As the literal base of our homes, floors play an important role. They must function and look beautiful. Not to mention, we stand on them all day, so comfort can be a desirable trait as well. So when you are selecting flooring for your kitchen, a lot goes into making the right decision.
As a professional kitchen remodeling contractor, we’ve put together a list of some of the best kitchen flooring options, as well as what makes them great and what pitfalls they may have, to aid you in planning the right choice for your kitchen renovation project.
Kitchen Friendly Flooring Options
As we said, when choosing a flooring material for your kitchen, there’s a lot to consider. As a hub in your home, you’ll want to contemplate whether the material you choose:
- Matches the look you want
- Fits the room’s style
- Is durable (as kitchens get lots of traffic and contain lots of messes)
- Is water-resistant
- Is easy to clean and care for
- Provides comfort for seating
- Fits your budget
- And is low maintenance
No flooring material will perfectly fall into all of these categories, so consider what factors will be most important for your home.
No matter what material you choose, if you want it to look right, perform properly, and be ready to withstand the traffic, it should be installed by a certified contractor due to the precise measurements and proper tools needed to lay flooring.
Tile
Tile is incredibly versatile. It ranges in style, shape, and material so you can find an option that will enhance the look of your kitchen. It tends to be incredibly durable and is water and scratch resistant (especially when properly installed and maintained with a sealer). And with proper sealing, it is also an easy-to-clean option. Lay it in whatever design and pattern you want to help enhance your space.
However, it is important to note that tile does need continual maintenance in the form of sealing, especially its grout. And depending on the tile you choose, it can be a more expensive option. It also tends to be uncomfortable and cold underfoot. But with the right care, tile flooring can look amazing and last for years.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring brings impeccable warmth and charm to a kitchen space, but for many years it got a bad rap for not being as watertight as needed. However, that has changed. With the proper installation and sealing process, hardwood is durable and resists moisture. (Without it, hardwood will warp.)
But with this comes a certain level of maintenance, as hardwood flooring will need to be resealed throughout the years to maintain its water-resistant abilities. And spills should be immediately cleaned up to avoid prolonged moisture on the wood’s surface.
Still, hardwood adds great value to the look of your kitchen. And it is one of the few floorings that can be refinished (rather than replaced) in a different color selection if your style preferences change down the road.
Bamboo
Bamboo tends to be classified (in people’s minds) with hardwood flooring due to its similar look. However, bamboo is actually a woody grass rather than a hardwood. When manufactured into flooring, it is one of the most eco-friendly options available. On top of that, it tends to be heartier and more water-resistant than hardwood flooring, while still providing the warmth a wood floor can give.
Keep in mind that bamboo can be a more expensive option than hardwood and can be more difficult to refinish, requiring the help of a professional. But this durable and eco-friendly option is an amazing choice for a kitchen renovation.
Laminate
To achieve the look of hardwood without the price tag, many homeowners turn to laminate planks. Laminate is a multi-layer product that has a photo layer covered by a clear protective layer, which has been applied to a particle board or fiberboard material. And the floating plank designs make it easy to install. Although this, too, used to not be a very water-tight material, the newer, high-end laminates on the market have great water-resistant capabilities.
On the downside, laminate tends to be less durable than other materials, and unless you opt for a high-end version, it will not be watertight. Any damage it does sustain will require replacement as it does not have the refinishing capabilities of wood.
Vinyl
Another affordable and easy-to-install flooring option comes in the form of vinyl. Like all vinyl products, vinyl flooring is waterproof, and it is not easily damaged. As a softer material than tile or wood, it is also a more comfortable option. It is manufactured to look like a variety of flooring materials from natural stone to ceramic tiles to hardwood floors. It has no shortage of style options to help you get the look you want in your kitchen.
While vinyl is waterproof, it can still be prone to scratching or warping (especially under heavy weight loads like a refrigerator). And it is not as heavy-duty as its tile or hardwood counterparts.
Get the Kitchen of Your Dreams, from Bottom to Top
Enhance your kitchen with a flooring that will take it to the next level and function well for your family. Our in-house team of designers can help walk you through your options to ensure you love the floor you choose.
Enjoy the beauty and durability of a professionally installed, new kitchen floor. Contact our team to get a free estimate and learn more about our kitchen remodeling services.
