Kitchen Flooring: Today’s Top 5 Options
We all might as well put comfy couches and chairs in our kitchens, because it seems to be where everyone hangs out. Even though the kitchen is intended for cooking and eating, it’s a pretty versatile space which needs a lot of consideration when it comes to choosing the right flooring.
Think about what transpires in your kitchen: young children spilling drinks and food, rich sauces splattering over the edge of the pot as they simmer, foot traffic from your family and pets running in and out constantly. These types of activities require a very tough floor.
After four generations of experience in the flooring business, we’ve become pretty accustomed to knowing which flooring materials work best for a kitchen floor. And while you have a variety of options for kitchen flooring, each option comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Resilient Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile, WPC Flooring, Sheet Vinyl & others)
Durability and value. It’s what you get when you choose resilient flooring. It’s generally very stain resistant, long lasting and able to stand up to a lot of traffic. And resilient is typically very affordable. It comes in an extensive variety of styles, everything from natural looking selections like stone, tile and wood, to stylized looks like leather and fabric. It’s soft on the feet and pleasant to walk on. Resilient is available in tiles or sheets and, in many cases, it can go right over existing vinyl or linoleum tile. Some resilient tile products can even be grouted rendering for an authentic stone tile look at a fraction of the price. And now, there are a few resilient styles that are waterproof, which is a huge plus for basements or areas where a lot of water or moisture may be a concern. A well maintained resilient floor can last upwards of 20 years.
Laminate Flooring
If you love the look of hardwood, tile or stone in the kitchen but you worry about it holding up to minor scratches and the stress of kitchen life, laminate is a great option. Laminate is very resistant to scratching, denting and wear, and costs considerably less than the options it imitates. It doesn’t fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Unlike the laminate of ten years ago, there have been big advances in texturing and imaging technology so today’s premium laminate flooring styles are almost indistinguishable from hardwood flooring – but you get the benefit of super easy cleanup and really affordable choices.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
The ceramic and porcelain tile category is the most popular flooring for kitchens. It’s versatile, durable and, due to advances in digital printing and glazing, it comes in realistic wood, stone, slate, travertine, marble and a variety of other finishes. It’s stylish, durable, very easy to clean and affordable. These products are also now available in natural looks (travertine, limestone, etc.) that are so convincing many flooring experts cannot tell whether they are looking at natural stone or manufactured tile. Ceramic and porcelain can rally enhance both the aesthetic experience of your interiors and also the value of your property. It is considered a semi-permanent interior finish; one that is more costly than the other categories, but one that you can enjoy throughout the life of your home.
Bamboo Flooring
Looking to lessen your environmental impact? Bamboo grows very quickly, which makes it an easily renewable resource that’s become a popular alternative option for kitchen flooring in the last few years. It’s a fresh and current interior element that gives kitchens (and any other room in your home) an earthy, natural vibe. You can find it in planks and tiles for unique twist on kitchen flooring. If you have an active family, be sure to look at stranded bamboo versus traditional bamboo; the former is much harder, more durable, and available in more grains and stain colors than its less expensive counterpart. Cost-wise, bamboo is in the same range as most average-to-better hardwood products.
Stone Flooring
It’s an elegant choice for a kitchen and will, literally, last a lifetime. You can choose luxurious varieties like marble, travertine, granite and slate. Each tile is unique in look, with no two tiles being the same. The look of real stone patterns and textures are tough to replicate and add an upscale feel and great value to your home. It’s a tough, natural flooring choice with low wear. While many ceramic and porcelain offerings replicate the fell and texture of natural stone and marble products, there is a richness in natural products that cannot be entirely duplicated – and stone is a good example of this. And plan on a bit more maintenance and re-application of sealers from time to time with natural stone, travertine, marble and other types of stone flooring.
It’s All About What Works in Your Home
As you can see, kitchen flooring options are incredibly varied. Choosing the correct flooring comes down to how your kitchen is used and what works for your lifestyle. If you need help deciding, you can always feel free to visit or call Tish at 317-879-TISH (8474) to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members or let us come to your home to show you our selection. There’s never a charge for our in-home consultations.
