Kitchen floors go through a lot. Between the constant plod of feet, heat and dropped utensils, drips and spills, your floor has to be able to endure a lot of hazards. On top of that, it should look good!
But, what materials can rise to the challenge? Not all are the same fit. Ideally, you’d want something that is durable, radiates style, suits the purpose, and doesn’t require much maintenance. Here are a few great options that fit the description.
Ceramic Tile
An excellent solution for your kitchen flooring as it is impervious to water and stains. On top of that, ceramic tiles are extremely durable. They are shaped from natural clay, glazed, and fired under heat.
Porcelain, as well as other types of ceramic tile, is resistant to breakage and heat. Ceramic tiles offer you a chance to be more creative.
They come in many colours, shapes, sizes, and faux natural patterns. You can even create a mosaic! Not all materials come with such a wealth of design options.
The fact that they can be somewhat cold might be their only drawback. However, you can fix that with a radiant heating system installed underneath the floor.
Natural Stone Tile
Do you need a floor that is literally hard as a rock? Well, it doesn’t get better than actual rock, in that regard. By opting for natural stone tile, you’ll secure a durable, long-lasting floor for your kitchen.
Natural stone options include sandstone, limestone, slate, marble, granite, and travertine. Every one of those spells pure luxury.
Marble and granite have a particularly attractive veining. It looks like no other. If the time comes to sell your home, the natural stone will do it for you. The material signals wealth.
However, each type of stone has its own, unique characteristics. The types differ in durability, hardness, and scratch resistance. Granite and slate can last you for decades if properly sealed and maintained.
If you choose natural stone tile, you’ll have to apply a quality penetrating stone sealer annually. It must be done in order to prevent water and liquid stain penetration.
Vinyl
An easy and versatile solution. Vinyl is almost completely impervious to stains and water issues. Maintenance is as easy as it gets. All it takes is a bit of mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping.
Usually, the material begins to wear and fade after about ten years of use. However, you can find vinyl that comes with a 20-year warranty.
The material is one of the most affordable ones, so replacing it every decade shouldn’t be much of a burden. Many crafty individuals love vinyl because it is DIY-friendly.
It’s important to note that vinyl flooring has rapidly evolved in the past years. You can find it in styles that convincingly mimic stone or wood.
Older types of vinyl are considered by many to be “bargain” flooring. However, luxury vinyl flooring is high-quality by all means. It can be seen in many upper-end houses.
Hardwood
This material is durable by its very nature. For decades, hardwood was considered a poor solution for kitchens and other areas susceptible to moisture. Luckily, modern engineering has turned things around.
Proper ductwork is key in protecting hardwood from heat, as well as humidity and moisture. The stress is on “proper,” as poorly-installed ductwork will only exacerbate problems, Thorduct supply good quality.
Engineered hardwood is resistant to mess and moisture. It can also withstand high amounts of traffic. The kitchen is most likely the busiest area in every home.
When it comes to solid hardwood, you can always sand it and refinish it to make it look brand-new. To keep hardwood in good shape, all you need is regular sweeping and moping.
Hardwood flooring also increases the value of the room. It looks good anywhere, including the kitchen.
One of the best things about it is how well it transitions from one room to another. You can use the same flooring from area to area if you have an open concept floor plan.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best option? It’s the one that fits both your priorities and your pocket, but have a look at Corell for prices. Take your time to wage the pros and cons of each material. When deciding on kitchen flooring, make sure to consider your own needs.
