Country-style flooring – 10 of the best

Hardwearing, water resistant types of stone are ideal for a kitchen or bathroom. Unlike marble or limestone, most types of slate are water resistant, though all slate should be sealed to ensure optimum durability and water resistance.

Try Topps Tiles for similar black slate floor tiles.

With creamy tones and natural imperfections, limestone is ideal for creating a characterful country room. When costing your project, allow a similar amount for the fitting as the cost of tiles themselves. Large tiles take longer to fit and incur more wastage and breakages.

Find similar reclaimed limestone large format tiles at Surface.

The warm, inviting tones of wood make for a welcoming entrance. You can?t really avoid scratching a wood floor, but you can camouflage marks by choosing a rustic-looking one. Lacquer finishes are durable, but waxed and oiled boards can be spot-repaired, making them easier to restore if scratched.

Find similar engineered oak flooring at Kährs.

Some wood floors are designed to be laid on top of an existing wood or concrete floor, but thicker ?structural? boards can be nailed directly onto existing joists or battens to create a new floor. Check with your intended supplier that the flooring is suitable.

Find similar oak structural flooring at Junckers.

If you?re changing the flooring in one room rather than doing a major house refit, the ?dry? electric type of underfloor heating is ideal, consisting of ultra-thin heating elements (choose from loose wire systems or mats) laid on to the sub-floor. Porcelain tiles like these work well with underfloor heating.

Find similar porcelain tiles at Craven Dunnill and try Warmup for underfloor heating.

In a small area such as a utility room or cloakroom, a patterned tile can add colour and provides a distinctive look. For larger areas, consider laying a classic chequerboard of alternate dark and light plain tiles, or intersperse large tiles with a decorative key square.

For similar ceramic tiles, try Original Style.

For a floor with warmth, character and homely good looks, terracotta is a great choice. For a mellow, aged look use a traditionally made tile and seal with a 50:50 mix of boiled linseed oil and white spirit, followed by a coat of beeswax.

Find similar terracotta tiles at Mandarin Stone.

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Here, modern white cabinetry with a stainless steel worktop is paired with a pale wood floor, to keep this classically country-style flooring up to date and make it a perfect fit for a light, contemporary extension.

Light, bright, and easy to refresh, white painted floorboards create a rustic, laid-back look for instant country chic. Classic freestanding furniture completes the look.