In today’s kitchen, the floor must endure heavy walking activity and stains and spills in addition to being a meeting area for family members and friends. Choosing the floor for a new kitchen should also reflect both your style and your budget. For example, if you’re renovating the entire space, kitchen flooring should account for 7% of the project’s costs. It should also be completed early in the process; while your walls should be painted first, flooring and cabinets should come next before countertops, backsplashes, and appliances.
Listed below are the benefits and drawbacks of some of the best kitchen flooring choices. Balancing these requirements might be complicated, so we’ve compiled a list to help you make the right decision. Find out how to choose a kitchen flooring, including its most crucial features.
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Contents
Essential Standards for Kitchen Flooring
Follow these tips when purchasing on the floor:
Durability
It is recommended that the flooring you select is durable enough to sustain repeated splashes without staining, as well as falling skillets without damaging the surface.
Water-resistance
A kitchen flooring selection that is water-resistant is especially important since they are a semi-wet environment.
Easy to Maintain:
When it comes to cleaning your kitchen flooring, some types require more effort than others. Generally, spills land on the floor, so an easily scrubbed floor is the best flooring for a kitchen. Consider your vinyl and tile floor choices if you’re looking for a more straightforward floor care routine. These types of flooring are usually easier to maintain than hardwood floors.
Convenience
If you know you will spend many hours working and cooking in the kitchen, pick flooring with a touch of flexibility and durability. For example, tile flooring should be avoided for extended periods. Wood flooring is more effective in reducing leg pain. Those with flexible surfaces are most comfortable for the feet since they are supple. A mat or rug, whichever you choose, can offer comfort.
User-friendly
Ultimately, you want your kitchen flooring to complement the style of your house. With today’s flooring alternatives, you can choose one that suits the style of your kitchen.
Budget
You should consider your budget when choosing new flooring. Also, take measurements of the space to be changed. For example, hardwood flooring is more costly than linoleum. These measures will help you calculate your expenditures because many flooring producers pay by square footage.
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How to Choose the Best Kitchen Flooring?
Flooring manufacturers offer a wide array of products that are both useful and attractive. Here are the top five flooring options for modern kitchens. If you’re renovating your kitchen, begin here, and you’ll likely find something that matches your design style.
1. Hardwood
Pros
hardwood flooring is its smoothness, resale value, and ability to be sanded and polished to look new if it gets too old.
Cons
Dirt embedded in hardwood can easily scrape and dent it, DIYers may struggle to repair it, and it is costly.
The flooring material hardwood is very resilient and can be used almost anywhere in the house except for the kitchen and bathrooms, where moisture tends to cause problems. Hardwood flooring has evolved dramatically since modern sealers and polyurethane coatings made it more resilient and durable in moist areas.
It’s crucial to stay prudent when selecting hardwood floors for kitchens, whether they’re pure hardwood planks or engineered wood floors that have hardwood veneers. Hardwood floors are more prone to moisture problems and blemishes than other types of flooring.
In choosing hardwood for your kitchen flooring, be prudent. Hardwood flooring in a kitchen will eventually discolor and deteriorate due to oil spills, splotches, and stains. However, if you enjoy the distinctive character of a well-worn hardwood floor, you might opt for it.
2. Laminate
Pros
When used correctly, it can be used to imitate more expensive materials.
Depending on the type, it might be waterproof.
You can also fix it yourself without professional assistance.
Con
Not as durable as some other options.
Some varieties are not watertight.
Unlike vinyl used for kitchen flooring, laminate does not usually have waterproof properties, though waterproof versions are obtainable. Laminate imitates the look of hardwood for a far lower price than vinyl, however. With laminate flooring, like vinyl, you can bond the planks down or “float” them so that you can install them over an uneven subfloor, so it is an attractive choice for DIYers.
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3. Sheet Vinyl
Pros
A quick-scrub surface, a pleasant feeling underfoot, a cost-effective option for kitchen flooring
Cons
With heavy appliances, its skin may crack and depressed (avoiding this with a board under the appliance legs)
In the past few years, sheet vinyl has only improved. The product arrives in a vast sheet rather than individual tiles, so there are no gaps for water to get into the subfloor. The waterproof nature of sheet vinyl is ideal for high-traffic kitchens, but it is prone to spills.
In the winter, vinyl flooring does not grow chilly (like ceramic tile does), so you can enjoy it year-round. This flooring is also easy to maintain; all it needs is a good vacuum and an all-vinyl floor cleaner.
For the kitchen flooring, the cost of vinyl sheeting varies significantly with its quality and color. More durable and expensive vinyl is thicker. Expect to pay anywhere from $4 to $12 per square foot in Orange County. The skilled installation will cost between ($4.19 – $5.32) per square foot. Professional help is recommended for vinyl sheet installation because the vinyl sheet must be precisely trimmed to the exact measurements of the space and wrapped precisely with an intense pressure that eliminates air bubbles.
4. Porcelain Tile
Pros
A long-lasting, waterproof, stain-resistant flooring option for busy areas.
Cons
For grout to remain stain-free, it must be sealed regularly.
In terms of durability, porcelain tile can’t be beaten. Unlike ceramic, porcelain is burnt at a high temperature, making it harder and durable for kitchen flooring. Various sizes and forms are available, including six-inch squares and 18-inch wooden planks. When wet, porcelain, like other hard flooring materials, can be slick, and it’s exceedingly complex—glasses and plates that fall on the floor are likely to break.
Typically, installing tile on a second-story floor is not advised because the material is thick and heavy. To find out if your floor system is suitable, consult an expert or a qualified tile installer. Prices range from $3.99 to $9.99 for porcelain tile, depending on the brand and quality, plus another $6.50 to $15 for expert installation unless you have experience installing this material. If you’re not experienced in tile installation, you should leave this job to the pros. Porcelain requires a special underlayment and thin-set mortar.
Even though porcelain tile is easily maintained with an all-purpose cleaner and a damp mop, a grout sealant must be applied every three to four years to prevent discoloration.
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5. Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP)
Pros
Featuring waterproof properties and ease of installation, looking and feeling like actual hardwood flooring.
Cons
With heavy appliances, its skin may crack and depressed
The engineered vinyl planks (EVP) are a relatively new product for kitchen flooring that looks just like hardwoods. They are entirely waterproof and are topped with a layer of luxury vinyl attached to a slightly padded waterproof base for comfort sensation underfoot.
Unlike other engineered flooring (such as laminate flooring or floating flooring), EVP planks do not adhere to a substrate immediately. However, they click together, making installation a quick and easy task. By installing EVP yourself, you will also save money: It costs between $5 and $7 per square foot and comes with installation instructions. EVP can be installed over ceramic tile, concrete, or linoleum, unlike other kitchen flooring options like vinyl sheets or tiles. EVP can cost approximately $3 to $6 more per square foot if it is professionally installed.
As far as drawbacks go, EVP is not as durable as porcelain, and it could be damaged by sliding a large refrigerator across it. When moving large appliances across its surface, you should take extra care, but otherwise, it is easy to clean.
6. Stone Tile
Pros
The tile tends to add a natural, one-of-a-kind atmosphere (no two tiles are identical) and is non-slip.
Cons
It is costly, and it might stain without frequent maintenance.
You can buy natural stone tiles for a reasonable price. You will pay $10 to $20 per square foot for professional installation, depending on the type of stone that you purchase. Because of the specialized underlayment and thin-set mortar required, hiring a professional tile setter is strongly suggested. Stone tiles can be damaged due to minor differences in mortar density or failure to use the appropriate products.
In contrast to artificial tiles, natural stone tile does not slip due to its porous surface. The color of natural stone tiles varies depending on the type. The four primary earth colors are brown, gray, and tan. Various kinds of stone tiles are readily obtainable for kitchen flooring:
Travertine
In the world of flooring, travertine is both non-slip and soft underfoot, and there are many natural color choices available.
Marble
The many marble colors are green, brown, gray, and near-black with pink to subtle shades of burgundy, crimson, and gold. It is possible to polish marble to a high sheen when dry. When wet, marble can be dangerously slippery.
Slate
Slate flooring has many benefits, including its slip resistance and durability. It comes in blue, gray, red, orange, and speckled colors.
Granite
Granite tiles are scratch-resistant and may be polished to a high sheen, but the higher the shine, the greater the risk of slipping. Granite tiles come in deep grays, blacks, tans, and speckled whites.
You can purchase natural stone tiles up to 18 inches square for a more modern appearance or two squares for a mosaic appearance. Scrub your stone tile kitchen flooring with soapy water and a damp mop. To preserve the floor from spills and discoloring, follow instructions provided by the tile manufacturer for sealing it every two to four years.
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7. Linoleum
A great alternative to tiles is linoleum for kitchen flooring. It has no toxic VOCs, is made of reusable cork powder and linseed oil, and is available in various designs and colors. Linoleum can easily withstand heavy foot traffic in the kitchen.
If you purchase this material, ensure it has a special covering to prevent scratching and stains. The material is moisture-resistant, but it can easily stain.
8. Cork
Pros
inexpensive, easy to install, and provides a warm, soft feel underfoot.
Cons
It can be damaged by heavy items.
Cork flooring has become one of the most popular options for people seeking pleasant, soft kitchen flooring at an affordable price in recent years. Cork tiles are available between the rates of $3 and $8 per square foot. A novice can mount cork tiles by peeling and sticking, gluing, or snapping them together; a skilled installer would charge $2 to $4 per square foot.
Traditionally, cork floors were crafted from ground-up cork combined with resins to form hard tiles in a range of gray, tan, and brown hues. While cork floors may dent under heavy appliances, these scratches will disappear over time. The softness and sponginess of cork flooring make it a good choice for homes with living rooms beneath the kitchens. Cork flooring resists stains but does not entirely prevent them. Unwiped wine that is not quickly cleaned up could stain the cork, but this is easily corrected by sanding and staining the top.
Cork can become discolored if exposed to direct sunlight, so use shades or curtains to protect it. It’s easy to wipe up spills; wipe them up immediately and mop with soapy water when necessary. Use a clean, dry microfiber mop to eliminate any remaining moisture.
9. Stained Concrete
Pros
Stained concrete is an affordable and waterproof option for kitchen flooring.
Cons
The option is not as classic as the other options.
One of the most straightforward and most durable kitchen flooring options is stained concrete. Concrete is a durable material that can be tailored to be contemporary or traditional. It also has a streamlined aesthetic where the look can be customized, and it can be sealed to be waterproof, which is vital since it absorbs liquids. Nowadays, most homes have concrete subfloors. A professional at Devina Home will be able to prepare the surface for staining accurately.
You want a softer texture as with any other flooring choice since there are no tiles to arrange or place precisely like with different types of floors. The unique aesthetics arise from the surface, along with the color and design.
The flooring trend that will be popular in 2021 is stained concrete, so your kitchen floorings might be a good choice. Would you like it to look like marble? It doesn’t matter. Do you prefer hardwood or classic ceramic tile? It’s possible!
You can see that the flooring industry will be facing some changes in 2021. If you want to incorporate some of that enthusiasm into your kitchen, talk to flooring experts at Devina Home about what kind of flooring is best.
To Sum it Up
It is crucial that the flooring in the kitchen can withstand multiple dangers while also looking great. Spills and splashes, heat, and falling utensils, as well as continuous foot traffic all, place a heavy burden on the flooring. It is essential to balance design and usefulness when choosing a kitchen flooring solution, as some materials have a longer lifespan and require less upkeep than others.
The above-listed options for kitchen flooring should help you decide which flooring is best for this room of the house. Please let us know if you have a preference.
References
Best Flooring for Kitchens in 2021. (N. D). Good Guy Flooring.
Lwitin, J. (2021, July 13). 7 Durable Options for Kitchen Flooring. The Spruce.
https://www.thespruce.com/durable-kitchen-flooring-options-1315000
Hirt, M. & Pelchen, L. (2021, June 24). 6 Best Kitchen Flooring Options. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/best-flooring-for-kitchen/
Taylor, G & Bob Vila. The 5 Best Kitchen Flooring Options for Your Remodel. (N. D).
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-kitchen-flooring/
Best Flooring for Kitchens, (2021, September 03). This Old House.
Choose the Best Flooring for Your Kitchen. (2020, October 26). HGTV.
https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/choose-the-best-flooring-for-your-kitchen
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