You put the kitchen flooring through a lot. It has become your main hub at home—not only because it is your cook space, but also a gathering area for family and guests. From drips and spills to constant high foot traffic, dropped utensils, and everything in between, kitchen flooring is undeniably one of the hardest-working rooms in your house. With all these things going on in your kitchen, it is very crucial to find a floor covering that can withstand multiple hazards while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. While there are a lot of flooring options available, not every material can suit well for your kitchen. Taking into consideration the functionality, durability, comfort, budget, and style, the key to making the correct choice is to create a balance amongst these factors. To sum it all up, let’s take a look at these 5 flooring materials for your kitchen.
Crucial Criteria
When you are planning to redo your kitchen flooring, make sure to consider these following factors:
Lifestyle. Keep in mind that the right floor covering for your kitchen should suit well to your family’s lifestyle. If you are a family that loves to cook and entertain friends at home, it is crucial to choose a material that can stand up to high foot traffic and endure any wear and tear over time. Pick a flooring option that is tough enough to survive your lifestyle. If you have young kids or mobility-challenged members in the family, do not forget to consider a non-slip kitchen flooring for additional safety.
Budget. In your quest to find the best kitchen flooring in the market, the budget is probably on top of your list. Start by determining your flooring budget. Measure the size of your kitchen to know its square footage. Remember that additional expenses may come once you start your flooring project. These expenses include underlayment, installation, removal of your existing floor, delivery, to name a few. You may want to speak to a professional flooring contractor near you to get an estimate of the project.
Maintenance. In your kitchen, food spills and dirt are no longer uncommon, and it can get your flooring a little messy. With this, choose a kitchen flooring that is easy for upkeep. Find a material that would minimize the time you will spend on cleaning or maintaining your kitchen. As much as possible, look for a stain- and moisture-resistant type of kitchen flooring.
Convenience. Kitchen flooring can be a little uncomfortable, especially when you spend long hours standing up while cutting, dicing, or preparing food. Therefore, you need a floor covering that provides comfort underfoot, is convenient to walk on, and can reduce leg fatigue.
Design-friendly. When everything is said and done, you simply want your kitchen to look great like any other room in your house. Whether it be country-style, contemporary, or rustic, choose a kitchen flooring that will complement any décor of this area. Manufacturers and builders offer a wide assortment of flooring options that will fit your style. Ask for samples from a local flooring contractor to determine which flooring patterns, texture, and colors will blend well in your kitchen.
Kitchen Flooring Option 1: Hardwood & Engineered Wood
Hardwood is by nature an exceptionally durable flooring option. For many years, hardwood is considered a poor choice for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms or kitchen. However, with the help of modern technology, hardwood, and engineered wood are no longer a stranger to kitchen flooring. This flooring option can survive high amounts of foot traffic in your kitchen. Stains and mess are inevitable, but you just need regular sweeping and mopping to make sure it is in great shape. Engineered wood is moisture-resistant, so any spills while cooking or preparing food can be easily wiped up. An option of sanding and refinishing is also possible to retain its look and last for decades. A properly finished hardwood flooring can resist moisture from occasional spills or splashes.
Not only that hardwood flooring can increase the resale value of your home, but it is also a great choice if you plan to have an open floor plan where you want to use a single type of flooring that transitions from room to room.
While hardwood and engineered wood are great choices for kitchen flooring, these are considered one of the most expensive options in the market. If you plan to install hardwood or engineered wood in your kitchen, make sure to talk to a professional flooring specialist for a recommendation.
Kitchen Flooring Option 2: Cork
Cork flooring is probably the most sustainable flooring option you will find for your kitchen. It is harvested from tree bark which makes it eco-friendly and noncontributory to indoor air pollution as it does not emit harmful substances. It is a good choice for kitchen flooring because cork has an incredibly unique cellular structure, making it highly resistant to moisture and water. This same structure provides cushion underfoot, so it is comfortable and safe to walk on. Also, it has a textured surface that helps prevent slips or fall accidents and alleviates leg fatigue due to a long period of standing.
A well-maintained cork flooring can last about 20 to 25 years. To maintain its look and functionality, the cork floor needs resealing every after three to four years. Make sure not to overexpose it to the sun, as it will tend to discolor or fade over time. You may want to close curtains or blinds for added protection. Another drawback of cork is that it is prone to denting due to hefty furniture, table, or chairs dragging back and forth.
Kitchen Flooring Option 3: Luxury and Resilient Vinyl
Vinyl or resilient flooring is a budget-friendly flooring option that offers a wide variety of colors and styles for your kitchen. It can even mimic the look of genuine wood and natural stone. It is a good choice for kitchen flooring because of its proven durability. In fact, vinyl floors can last up to 20 years if maintained properly. And taking care of it is reasonably easy. Just make sure that the vinyl floor is free from all the grit and dirt. To do this, you simply need to sweep the floor regularly or use a damp mop when necessary. You can also apply an approved vinyl floor cleaner if desired.
In addition to its durable and low maintenance attributes, vinyl flooring has resistance to moisture and water. Some vinyl options are available in waterproof versions as well. And since it is resilient flooring, vinyl feels slightly soft underfoot. Thus, it is convenient to walk on and eases leg fatigue even if you spend long hours standing and preparing food. Plus, some types of vinyl are downright inexpensive.
The downside of vinyl flooring, however, is that it is not eco-friendly. It contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be detrimental to human health. While it is durable, vinyl is very susceptible to gouges and scratches. It is prone to damage due to heavy or sharp objects. Not to mention that it provides little to no contribution to increasing the resale value of your home.
Kitchen Flooring Option 4: Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is the most durable floor covering for your kitchen. It is tough enough that it can handle high foot traffic and stand the test of time. When it is manufactured, porcelain is fired at a high temperature to create a hard tile that even water cannot penetrate. This makes porcelain tile extremely resistant to water, scratches, and stains. Since it is waterproof, it can withstand any spills, mess, or splatter that are so common in the kitchen.
Though porcelain tiles are amazingly durable, they are not slip-resistant. This makes it a bad choice for a family with young kids. It is also difficult to stand on a porcelain tile flooring for so long because it is hard underfoot. You may need to place a soft mat over the floor or wear cushioned shoes to remedy the situation. Also, the installation of porcelain tile is not for DIYers. It is labor-intensive and you may need to hire a professional flooring contractor for installation.
Kitchen Flooring Option 5: Linoleum
Made from biodegradable, renewable linseed oil and cork powder, linoleum is another eco-friendly kitchen flooring. It emits no harmful VOCs, making it safe for the whole family. What makes linoleum flooring a good option for the kitchen is its durability. It can stand up so well in high foot traffic. When properly cared for, linoleum flooring can last up to 40 years. Another advantage of linoleum flooring is its resistance to moisture. While it is a bit susceptible to staining, it can be remedied by purchasing a protective coating to prevent spills and scratches. In choosing linoleum, make sure to avoid any low-quality options as they will curl easily when exposed to humidity.
What is the best kitchen flooring for your home?
The best type of floor covering for your kitchen is the one that suits well with your budget and priorities. Understand each factor or criteria mentioned above before you start your kitchen makeover. Do you prefer a low maintenance option? Are you on a tight budget? Do you have young kids or pets at home? Are you rooting for convenience and durability? These questions can help you identify the right flooring option for your kitchen. However, if you still need help with your next flooring project, contact us today. Carpet Ready provides a no-commitment estimate, so you can make a wise decision.