Today the kitchen is the heart of every home. This space is no longer just used for cooking and domestic chores; we want it to be both impressive and practical at the same time. A new kitchen is a long-term commitment; therefore every decision, be it flooring or splashbacks, deserve careful consideration. The floor in any kitchen is usually the largest surface area in the room, and it will experience the highest traffic in the whole house. Therefore, as well as needing to beautifully complement the kitchen units, it also needs to be durable, safe and easy to clean. 
The first point to consider is underfloor heating. If your kitchen has underfloor heating installed or you are planning to install some, then try to avoid natural wood or vinyl surfaces. To maximise the heating output from the heating system, consider natural stone which is a great conductor and retains heat well. Thick porcelain floor tiles have similar qualities.
The second point is the overall look. Your floor should complement the rest of your kitchen, and in turn, the kitchen should tie in with the feel of the rest of your home. Encaustic cement and porcelain tiles look great in modern schemes, while natural stone tiles and warm wood effect porcelain suit traditional designs. To create a unified look, choose a material with a colour that matches your kitchen worktop. If you would like to create a focal point, select flooring which provides a contrast. However, do make sure your choice of pattern and colour is one you won’t become tired of overtime. In addition, remember that sealing can change the colour of the stone or tile, so it is advisable to look at a sealed sample before ordering. 
The third point is floor maintenance and care. If you don’t want to commit to periodic maintenance, then avoid materials that need regular resealing and treating with specialist products. Always consult a tile specialist who can advise on material qualities and care requirements. You can mix up materials in an open plan kitchen. Use durable, easy-to-clean flooring in cooking zones (like limestone, slate or porcelain) and marble or encaustic tiles in dining and living areas. 
We hope the information above will help you find the right flooring choice for your kitchen. You will find a wide variety of stone and porcelain on our website in the Kitchen category. And the last piece of advice, always take a sample of flooring from the showroom home before you place your order. The colour may vary in different tones or amount of natural light. We wish you all the best with your project.
