Can timber-look flooring go in a kitchen, and what does waterproof mean?

A kitchen can suit certain timber-look products, but I check the exact range before recommending it. Everyday splashes around a sink are different from a leaking dishwasher or water trapped below the floor. A claim about a board's water resistance should never be read as a promise that the whole room is waterproof.

I start with the manufacturer's permitted uses and installation details. Those may include particular perimeter treatments, profiles or cleaning limits. A kitchen is also different from a shower floor or a continuously wet area. I would not carry an approval for one room over to another without checking the complete system.

The kitchen layout matters as much as the surface colour. We need to know whether cabinets and the island are already installed, how appliances can be removed later, and whether the selected floor is allowed beneath fixed joinery. Floating floors need the movement arrangements specified for that product, including around fixed objects.

For an existing kitchen, tell me about any past leaks, swollen boards or musty smells. Replacing the visible covering before finding the moisture source can leave the same problem underneath the new floor. A dry-looking surface alone is not enough to confirm that the base is ready.

My practical advice is to choose a product approved for your intended use, plan the edges properly and clean spills promptly. Send the product name and photos around the sink, dishwasher and adjoining rooms. I can then discuss the preparation and finishing work, and any issue that needs addressing before installation starts.