Since there are so many styles and material options available today, flooring offers you a range of possibilities in your kitchen.  The most important things to remember when picking out flooring for high traffic areas are durability and function.  Your flooring should be low maintenance and should be able to withstand spills and oils – as well as the occasional pot, pan, or dish crashing to the floor!

Let’s take a look at the (alphabetical) list of flooring options.

Bamboo

A beautiful option that is eco-friendly and durable.  When choosing bamboo, pay special attention to finding a high-quality grade with a warranty.  The downfall of bamboo is that it can dent more easily than other products.

Concrete

If you want a contemporary look, then look no further than concrete; it is extremely durable and can withstand the hustle and bustle of kitchens.  The options for finishes are immense, so you are sure to find one that will give you a customized look if that’s what you are looking for.  Concrete can be stamped, stained, polished, stenciled and waxed.  The downfall of this material is that it tends to be cold on your feet, although radiant heat beneath the flooring will help.  The comfort factor may become an issue due to it being such a hard surface for your feet.

Cork

This is an anti-microbial product and it will repel water. The texture is soft and makes for a comfortable flooring. Please be sure to look for a high-quality grade with a durable finish. The downfall of a cork floor is that it can dent and scratch easily.

Laminate Wood Flooring

If you’re looking for affordability, this is your product.  Laminate can withstand a lot of abuse! Adding padding beneath can make for a very soft flooring solution. It’s available in a very wide variety of styles. Again, look for a high-quality laminate with the longest warranty available.  The downfall to laminate wood flooring is that it tends to be slippery and cannot be refinished. When you get tired of the look, you’ll need to replace it.

Rubber

Rubber tiles are somewhat easier to install than sheeting. This material makes for an earth-friendly kitchen that provides a durable, non-slip surface – and it is also budget-friendly! Rubber is water and fire-resistant and also provides a padded feel; choose a darker color to hide stains. The downfall of rubber is its initial smell when first installed, though it does dissipate over time.

Stone

There is quite a wide variety of stone flooring available on the market today; marble, slate, and travertine are among the most popular. Stone flooring is unique and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and tones. Stone is durable and easy to clean, but its downfall is that it tends to stain and chip.

Tile

Tile is a great choice for your kitchen! Today’s tile offerings mimic wood and other textures and the available patterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Tile’s an easy solution for the busy kitchen; it is manageable to clean (especially if the grout lines are as small), it is durable, and it provides for a very low-maintenance floor. Some people complain that it doesn’t provide the more cushiony feel of a hardwood or rubber floor, so keep that in mind if you plan to spend a lot of barefoot time in your kitchen.

Wood

Wood floors are traditionally at the top of buyers’ lists for good reason. They add to your resale value, are durable, and can be refinished. Wood boasts a more high-end look and it remains beautiful with age.  However, wood does require special attention due to its tendency to dent and scratch – as well as the necessary protection from moisture (note that adding an extra coat of finish will help with the moisture issue). Hardwood floors have kept kitchens feeling warm and cozy for years and will probably continue to do so. This material also does an excellent job of uniting rooms in an open floor plan.

That’s it for kitchen floors! Please contact us if you have any flooring questions or need assistance choosing your kitchen finishes and materials. (770) 887-7612