The busyness in a kitchen does not end when the cooking is finished. In fact, the cleanup is often a more complicated process because it is exposed to spills, dirt, moisture and more water. It’s hard to find the right flooring to meet all your different needs in the kitchen. Luckily, there are many kitchen flooring options that are strong enough to take a beating, including some waterproof options to prevent floor failures from splashes and spills.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and having the right flooring with the right materials for your kitchen needs will make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. It is also the number one place where you and your family gather. If you want to be able to enjoy it for years to come, then you will want a kitchen flooring that is durable and easy to clean.
Things to Consider
Budget
Budget is often one of the key deciding factors when it comes to picking out kitchen flooring. It’s important not to fall in love with a flooring you can’t afford. If you’re on a tight budget, there are still some great alternatives to the materials you might really want. You can get a similar look using high-pressure plastic laminates instead of wood. For your flooring, vinyl or resilient flooring comes in all sorts of styles and colors. You can choose between tiles or sheets.
Choosing the right kitchen flooring doesn’t have to break the bank. However, opting for the cheapest flooring option may not be the best long-term investment. Flooring that costs less up-front may not be as durable, meaning you could end up needing to replace your floor sooner than you think.
Durability
Family homes with young children and pets require different flooring considerations than those of empty-nesters. Messes from kids and pets, along with high traffic areas, means that different flooring materials might be more suitable for one household over the other. When choosing kitchen flooring, it’s important to think about the long-term and how the flooring will stand up to wear and tear.
Maintenance
When choosing flooring for your kitchen, think about what will best fit your lifestyle. You want to spend your time in your new kitchen enjoying it, not cleaning it. That’s why it’s important to choose a flooring option that is easy to clean and maintain. Water- and stain-resistant flooring is a great option for busy families or those who entertain often.
Style
Flooring is an important aspect to consider when deciding on the design, color scheme, look, and feel of your kitchen. Make sure that your flooring choice matches the colors you’re using for your walls, cabinets, and counters. Additionally, ensure that it looks good with the various textures and patterns in your kitchen design.
Your kitchen floor needs to be able to stand up to a lot of foot traffic and spills, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are plenty of options for durable flooring that also fits with the rest of your kitchen’s design.
Types of Kitchen Floors
Tiles
Tile is a material that can withstand frequent exposure to water, making it ideal for areas like kitchens. There are many types of tile, including ceramic, porcelain and stone, that can be used for kitchen flooring. Tile also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so it can be laid out in many different patterns to match any design theme.
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are similar in that they are both highly resistant to damage. However, because they are hard, any dishes dropped on them will likely break. In addition, due to their weight, they are not recommended for a second-story floor.
Tile in general can be slippery and grout is prone to stains. Therefore, any messes should still be cleaned up right away. Although stone tile is more expensive than ceramic or porcelain, it can be just as tough with the proper care. Its porous surface also makes it more likely to be non-slip. Some stone tiles that can be used for flooring include travertine, marble, slate and granite.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is a surprisingly versatile option for the kitchen. It is very durable and can be stained to resemble wood, stone, or tile. When sealed, concrete is almost waterproof; however, mats are still recommended near areas of excessive moisture, such as in front of the sink or dishwasher.
Concrete is a popular choice for flooring because it is less expensive than other options. It can also be designed to look like more expensive materials, so it does not have to look like a budget flooring choice.
Hardwood
Hardwood is one of the most traditional flooring options for kitchens and is still a popular choice today. While solid hardwoods are not waterproof, they are water-resistant with the correct finish. Spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid any damage.
Hardwood floors can be refinished to change their appearance, which can be convenient if you’re doing a less extensive kitchen renovation and don’t want to replace the entire floor to make it match the new aesthetic.
Key Takeaway
With the vast array of kitchen flooring on the market, it is important to do your research before making a decision. Make sure to check out all of the products and trends that you like before choosing. Consider your budget and take the time to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each material; this way, you can be confident and content with your selection for the years to come.
