A Homeowner’s Remodeling Guide to Kitchen Floors
The kitchen floor is one of the hardest working finishes in your home. It must withstand spills, splatters, heavy foot traffic, and the occasional dropped utensil. Compare eight of today’s most popular kitchen floors to help you choose a material you’ll love for years to come.
Hardwood Kitchen Flooring
A timeless and classic choice for kitchen floors, hardwood is a huge selling point and the gold standard for many homes. It makes for durable flooring and can be sanded and refinished to give it new life without the cost of installing all-new floors.
Just be aware that hardwood is generally more expensive than other flooring options. It’s also susceptible to water damage unless it has a polyurethane finish. Hardwood is not scratch-proof either, so frequent sweeping is recommended to remove grit and sand.
Vinyl Kitchen Flooring
Similar to laminate, vinyl flooring is made of synthetic materials designed to mimic more expensive hardwood or tile. It’s the ideal choice for many kitchens based on its water resistance, ease of cleaning, and scratch-resistant nature. Be sure to choose high-quality luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) because lower-quality products aren’t as durable or attractive.
Laminate Kitchen Flooring
Laminate plank flooring is made of synthetic materials, but it’s designed to look like real hardwood, ceramic tile, or other options. The low cost and incredible durability of laminate are top selling points. This flooring also comes in an array of colors and patterns and is easy to clean with standard household cleaners. But unlike hardwood, laminate floors can be difficult to repair if they get scratched.
Bamboo Kitchen Flooring
If you like the look and feel of hardwood but want something more eco-friendly, consider bamboo kitchen flooring. Surprisingly, this fast-growing grass is harder than some hardwood species, making it naturally more resistant to scratches and water damage. Look for strand-woven bamboo, which is the most durable (and expensive) type of solid bamboo flooring. Also, be prepared to hire a professional if you ever want to refinish your bamboo floors.
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Flooring
This hard, durable flooring material is heat-resistant and difficult to crack. Under normal conditions, ceramic tiles can last a lifetime. Tile floors can be made to mimic wood and stone, with nearly limitless design options. If you choose tile kitchen floors, be aware that this material feels cold and hard underfoot. You can remedy this drawback by installing radiant floor heating as part of your kitchen renovation.
Concrete Kitchen Flooring
A concrete kitchen floor is particularly appropriate in modern or industrial-style homes. Even so, this inexpensive, long-lasting material can be stained, polished, or stamped to mimic a more traditional stone or wood floor at a fraction of the cost. It also pairs well with radiant floor heating. Keep in mind that some people balk at the industrial aesthetic of concrete, which could make selling your home more challenging in the future. This material is also only suitable if you don’t have a basement.
Natural Stone Kitchen Flooring
You may be interested in natural stone if you want durable, long-lasting, scratch-proof flooring in your kitchen. Some of the most popular materials for this application include granite, limestone, slate, and travertine. The biggest drawback is that natural stone is porous and must be sealed annually to prevent liquid stain penetration.
Linoleum Kitchen Flooring
Linoleum was favored through the 1960s but faded in popularity when other more durable flooring options became available. Modernized linoleum is much higher quality, making it a contender against high-end vinyl flooring. Made from all-natural linseed oil, linoleum is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and available in many elegant designs and colors. Just know that linoleum can curl and buckle if exposed to water for too long.
Contact Aaron & Co. for Kitchen Remodeling in Tucson, AZ
Whether you’ve made up your mind about what flooring you want or still need help making your decision, Aaron & Co. would be happy to work with you. We’ve been remodeling kitchens with current design trends in mind for years. Our experienced design team can ensure the materials and finishes you choose are the best fit for your needs, style preferences, and budget.
Contact us at (520) 999-4138 today to start designing your dream kitchen.