New floor for kitchen and playroom and utility

[Briony32]

We've got quite a bit of flooring to sort out downstairs.

Our kitchen has hideous black shiny tiles (one is badly broken). I want something that looks more natural and reflects a bit more light. Do people go for top layer oak flooring in kitchens or does it get very grubby/shabby? I want something hygienic and not too dark. And not too expensive. Any suggestions really appreciated.

Our playroom and utility/downstairs loo area has horrid cheap orange coloured laminate which is starting to peel up. What not too expensive but beautiful options do I have? I don't fancy lino, and probably not more top layer wood flooring. Can you buy light coloured tiles that click together without need for grouting? What are the latest trends/ innovations in flooring. I'm a bit behind with the times, but want something hygienic, light reflecting and not too expensive.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

Karndean do amazingly realistic light oak vinyl flooring. My friend has it through her hall, lounge and dining room and it looks like really expensive wood...

Karndean

this?

We have flooring from and it has proved to be fantastic. Has been down 8 years now and still looks like new despite very heavy use.

Would certainly recommend

HOWDENS that should be. Goodness knows why my iPad decided it should be a blank!

how do you find mopping wooden floors in the kitchen though Kahlua?
Doesn't it trash them?

I have engineered wooden for my kitchen/dining/family open plan area and also the hall but it was a fairly expensive option for us. Having done copious research, there is a huge range and it is basically you get what you pay for so caveat emptor.

I go over mine lightly with a steam mop and it's fine. I have 2 primary aged DC and it certainly isn't trashed at all 18mths in. I chose the brushed oil over the lacquered type here. For my utility room, I economised and have neutral stone tiles and basically bought a pallet worth of clearance tiles

Sorry, it was actually this one - they look all the same on the website!

Installation costs - Wooden flooring - £10 per sqm labour only.
- Tiling - £20 per sqm labour only.
Obviously, you can haggle more if you have a decent square footage and if you are having the same contractor to supply & fit. HTH