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Flexible flooring

Buyer\'s guide to kitchen flooring
  • Rubber Silky, warm and tactile, rubber flooring comes in a huge range of colours and textures. 'Architects say they use rubber as it's so resilient, yet it feels soft underfoot. It really is as tough as old boots,' says Julie Mellor at Dalsouple. 'If it doesn't wear out in an airport, then it won't in your kitchen.' Choose a smooth surface or low-profile studs in a kitchen as they are easier to clean. Use products and polishes recommended by the manufacturer to maintain rubber flooring, especially initially, as it's softer when new.

  • Linoleum Similar in feel to rubber, linoleum's ingredients, the key one being linseed oil, are all natural and sustainable. 'Natural products like this have inherent benefits,' says Therese Magill at Forbo Flooring. 'They're really tough, but at the same time tactile and warm to the touch, making them comfy underfoot.' Linoleum is also hygienic: bacteria can't live on it and it doesn't harbour dust mites, making it ideal for people with allergies.

  • Vinyl Modern, high-quality vinyl is a world away from old-fashioned vinyl sheeting. Exceptionally hard wearing, designs replicate the look and feel of anything from natural materials, such as wood, limestone, slate and marble, to more contemporary finishes, including zinc and glass. It can also be warmer and quieter underfoot than the real McCoy. 'Vinyl flooring such as Amtico is a good option if you have no time to maintain a delicate surface, but still want the look of a natural material,' advises Tony Nicholas of Nicholas Anthony Kitchens.

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