If you are remodeling your kitchen for home resale, or simply freshening up your kitchen for your family to enjoy, flooring will be key to the new look. When your current kitchen floor is worn out, or you want to change the color or style, there are many types of new flooring to consider. Here are the top options for kitchen flooring from our team at Floor Coverings International Plano.
Tile Flooring
With tile flooring for the kitchen, you can combine attributes like tile material, size, texture, and color to achieve a unique look. Porcelain tile is tough and easy to care for. It’s also versatile and affordable. It is not vulnerable to moisture and won’t stain easily. For a glossy, smooth look, choose glazed porcelain kitchen tile. Alternatively, many homeowners opt for unglazed porcelain tile with the appearance of natural stone for the kitchen, which avoids stone’s higher price and maintenance requirements.
Keep in mind: Standing on tile for hours can put a strain on feet and legs. Consider placing a mat on the floor in key areas.
Hardwood Flooring
Durable hardwood floors are an excellent choice if you have an open floor plan in your home, so you can carry the warm, natural look of wood throughout. Low-maintenance hardwood will never go out of style, so it makes for a practical and beautiful long-term kitchen floor that can add to your home’s resale value. Cherry, oak and maple are popular options. Bamboo can be a great eco-friendly alternative with the look of real wood.
Keep in mind: Engineered hardwood is less costly and is well suited for kitchens with a higher tolerance for moisture and humidity.
Laminate Flooring
When scuff and scratch resistance are crucial, such as in high traffic kitchens and homes with kids or pets, laminate flooring is a popular choice. Versatile laminate is a low-maintenance, engineered synthetic material, which can mimic tile or wood.
Keep in mind: Laminate won’t feel or look exactly like wood. Although easy to install (especially if you choose a floating version), laminate must be replaced when worn, rather than refinished.
Cork Flooring
Eco-friendly cork flooring is comfortable to walk on, with a bit of natural “give” built in. Cork, made from responsibly harvested tree bark, is very durable and water-resistant to stand up to your kitchen’s heavy daily use. Cork’s texture also helps avoid slipping in the kitchen.
Keep in mind: Cork must be re-sealed every four years or so, with wax or polyurethane, to avoid moisture buildup between tiles and maintain scratch-resistance.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Comfort combined with stain resistance, durability, and easy upkeep mean that economical vinyl flooring is still an excellent option in the kitchen. Many homeowners are familiar with sheet vinyl, which is versatile and low cost. Luxury vinyl plank or tile flooring is another way to bring the benefits of vinyl to the kitchen with a higher end look.
Keep in mind: Vinyl kitchen floors may have a shorter life than other flooring options. The surface cannot be refinished, and a damaged surface must be replaced completely.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum flooring is an antibacterial, “green” kitchen flooring option when used with no-VOC solvents. Composed of recycled cork dust, linseed oil and wood fibers, you can achieve a retro look and many creative designs with linoleum cut to desired shapes or patterns.
Keep in mind: Linoleum can show wear at the seams unless coated during manufacture or waxed regularly.
For more information about kitchen flooring options contact the experts at Floor Coverings International Plano today. We’ll come to you with our mobile showroom to help you find the best flooring for your kitchen, or any room in your home.
Photo by David Papazian