Getting Creative with the Flooring Choice for Your Custom Kitchen

Your custom kitchen deserves a unique floor, even if just to set it apart. But, it’s not just visual qualities we’re talking about. The best kitchen floors are durable, low-maintenance, and most importantly, functional.

That’s because the kitchen is a high-traffic area, prone to all kinds of spills. You want a flooring that, aside from its striking appeal, is both easy to clean and able to withstand the rigors of everyday use, for a long time.

The following are five timeless options to consider, complete with pro tips to help you get the most value from the flooring you choose;

Carpet hasn’t historically been a popular kitchen flooring choice because it’s difficult to clean and maintain. But, there’s a new variant in town, known as carpet tiles. Designed, tested, and proven to be an industrial grade for high traffic areas, carpet tiles are easy to install, easy to clean, and impressively durable. It gets better; the carpet can be removed for cleaning and replacement!

Pro Tip: Choose modern, DIY carpet tiles. And, for a modern look, rather than install the carpet wall-to-wall, use them only in selected areas of the kitchen.

Concrete floors in custom home kitchens give a contemporary look and tone that is hard to match. Both durable and easy to maintain, the material can withstand even the busiest kitchens without losing its stunning appeal. The best part is that you can choose from a range of concrete finishes; stained, polished, stenciled, waxed, and so on.

Pro Tip: Concrete can be very cold, especially in cool climates. Consider adding radiant floor heating beneath the concrete for a warmer floor.

Rubber is another excellent kitchen flooring option. Available in a variety of colors and textures, its adhesive-free nature guarantees a strong grip while ensuring that spills are wiped off with ease. The material is also non-slip, which can be an added advantage for families with young kids who love to spend time around the kitchen.

Pro Tip: Richer, darker colors are the best choice for kitchen flooring as they tend to hide oil stains better. For an earth-friendly home, choose recycled, non-expensive rubber.

Among all the options on this list, stone is by far the most durable. But, that’s not the only thing going for the material. Stone also comes in a variety of patterns and colors, giving homeowners plenty of options to pick from. The most common stone flooring options are marble, slate, and travertine.

Pro Tip: Like with concrete, stone flooring can be a bit cold, especially in cool climates. Adding sub-floor radiant heat is recommended. Additionally, always look through every stone tile before installation. This will help you remove pieces with unwanted colors and textures.

Finally, wood is among the most popular kitchen flooring options, and for a good reason. Not only is the material less expensive than most other options, but it’s also warm, high-end, and has a unique look. Also, it’s easy to clean and maintain. And, as long as you protect it from excess moisture, the flooring can last many years.

Modern interior kitchen with creative wood flooring
Photo by Alair Homes Victoria – Modern interior kitchen with creative wood flooring

 

Pro Tip: If living in a high humidity area, avoid large planks as these tend to cup and warp over time. Another good idea is to add an extra coat of finish to the kitchen floor to protect the wood from spills.

Other Options

Of course, there are many other kitchen flooring options out there, including bamboo, vinyl, and cork. At Alair Homes, we help our clients to understand them all and make the right choice for their kitchen and their lifestyle. Contact us to learn more and discuss your kitchen renovation ideas.