Let’s face it, cooking and carpets don’t exactly make a great couple, so what should you opt for when choosing kitchen floor coverings? There are a number of choices, and what you decide on comes down to personal preference and budget.

 product that probably makes you think of the ’60s or ’70s, linoleum has come a long way since then, and is back in many designers’ good books. These days it’s available in a huge range of colours and can be laid as either a tile or a sheet. It’s an economical and durable choice – it can last as long as 20 years – and is easy to maintain. But bear in mind that lighter colours risk showing scuff marks.

A plastic floor with a smooth finish, just like linoleum, vinyl is also an economical choice and is also available in sheet or tile form, with the tiles being slightly tougher. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, is very durable, relatively maintenance-free and doesn’t need to be sealed when it’s installed.

A finish that’s currently considered super stylish, rubber is available in tiles and sheets and is made from synthetic rubber, which is durable and easy to clean. It comes in a range of patterns and colours too.

A more expensive option for your kitchen floor, tiles are available in an array of materials.

Natural stone tiles – like limestone or sandstone – are a heavy and relatively costly option. They require grouting and will need to be resealed relatively frequently or you run the risk of spills permanently staining your tiles.

Ceramic tiles are another option, and come in an assortment of colours. They don’t need sealing, but you will need to choose between vitrified tiles – which have the same colour and texture right through the tile – and glazed tiles, which are made by glazing a white base, so if you chip the surface, the white material beneath will be visible.

Then there are terracotta tiles, which provide a kitchen with a warm, Mediterranean feel. They need to be sealed, often have large variations in colour and can be quite porous, so any spills will need to be cleaned up immediately to avoid staining.

Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork flooring can be laid in sheets or tiles. It’s warm under foot and will last for at least 10 years, but you need to sand and recoat it every few years to maintain the finish.

A cost-effective way to give your kitchen a ‘timber floor’ feel, the term ‘hardwood floors’ encompasses everything from prefabricated floorboards to parquet.

A large range of colours is available and the most important thing to consider – particularly if you have opted for a timber finish on your cupboard doors – is how well a particular shade of wood will complement the rest of your kitchen.

Find a floor coverings expert in your area to find out which flooring would best suit your kitchen design: