Sanded down floorboards look beautiful in the kitchen ★★★★★

Published on: 27/10/2010

Solid wood floors are always popular in kitchens, but a cheaper way of achieving the look could be to sand down your floorboards.

According to the December issue of Real Homes magazine, sanding is a cost-effective way to create a "characterful" floor in your kitchen.

"Make up areas of missing or damaged boards by salvaging matching boards from carpeted rooms," the publication advised.

This look could be particularly fitting in a country-style kitchen, or may provide a striking contrast to a modern, fitted kitchen.

Adventurous homeowners could even paint their floorboards in bold colours for a dramatic effect.

Real Homes said that while lifting and re-laying floorboards requires more work, it can be a good idea, since it allows you to hide any joins and close up any gaps.

In a recent article for the Western Mail, interior design expert Yvonne Jones claimed that natural flooring such as wood is perfect for kitchens as it tends to be hard-wearing.

She said that although exposed floorboards "bear the hallmarks of long life" they are often all the more appealing because of their imperfections.