Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas all deal with regular water exposure, so flooring choice matters more here than almost anywhere else in the house. Porcelain tile is usually the safest bet: it has very low water absorption and, with the right glaze, offers good slip resistance too.

Natural stone like granite and marble can also work well in these spaces, but it needs to be properly sealed - unsealed stone is porous and can stain or absorb moisture over time. We reseal stone surfaces periodically as part of our maintenance advice to clients.

Whatever material you choose, pay attention to the grout as well as the tile itself. Epoxy grout resists moisture and staining far better than standard cement-based grout, and it's worth the extra cost in high-splash areas like shower floors and kitchen backsplashes.