Everything you need to know about laminate kitchen flooring

Laminate flooring is made from several layers of material, which includes moisture resistant backing, durable and highly dense fireboard, a high-definition wood image and a wearable layer that protects the laminate from damage.

These layers make laminate flooring a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home, particularly the kitchen, which usually experiences plenty of footfall throughout the day, and is bombarded with moisture during cooking.

Functionally, there are three main types of laminate flooring available.

• Smooth laminate – This mimics the effect of varnished wood, and is smooth to the touch. This is a very affordable option, but is the most likely to experience damage.
• Textured laminate – It features a protective layer on its topmost surface which makes it more durable than smooth laminate. The texture isn't too intense – you're unlikely to notice it beneath your feet – but it can create a more natural finish to your design.
• Hand-scraped laminate – A great choice for those with a bigger budget. Each board features a durable layer that protects the flooring against daily wear and tear, as well as light and stains. It can be indistinguishable from real wood flooring when done well.

Choosing the best type of kitchen laminate flooring for you depends on three factors: your budget, your style preferences and how durable you want your kitchen flooring to be.

Laminate flooring is available for all sorts of design preferences. Your only limit is your imagination.

Wood-effect laminate is one of the most popular choices. As each piece of laminate fits together as a board, it's very easy to recreate the look of a genuine wood floor. Colours, tones and hues are available for every type of wood you can think of, from deep American walnut to lighter natural oak.

You can also still get a wood-effect look while using an artificial colour such as white or black – for a thoroughly modern result.

Laminate flooring is also available in a ceramic, tiled effect. The benefits over real ceramic include that laminate is much more hard-wearing – it's unlikely to chip or crack like ceramic. Additionally, laminate flooring in the kitchen is much warmer and so more comfortable underfoot, whereas ceramic can feel cold. Available in a variety of natural colours, slate and cream are particularly popular.

Patterned ceramic-effect laminate flooring is a bold option for those looking to create an eye-catching design. Mediterranean patterns in terracotta, soft greens and creams can create a warm finish for your kitchen, while black and white geometric designs can transform your kitchen into an Art Deco haven.

No matter how durable your laminate kitchen flooring, it still needs to be cleaned regularly and treated well to last a long time. Unlike other flooring materials, laminate is a great option for relatively relaxed maintenance.

While laminate will generally resist the steam and moisture that circulates around a kitchen, lots of water can damage the flooring. If you spill something, try to clean it up quickly to avoid staining. There's no rush – just don't let the moisture sit for long periods of time.

Laminate boards generally resist damage, but dropping a heavy or sharp item can scratch, dent or even tear the material. Unlike wood flooring, laminate can't be treated, and the board will need replacing. Thankfully, this isn't a massive expense, and a floor fitter should be able to help you with minimal disruption.

To maintain a laminate floor, there are steps you can take on a daily and weekly basis.

Liquid and dirt that builds up through daily use of the kitchen can have a lasting effect on your laminate flooring. You should take time every day to clean it.

Use a sweeping brush or microfibre mop to remove grit, hairs, and crumbs, which can be particularly damaging to bevelled edge laminate flooring over time. For a more thorough clean on stains and spilt food, use a special laminate cleaning solution sprayed directly onto a cloth or flat mop head and gently wipe the area.

It's important to avoid applying large volumes of water to the floor, as this can cause the laminate flooring to warp over time. To maintain laminate floor, avoid using a string or sponge mop, and if you spill any liquid, be sure to wipe it up as soon as you can.

Unlike wooden floors, you can't sand or wax laminate flooring in your kitchen, so sustained daily care is the most important part of maintaining your floor. Avoid polishing it, as this can damage the protective top coat of the laminate and cause long-term issues with the finish and quality of the material.

If a panel becomes damaged, you will probably be able to replace it without needing to replace the whole floor. When you install the flooring, consider applying a waterproof glue between the panels, as this will provide a greater level of resistance to any spills.

Finally, always ensure you're using a specialist cleaning fluid on the floor, rather than using bleach or wood cleaner. This will gently cleanse the floor, while other cleaning solutions can risk damaging the material.

Laminate flooring is a brilliantly beautiful and affordable option for kitchens. Whether you choose wood or ceramic effect, with the proper daily care, your laminate kitchen flooring can look wonderful for years to come. To see how it could look in your home, try our online kitchen planner, or book an appointment to visit your nearest Wren showroom.