The kitchen is one place in the home where there is not only heavy traffic, but the floor also often takes a heavy beating from hot and cold liquid spills, dropped utensils, and scattered food particles. Thus, it is important to have the right type of flooring in the kitchen, otherwise it won’t last long.
Unfortunately, not all types of flooring can be used in the kitchen. Not only does the kitchen floor need to be tough and sturdy, but it also needs to be comfortable and easy to clean and maintain. Functionality is important as are the aesthetics of the flooring material.
Are you thinking of upgrading your kitchen flooring? Well, here are eight of the best types of flooring for your kitchen that you should consider:
1. Hardwood
Hardwood is one of the best types of flooring for kitchen spaces, because it is durable, easy to maintain, clean, and has good aesthetics. However, because hardwood is prone to rot if exposed to excess water or moisture, you should ensure that the hardwood you select has a polyurethane finish, which provides good protection against spills and is long-lasting.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo is making a comeback in North America. Not only is it more durable than hardwood, but it is also very resistant to damage from moisture and water spills. Bamboo is also very easy to clean.
The downside to bamboo is the cost. Most apartment and townhouses that are designed for an average middle-class family do not have bamboo floors because it’s a more expensive floor. Also, you need expertise from a professional to refinish a bamboo floor.
3. Ceramic
Ceramic tile made from natural clay is often used for kitchen flooring. It is very durable and impervious to liquids and stain-resistant. The other advantage of ceramic is that it is heat resistant and difficult to break. It is also a lot cheaper than hardwood. However, the downside is that it can lose its shine, and the aesthetics will change after a decade of use.
4. Concrete
Concrete is not a bad flooring material if your kitchen is on the ground level or in the basement. It is one of the least expensive material and very durable. The surface can be colored, polished, and treated in many ways to improve the overall look and feel of the kitchen floor.
Concrete installation is also relatively easier than other flooring material. Unfortunately, concrete can get cold and may not be a great option if you live in areas where the winters are harsh. In addition, concrete floors usually don’t look that great and may not appeal to everyone.
5. Stone
Stone tiles are a relatively new option for a kitchen floor. They are durable, sturdy, and very easy to clean. There are many options for stone tiles, and they come in unique styles and can be quite nice looking. The use of stone tiles reflects luxury.
The downside to stone tiles is that it is susceptible to liquid and water stains, which is a common problem in most kitchens. Fortunately, one can get a stone sealer applied to prevent water penetration. Stone tiles are ideal for those who want their kitchens to look modern and different from other typical kitchen designs.
6. Linoleum
Linoleum is one of the oldest materials used for kitchen floors. It can be found in many homes because it is easy to install, relatively cheap, and simple to clean and maintain. The one major negative to use of linoleum is that it is not very resistant to water or heat.
The linoleum can be stained, and when exposed to heat, it may even start to curl up. But if you can maintain your linoleum floor well, it can look very good and be easy to maintain.
7. Vinyl
Vinyl is the best type of flooring for kitchen spaces, especially for homeowners with a limited budget. Unlike linoleum, vinyl is water-resistant and very easy to clean. Vinyl can easily last several decades without losing its functionality or original look.
8. Porcelain
Porcelain kitchen tile flooring is also a great option as it offers both durability and an overall great look. If you have a large family or lots of kids, this could be a good choice because it is very easy to clean and can handle spills quite well.
The best way to determine which floor would suit you best is to speak to a flooring expert. Based on the size of your family and your usage, they can recommend a flooring type which would fit within your budget and also provide you the easy and comfort you need.
In today’s day and age, durability is an important factor when it comes to kitchen flooring as the kitchen is usually the most heavily used room in the house. Indeed, different people have different opinions about how they would like their kitchen to be. The floor you choose is usually based on how you want your dream kitchen to be.
