Choose flooring for a kitchen or bathroom

Pick the right kitchen or bathroom flooring by checking moisture, subfloor and heights before you buy.

CF-01Work out how wet the room really getsWalk the room and mark the splash zones: round the bath, shower, sink, washing machine and dishwasher. A bathroom floor near a shower needs full water resistance; a kitchen floor mostly needs to cope with spills and mopping rather than standing water. This decides which materials you can even consider.

1 each · Notebook and pen

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CF-02Check what's under the existing floorLift a corner of skirting or an edge tile if you can, or check under the stairs or in a cupboard, to see if you have a solid concrete slab or timber floorboards/joists. Concrete slabs need a damp-proof check; timber floors need enough stiffness and no bounce for tiles. If you see damp staining, dark patches or a musty smell, sort that out before choosing a floor, not after.

1 each · Torch

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1 each · Moisture meter (optional, hire or buy)

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CF-03Measure the room properlyMeasure length and width in mm at the widest points, and sketch the shape including alcoves, islands and door openings. Multiply length by width for the area, then add 10% for cutting waste on tiles or planks. Take these measurements with you or send them to any supplier for a quote.

1 each · Tape measure (5m)

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CF-04Decide if you want underfloor heatingElectric underfloor heating mats sit under tile or vinyl and are the easiest retrofit; wet underfloor heating needs a boiler connection and more floor build-up, so it usually only suits a bigger renovation. If you're adding electric underfloor heating, plan for a qualified electrician to make the final connection to the mains.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Connecting underfloor heating to the mains electricity supply is notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Have this connection done or certified by a qualified electrician.

CF-05Shortlist materials that suit a wet roomFor full wet zones, use porcelain or ceramic tile, or sheet vinyl/LVT (luxury vinyl tile) with sealed joints. Engineered wood can handle a dry kitchen but not a shower area; solid wood and laminate are a poor choice anywhere near standing water, since they swell and lift. Narrow your shortlist to two or three materials before you spend money on samples.

CF-06Check the slip resistance ratingLook for an R rating (R9 to R13) or a pendant test value (PTV) on the product spec, especially for bathroom floors and anywhere near a shower. Higher numbers mean more grip when wet. A glossy, highly polished tile that looks lovely in a showroom can be genuinely dangerous on a wet bathroom floor.

CF-07Order samples and check them in the roomOrder at least two or three samples of each shortlisted material. Look at them in the actual room, in daylight and under your usual lighting, next to your units, bath panel or existing tiles, since colours shift a lot between showroom and home. Leave samples down for a day or two before deciding.

3 each · Flooring samples

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CF-08Check door and appliance clearanceMeasure the gap under external and internal doors, and check the height of any built-in appliances like a dishwasher or washing machine. Tile, adhesive and underlay together can add 10-20mm to floor height, which can jam a door or trap an appliance under a worktop. If the new floor is much thicker than the old one, plan to trim the bottom of doors before fitting.

1 each · Spirit level

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CF-09Work out quantity and get quotesTake your final area measurement (with the 10% wastage already added) to two or three suppliers or fitters for quotes, including underlay, adhesive, grout and trims. Compare like for like: same material, same finish, same fitting standard. Keep all quotes and receipts together so you can compare later.

CF-10Confirm the plan and tidy upBook your fitter, or set a date for DIY fitting, and confirm the delivery date for materials so the room isn't out of action for longer than needed. Recycle sample packaging, and keep the chosen samples, receipts and measurements in one folder in case you need to order more or claim a warranty later.

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