The kitchen floor only matters because we cook, reach cabinets, sort through the pantry, and open the refrigerator on top of it. Kitchen floors never get the recognition it deserves. Remedy that by paying close attention to the material chosen when shopping for flooring. Alair Homes Springwater recommends careful planning with your flooring to remove buyer’s remorse and ease stress so you can focus on primary kitchen tasks.
Durability and appearance are primary factors in the perfect flooring choice. Perpetual floor traffic and accidents in kitchens require a strong material to withstand the punishment. Meanwhile, appearance is everything as it pulls the entire kitchen design together. Additionally, incorporate cleaning/maintenance, kitchen style (i.e., rustic, modern, beach, contemporary), comfort level, and cost (with delivery, installation, underlayment, and old floor removal) into the buying decision.
Tile
The go to choice for kitchen flooring, tile blends into every style and budget. While it looks good on floors and can withstand the harshest punishment, the comfort level and maintenance are disadvantages. It’s uncomfortable to stand on for lengthy periods. The cleaning process takes more than standard flooring as it requires special products to seal and clean the grout.
Stone
Stone blends in with any kitchen style because of its classy and elegant appearance. Besides style and appearance, stone is soft and comfortable to stand on, easy cleaning, and durable. Appearance and price are disadvantages. Not only are stone the most expensive on the list, stone chips, scratches, peels, and contain hidden crevices where dirt live.
Wood
Wood is a preferred choice for buyers because it never goes out of style. The timeless appearance blends into any kitchen style. Comfort level runs in the middle of the pack while prices are moderate. A well-kept floor aids in the durability process.
Vinyl
The most inexpensive flooring material on the list, buyers can customize vinyl to resemble tile, wood, or stone for less. Vinyl cooperates with any style while tying with cork as the most comfortable. While it’s easy to clean, durability and appearance are the only disadvantages, as it curls, bubbles, dents, scratches, fades, and dulls in the long term.
Linoleum
While not as soft as vinyl and cork, linoleum is easy on the feet and joints. Linoleum looks good with any style due to its versatile appearance. Maintenance and cleaning are easy and the price is affordable. While it’s durable too, usual wear-and-tear crumbles linoleum.
Cork
Tied with vinyl, its comfort level is the main advantage to this flooring. The warm appearance makes any kitchen style pop. The price is moderate, yet cleaning is a disadvantage. Cork lovers must clean frequently and seal often. Dirt and grime scar cork and the appearance fades over time.
Concrete
The second expensive floor on the list, concrete is uncomfortable and has a cold, expressionless appearance. Maintenance/cleaning is difficult too as sealing is commonplace to keep out water. The positives are durability and style.
Laminate
The second inexpensive material on the list, laminate is the easiest floor to maintain and clean. Laminate is durable, comfortable, and works with any kitchen style. One mark on its appearance, however, and the entire floor needs a makeover.
Bamboo
The durability, low-maintenance, comfort level, and cost make bamboo a great choice. The appearance is great because it resembles wood, yet the style suffers due to lack of choices and not being water-resistant.