KITCHEN FLOORING OPTIONS
1) CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tile is an excellent option for a high traffic area like the kitchen. It’s durable and waterproof, and it comes in a wide variety of patterns, styles, and colors that make it easy to customize your kitchen to suit your style. However, ceramic tile can feel uncomfortably cold in the winter, and is a more expensive investment than alternatives like linoleum and vinyl.
2) HARDWOOD
While hardwood may have once seemed like a risky option in the kitchen, today’s prefinished hardwood floors can withstand water stains and high traffic. It’s a more expensive flooring option, but can create a seamless look in houses with open floor plans.
3) BAMBOO
Bamboo is a growing flooring trend. Because bamboo is fast growing, it’s an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to hardwood with a similar look. Natural bamboo is blonde, but stained and carbonized bamboo comes in a range of colors. While bamboo is relatively durable, it can scratch or dent, and it’s susceptible to moisture. If you choose bamboo in your kitchen, wipe up spills immediately, and be careful with heavy kitchenware.
4) NATURAL STONE
Natural stone has been a popular flooring option for centuries. Slate may be the most common, but travertine, sandstone, granite, and marble are also popular. Natural stone can vary in color and strength, and is one of the more expensive flooring options. That said, certain stones, like sandstone, can be a sound investment due to their resilience.
5) VINYL
Vinyl sheets or tiles are a good flooring option for those on a budget, or for someone who isn’t quite ready to commit to a full kitchen renovation. This durable, easy to clean material comes in natural stone, wood, and patterned tile looks. It’s resistant to water, stains, and scuffs, so it holds up well in a high traffic kitchen.
6) LAMINATE
Laminate is more rigid than vinyl, but is similarly durable, affordable, and easy to clean. For kitchens that are frequented by pets and children, laminate can mimic the look of hardwood or tile without the risk of staining.
7) LINOLEUM
While many mistake vinyl flooring for linoleum, linoleum is made with natural materials like tree resins, mineral pigments, and cork dust, and is mounted on a jute or canvas backing. While vinyl may wear down more quickly and need to be replaced, linoleum can last up to 40 years with proper care. You can also buff out scratches since the color runs all the way though. Linoleum is an affordable, durable flooring option for the kitchen with a longer lifespan than laminate and vinyl.
-
3 mins
