Whether you are remodeling your existing kitchen or building a new home, one of the hardest decisions to make may be what kind of floor to place in your kitchen. There are numerous kitchen flooring options, each of which provides a unique look and feel. The decision should be made based on your budget, of course, but also on what kind of wear the floor will receive from your family. Kitchens are generally the busiest room in the home with a variety of activities centered there. There are advantages to each type of floor you could place in your kitchen.
A vinyl or laminate are the best inexpensive kitchen flooring options. They come in a wide variety of patterns and colors so you can certainly choose one that will be a perfect complement to your decor. In addition to the price, these types of floors are about the easiest to install and maintain. They clean easily with water and resist stains. The drawback to vinyl or laminate is that they may not be as durable as tile or wood floors.
If you desire something warm and homey, and do not mind paying a little more money, wood flooring is a great option. It is not as resistant to water as tile or vinyl, but if spills are wiped up immediately the wood will not discolor or warp. Although they may show scratches more easily than others, wood floors last a lifetime and can be sanded and refinished as they age to restore their beauty if need be. You will not have to replace a wood floor for many generations if it is taken care of.
Many people find that their best kitchen flooring options are those that are more durable than even vinyl or wood. Ceramic tile flooring is certainly a durable floor. It is hard enough to resist surface damage and can be obtained in a variety of patterns and colors. To ensure that tile flooring lasts a long time, it should be professionally installed over a rigid sub flooring to prevent tiles from cracking or bowing in high traffic areas. While tile is very easy to clean and maintain, the choice of grout colors should be considered. Because grout is semi porous, a light colored grout will stain much easier than a dark colored grout.
If you stand for long periods of time in your kitchen and want comfort under your feet, you may consider one of the traditional commercial kitchen flooring options. The floor coverings designed for standing comfort include rubber flooring and cork flooring. Cork flooring is increasing in popularity and although it can be a bit pricey, it provides ease of care, is environmentally friendly, and is manufactured in a variety of finishes and colors.
With so many kitchen flooring options available, you will have to consider the time you will spend in the kitchen, the wear the floor will get, and your budget before finalizing your decision. Flooring should be something that lasts in a home. Invest enough money so that you have the look you really want and all the functionality that you need in your kitchen.