They say a kitchen is the heart of the home. So don’t you want the beating center of your home to look beautiful and last for years? Choosing the best kitchen flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make.
We’ve put together this guide featuring 8 kitchen floor materials that will cook up the perfect recipe for your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Kitchen Flooring
When choosing the best kitchen floor material, you’ll want to consider several factors. This will help you pick something that fits the look of your home and your lifestyle. A retired couple might make a different choice than a couple with young children and pets running around the house.
6 things to consider:
- Level of maintenance required
- Your budget
- Your personal style preference
- The style of your home
- Durability
- Neutrality – Something that allows for future updates or renovations
Now, let’s go over some of the choices that are available. You may come across one you hadn’t considered.
1. Hardwood
Maybe you think of hardwood flooring as something to put in the dining room or living room. However, it can work just as well in the kitchen. It lends instant warmth to a room and is especially suited to homes with a rustic or country chic vibe.
While hardwood can be susceptible to moisture, recent innovations have resulted in materials with modern sealers and polyurethane finishes that make it more durable.
Over time, you may see inevitable stains or wear, but you can easily have hardwood floors sanded and refinished to bring back the original splendor.
There are many different types of hardwood, from oak and maple to exotic types such as ipe or kempas. However, you do want to consider the hardness of the wood, especially as your kitchen floor will need to endure a bit of abuse.
2. Bamboo
If you want the look of hardwood, while gaining added durability and resistance to moisture, bamboo flooring is a unique choice. The manufacturing process makes it more impervious to water damage so it can last longer.
On the downside, it can be more expensive than hardwood. However, if you have the budget, it may be the way to get more years out of your kitchen flooring.
3. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made from clay, which has been shaped, glazed, and then fired with extreme heat. This results in kitchen flooring that is incredibly durable. You won’t have a problem with stains or moisture, and it is impervious to heat.
Ceramic tiles are available in almost infinite varieties. You can choose different colors, shapes, patterns, and even mosaics to create a truly unique finished product.
Perhaps the only drawback is that ceramic tile can look a little “cooler”. It stays colder, too, which could be a factor if you live someplace that experiences frigid winters.
4. Concrete
Concrete is not just for walkways outside. This material can be so striking and dramatic, which might suit a modern or minimalistic style home. It can also be an inexpensive option so if you’re on a tighter budget, concrete should be a consideration.
You can enhance the look of concrete with polish, colored stains, or other treatments. You might be surprised by how beautiful and warm this material can be.
If you don’t already have a concrete foundation, you can pour one over many different subfloor substances.
5. Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tile is a very popular choice because it lends an instant elegance and sophistication to a kitchen. It can also go with almost any style home, from modern to Mediterranean or even Colonial.
The material is hard and extremely durable, which makes it a smart choice for a room that sees a lot of foot traffic. You have many different types of stone to choose from, including marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, and sandstone.
The only drawback is that stone can be porous and susceptible to water damage. Therefore, you’ll need to apply a stone sealer every year to keep out moisture and stains. It can also be an expensive choice depending on the type of stone so watch your budget.
6. Vinyl
Vinyl is a versatile and fairly inexpensive choice that is long-lasting and easy to maintain. It’s also impervious to stains, damage, and water issues. If you like to do home renovation projects yourself, vinyl is very DIY-friendly, even if you’re new to the game.
There are many different colors and versions of flooring available. One of the most popular is luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), which is a high-quality material that can be manufactured to look very much like hardwood or stone. You can find LVF in snap-together tiles or planks.
7. Linoleum
Okay, we know what you’re thinking.
Linoleum? Isn’t that a relic of bad 70s design?
Hear us out.
Linoleum has actually made a comeback in recent years. It's made from renewable materials like linseed oil and tree resins so it’s environmentally friendly, while also being easy to clean and maintain. It’s also affordable so if you’re on a tight budget, give linoleum a chance.
Now let’s talk versatility. You can find linoleum flooring in a variety of colors and patterns. It can even be manufactured to mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile.
8. Cork
Cork is another unique choice that has become popular recently. It’s a great choice if you want a warmer, softer look without paying the higher price associated with hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile.
Get Cooking with the Right Kitchen Floor Material
Choosing the best kitchen flooring is not something to undertake lightly. You need to consider your personal preferences, your home's style, and your lifestyle to find something that will suit your family.
National Floors Direct can help you transform your kitchen and make it a showpiece you’ll be proud to show off. We can take care of everything from ordering to installation. Contact us today to request a quote.
