Your kitchen floor not only has to complement the rest of your kitchen décor and the overall aesthetic of your home, but it also needs to withstand constant foot traffic and the inevitable spills and messes. The following looks at the benefits and drawbacks of some of today’s most popular types of flooring.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile floors are versatile, durable, and budget-friendly. They can be cold and hard on the feet, but you can easily compensate with attractive throw rugs. You will need to clean and seal the grout periodically to keep your floor looking its best.
Stone
As a natural element, stone has a depth of color, texture, and pattern that instantly makes any room feel elegant and upscale. Stone generally requires little maintenance; however, porous stones may require sealing to prevent stains. Stone is one of the more expensive flooring options and typically requires a professional installation.
Wood
Natural wood floors are always in style, come in a variety of widths and colors, and can last virtually forever with proper care. While you do have to be careful to clean up spills right away, normal everyday scratches and minor dents can be removed with periodic refinishing. You will find that the wood will actually become more beautiful over time as it develops its patina.
Vinyl
Until relatively recently, vinyl had the reputation of being inexpensive but far from stylish. Today, vinyl comes in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes that can mimic the look and feel of stone, wood, and other more expensive floorings. It is easy enough to install that most people can do it themselves, and it is easy to maintain. Vinyl does, however, tend to show wear quicker than other types of flooring, so the lower price is offset by replacement costs.
Linoleum
As an all-natural material, linoleum is considered a green building product. It also has a retro-cool appeal and can be adapted to almost any décor. Linoleum does need to be sealed with a protective coating and waxed and polished to keep it looking its best. While it is relatively budget-friendly, installing linoleum can be tricky and should normally be left to a professional.
Cork
Cork has become extremely popular in recent years thanks to its sustainability and ecofriendliness. It is shock and sound absorbent, so it is comfortable on the feet and can make your home seem quieter. Cork is durable, but it does require regular cleaning and sealing to prevent dirt and grime from scarring the surface.
Concrete
If your design aesthetic leans toward industrial-chic, you may want to consider a concrete floor. You can stain the concrete virtually any color that you desire, and you can stamp or etch it to create more visual interest. While concrete is practically indestructible as long as it is sealed, some people find it too hard and cold.
Laminate
If you like the look of wood but it is out of your budget, laminate is a cost-effective alternative. The engineering processes used to create laminates today yield a more realistic looking product than even a few years ago. Laminate is easy to maintain and relatively durable; however, it cannot be refinished and must be replaced if it damaged.
Bamboo
Bamboo is sturdy, sustainable, and moderately priced. It has an appearance similar to hardwood, but it does have a more limited range of color choices. Bamboo is also not as moisture resistant as other flooring.
From cabinets to floors, Alair Homes Burlington can help you through all aspects of remodeling the kitchen in your Burlington home. Contact us today for more information.