A kitchen remodel is a great way to update your home. And a new kitchen floor is a great way to update your kitchen.
In fact, 69% of homeowners who renovate their kitchens include new flooring.
But how do you know which flooring materials would work best? To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the most popular kitchen flooring materials available.
Tile
Porcelain tile is made from natural clay, which is shaped, glazed and fired to produce a tough, durable material.
- Quality tile is stain-resistant, moisture-resistant and tolerates high temperatures.
- You can find lots of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns to customize the look of your kitchen. Tile can also mimic other materials like wood or stone.
- Tile is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. You will want to pay close attention to cleaning between grout lines.
- Look for slip-resistant tiles for safety. Because tile can be cold to the touch, consider radiant floor heating for greater comfort.
Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood
Wood adds a warm, upscale appearance to any room. It is highly sought after by homeowners and never goes out of style, so your kitchen won’t look dated as the years go by.
- Wood is ideal for open floor plans, where you need the kitchen to blend seamlessly with living or dining areas.
- Because every piece of wood has a different grain, it gives the room a unique sense of style.
- Although highly durable and low-maintenance, wood is susceptible to moisture damage. A quality sealer and regular re-sealing will protect your floors.
- You can choose between solid wood strips and engineered wood planks. Made from real wood backed by plywood, engineered wood is a beautiful, affordable alternative that stands up to heat and humidity.
- The appearance of your wood may change over time. However, many homeowners consider this a plus as it adds an appealing character that can’t be duplicated.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a versatile material that comes in a variety of colors, textures and styles.
- Also called resilient flooring, vinyl features a softer surface that cushions your feet if you stand for long periods of time while cooking.
- It’s affordable for those wanting a beautiful kitchen on a tight budget.
- Luxury vinyl flooring is a more upscale option that mimics the look of wood or stone.
- It’s easy to clean, waterproof and stain-resistant. This makes it a great choice for homes with kids, pets or frequent spills.
- Moisture and dirt may become trapped in seams between seams, so use care when cleaning.
- Vinyl may wear and fade after 7-10 years, so replacement may be required.
Stone
The natural pattern and color variations of genuine stone give your kitchen a luxurious, one-of-a-kind look and feel.
- Popular options include granite, marble, slate, limestone, travertine and sandstone.
- Stone is naturally cool and keeps your kitchen comfortable when the stove heats up.
- Radiant heating may be included in colder climates.
- Although highly durable, stone is also porous, which leaves it susceptible to moisture and staining. Annual sealing will keep your floor in good condition.
Bamboo
For homeowners looking to go green, bamboo is a sturdy, eco-friendly material that adds modern beauty to your kitchen.
- One of the strongest materials found in nature, bamboo is harder than hardwood.
- Quality bamboo is also more expensive than hardwood and often comes with a long warranty.
- It is highly durable and moisture-resistant.
- Bamboo is harder to refinish as it has no natural grain direction, which may be a challenge for future remodels.
Other Flooring Options
Still need more ideas? Here are a few more quality materials that will look great in your kitchen.
- Cork is a natural insulator that resists extreme temperatures and has acoustic properties for absorbing loud noises. Another kitchen-friendly feature is that cork is antimicrobial and repels pests and insects.
- Concrete is durable and highly customizable. It can be stamped, stained, polished, waxed or stenciled for almost any look you want. It does require periodic resealing and may be hard on feet if you stand for long periods of time.
- Laminate is durable, comes in a wide variety of styles and looks great for less money than hardwood. It can include padding underneath for foot support. However, it may be a slippery surface so pay attention to quality when shopping around.
- Linoleum is an eco-friendly material that has made a comeback after its initial popularity decades ago. Made from all-natural linseed oil, linoleum is durable, easy to clean and simple to maintain. It may be vulnerable to water damage, which could require replacement.
- Rubber gives you a stylish, non-slip surface that’s comfortable for your feet and easy to install. It’s available in sheets or tiles and comes in a variety of colors and textures. In addition, recycled rubber is a great option for those interested in sustainability.
Not sure which material to select for your kitchen?
Contact Elite Renovations & Design! Our experienced contractors will go over your options and give you a free quote on your kitchen remodel.
