Kitchens are often the center of family life and should provide an environment conducive to eating, talking and laughing together. Therefore, the ideal flooring choice should be durable enough to withstand spills, heat and humidity without succumbing to damage over time.
Laminate floors offer an affordable alternative to hardwood, with waterproof options now also available. Porcelain tile can provide durable kitchen flooring in both its glazed or unglazed forms.
Laminate
Laminate flooring offers an affordable and warm solution that’s resistant to scratches, scuffs and stains. However, it tends to absorb moisture and expand with use – so opt for products with water resistant laminate or look for one with an guaranteed waterproof core for best results.
Vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tile (LVP) and roll vinyl, provides another durable kitchen option that stands up well against scuffs, scratches and heat damage. Plus, there’s a range of wood grain patterns to emulate natural wood’s appearance.
Cork flooring provides softness on your feet while remaining durable, and you can purchase sheets or even self-stick or glue-down tiles.
Solid hardwood floors add timeless beauty and can significantly increase the value of your home. Refinished multiple times over their long lifespan, hardwood flooring requires more of your budget than other options and takes longer to install than other forms of flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring offers budget-conscious consumers versatile and cost-effective flooring solution that resists mildew and mold growth, cleans up easily after spills and splatters, and stands up well against humidity. Plus, its affordable options can mimic hardwood or stone surfaces.
Modern vinyl features a soft and cushiony underlayment that makes it warmer and more comfortable than tile or stone floors. Furthermore, its maintenance requires only vacuuming and mopping with mild detergent solutions.
Like laminate, this material is moisture-resistant and durable enough to withstand some damage from dropped dishes or furniture legs with metal edges. Furthermore, there are various styles available such as herringbone or chevron installations which add visual interest and add visual interest in a room.
Cork
Cork flooring material is one of the most environmentally-friendly on the market and also more comfortable underfoot than wood or tile surfaces, which may make it suitable for long hours spent working in the kitchen.
Cork flooring is an extremely resilient material crafted from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), harvested every nine years without harming its native habitat. Refinishing will also improve its aesthetic appeal over time.
Comfortable & Sound-Resistant
Cork floors’ soft cellular structure makes them both comfortable and soundproof, acting like a cushion underfoot while simultaneously offering sound dampening properties. Cork is much quieter than tile, laminate or hardwood flooring in terms of sound absorption – they even absorb impact noise from falling dishes! Cork outperforms ceramic tiles and vinyl in terms of shock absorption when walking over it or with furniture such as pets or children; its shock absorption capabilities have outshone ceramic tiles and vinyl in both properties as well. Cork flooring fades with direct sunlight but can be protected with clear coats of stain or varnish.
Tile
Porcelain tile flooring is an attractive choice for kitchen floors. Available in various designs that resemble stone and hardwood, porcelain is hardwearing yet slip-resistant; making it the ideal choice in moisture-prone kitchens such as those found near sinks where excess moisture exists. However, mats may need to be placed to keep it in place to reduce slipperiness.
Bamboo floors feature an exquisite natural aesthetic while being water-resistant and more eco-friendly than hardwood flooring options. Plus, bamboo grows much faster than other wood types!
Concrete floors boast a unique urban or industrial aesthetic that may appeal to some homeowners. Durable and water-resistant, yet cold under barefoot tread, they’re easy to keep looking like new with regular sweeping, mopping with general cleaning solutions and periodic treatment with sealants – so they make for great choice in many homes!
