There are many flooring options available for kitchens that represent a range of styles, durability, and maintenance. When choosing which is best for your own kitchen, you will want to consider your household members, how often you are willing to refinish, and budget. Read on to learn about popular materials for kitchen floors so you can discover which would work best in your own home.
Tile
One common material you will find on many kitchen floors is tile. People choose tile because it is durable and low maintenance. Tile normally requires grouting, although contemporary styles call for thinner grout lines to create the appearance of a larger kitchen. It’s best to acquire professional help when it comes to installing tile, since improper sealing can lead to dirt getting caught between tiles and faster wear and tear. Remember that with tile, anything fragile will shatter when dropped and the material feels hard underfoot. Also consider when choosing what type of tile you prefer that certain texture can make it harder to clean.
Engineered Wood
Many people desire the warmth that hardwood floors bring to a kitchen. However, wood can be finicky in terms of the kitchen environment—spills, heat, and heavy foot traffic are all factors that make taking care of wood a little more high maintenance. Opt for engineered wood, which is made up of multiple layers of plywood and/or white wood with a veneer as the top layer. Engineered wood is more water resilient and normally comes pre-finished. Clean up is easy with occasional mopping and sweeping up dirt.
Vinyl
While vinyl might conjure up images of checkered and kitschy floors, that is no longer always the case. Vinyl can now mimic the look of other materials like stone or hardwood, but is a much more economical option as well as easier to clean or patch if damaged. The scratch, stain and fade resistant surface makes this a durable and low maintenance option that can be installed over most flat surfaces. A couple things to consider is that vinyl has the tendency to bubble or peel after a while.
Cork
The use of cork is a growing trend due to its sustainability, resilience, and soft feel when standing on it. Cork also has the power to reduce energy bills, as it naturally insulates a room. The material is resistant to water, heat and mold making it ideal for the kitchen environment. Just wipe up dirt or spills immediately, and reseal regularly for proper upkeep. Cork is another flooring that can be installed over most flat surfaces.
Concrete
In homes with a contemporary feel, concrete floors have been prevalent in creating an industrial chic vibe. Concrete is virtually indestructible, a cinch to clean, and great for high traffic areas like the kitchen. It can be left as is, or dyed to customize the look. It’s also a good foundation for any other surface if you choose to switch things up further down the road.
Laminate
Finally, laminate is another economical option that has the power to mimic more expensive materials like tile or wood. Because of the layered construction, it holds up against scratches well. Proper installation will help laminate last longer, since when the top layer wears away, it should be replaced.
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel can help you choose the right floor for your kitchen. Call about a free in-home consultation, or visit one our design showroom in Orange County.