks parallel to the widest wall will create a ‘stretched out’ look by drawing attention to the longest portion of the space.

In this square kitchen, either direction would work well. However, the grey oak laminate floor echoes the pattern of dark wood kitchen doors for good spatial flow.

8. Seek out stone effects

Slate tiles are a robust and beautiful option for kitchen floors. Real slate can have a smooth finish for a crisp, modern look or a more tumbled, undulating surface to suit a rustic kitchen.

For a more budget-friendly option, why not try slate laminate tiles. Faux stones are easier to install and care for – plus the cheaper price tag means you can update your kitchen for less if you fancy a revamp in the future.

9. Lengthen a narrow kitchen

Laminate floors can be visually striking. This includes the wood grain, colour and finish you choose – and not forgetting the direction it is laid in.

Stretch out a long, narrow kitchen by laying the laminate panels parallel to the longest wall of the room. This will visually elongate a space and draw the eye to the furthest point.

Keep the look fluid by continuing the flooring through into other rooms in the house.

10. Create contrast

Pair a light-coloured laminate with a dark kitchen door for striking visual contrast. If black and white kitchens are too harsh for your design tastebuds, you can achieve the same design mood by choosing different woodgrains.

Laying a pale ash or maple laminate floor against a dark timber kitchen design is a brilliant way to inject personality into your kitchen for very little.

Key takeaways

• Laminate kitchen flooring ideas are a budget-friendly option that can stylishly upgrade your cookspace.
• Laminate planks and tiles are durable, long-lasting and easy to keep clean – perfect for busy kitchens.
• Choose from a multitude of wood effect laminates – but don’t forget laminate tiles that look like stone. Patterned options are also available.
• Play around with colour and finish. Do you want to create a harmonious neutral mood or add contrast with your kitchen laminate flooring?
• Zoning an open plan kitchen can be achieved with two types of laminate in the same kitchen.
• Laminate floors can be installed by a competent DIY-er but for a professional look we recommend hiring an expert floor layer.

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