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5 materials not to use in your kitchen

From cabinets to flooring, choosing which materials to use in your kitchen can be a difficult decision. There are pros & cons of all materials and selecting the right one for you is more about considering what your requirements are. Most of us are after a low-maintenance, durable kitchen so we’ve made that our basis when rounding up the top materials to avoid using in your kitchen.

Laminate Worktops

If you want low-cost, easy-to-clean work surfaces and aren’t put off at the thought of having to replace them more regularly, then laminate could be your perfect match. The reason it’s on our list is because it’s more vulnerable to chips and scratches that can be tricky to repair, so if you don’t want the hassle of fitting new surfaces, it’s best to opt for hard-wearing alternatives like composite or granite.

Glass

Now glass is a good heat-resistant and stylish material that will certainly add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. However, if you have young children it might be an idea to avoid it. It definitely looks great, especially in smaller kitchens where it can make them feel more spacious, but it marks easily and you could quickly find yourself growing tired of continuously wiping away fingerprint smudges!

(Uncoated) Linoleum

Linoleum is still a popular choice for kitchen floors but it does fade more quickly and is more prone to wear than more resilient vinyl. If you’re going for lino, make sure it has a protective coating to help it last longer.

Matte Paint

Matte emulsion is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms but when it comes to moisture-rich environments like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s best to swap your matte finish for satin or semi-gloss. Matte paint is harder to clean and won’t withstand stains, cleaning products and scrubbing in the same way.

Carpet

A no brainer for some, but you’d be surprised how many people still consider carpeting their kitchen. Hard flooring is always preferable for a more heat and stain resistant, hygienic flooring solution.

For help finding your perfect kitchen at the best rate, use our online comparison tool to search kitchens from the top retailers (including B&Q, Homebase and Magnet).

15th Aug 2017