The kitchen flooring offers a comfortable and flat place to stand, walk and navigate the space while preparing food, cleaning up the area or serving meals. As a high volume of foot traffic characterizes the kitchen, the flooring in this room must be made with durable materials that will resist daily wear and tear. The most common kitchen flooring are linoleum, hardware, vinyl, ceramic tile and natural stone.
But in other kitchens, you might also see brick, concrete, cork and bamboo flooring, although not each material will be able to survive over time in this environment. This is why the flooring material must be resistant to moisture, heat, and impact damage so that it will last for years. Balancing function, style, and comfort is critical to making the best choice for your kitchen floors. Here are some durable kitchen flooring options you should consider.
1. Ceramic Tile
The ceramic tile might not be the hardest flooring material, but it is undoubtedly the most durable one. Ceramic tile is made from natural clay that is then glazed, shaped and fired in extreme heat. It is a durable flooring material that is resistant to heat, water and impact, which makes it ideal for the kitchen. Under usual conditions, ceramic tile can last a long time with little change to its function and appearance.
Ceramic tiles are also available in numerous patterns and colors and can be made to resemble other materials, such as stone and wood. Tiles can be produced in all sizes and shapes, giving you numerous design options.
2. Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone is a durable, popular and long-lasting kitchen flooring material. Plus, it exudes luxury, which will be a bonus if you plan to sell your house in the future. Different types of stones have various properties, such as scratch resistance, hardness and long-term durability. For example, granite comes in slabs for countertops and tiles for flooring, and it is known for its durability if it is well-maintained. Limestone is a pretty and soft tile used the most for countertops. However, it can also be utilized for accents in flooring in the low-traffic areas.
Marble has an elegant veining but can be easily stained and scratched. Sandstone is known for its multicolored and soft appearance, and although it might not be the longest-wearing natural stone, it can be used in the kitchen flooring. The best advantage of natural stone tiles? It will enhance even more the look of the kitchen units, and thus you will have a gorgeous cooking space.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood is a durable and popular flooring material for almost every room in a home. Still, hardware is not considered the best option for kitchens and bathrooms, as moisture can be an issue in these areas. However, with the help of polyurethane finishes and modern sealers, opinions have changed lately, and wood can be used for moisture-prone areas.
But you will still need to be cautious if you want to opt for hardwood flooring in your kitchen. Hardwood in the cooking space will be softer underfoot, will have resale value and can be refinished and sanded to make it look brand new when it becomes too aged. The main drawback is that the hardwood can become scratched and get dents easily.
4. Vinyl
Vinyl is also a versatile kitchen flooring loved by plenty of homeowners. This option is nearly impervious to water issues and stains, so you will have an easy time cleaning it because you will only need a quick sweep to keep the floors spotless. Furthermore, vinyl is one of the most DIY-friendly and inexpensive flooring materials between all of them. It is also a good choice for busy kitchens and the ones with more family members. However, you will still need to replace it every decade or so, as it fades and wears fast with heavy use.
Nowadays, you will also find on the market luxury vinyl flooring, available in planks and tiles. This high-quality material can last up to two decades and comes in numerous styles that can mimic stone and wood in remarkably convincing ways.
5. Linoleum
Linoleum was a popular bathroom and kitchen flooring option in the 1960s, but with time, it faded in popularity as other flooring options appeared on the market. But, as it brings numerous advantages, like easy installation, low-maintenance features, and affordability, it is making a comeback.
Plus, linoleum is eco-friendly and can be found in vivid, neutral colors and elegant designs. However, this flooring option is one of the least durable options available. Moreover, it is susceptible to water damage, making the tiles’ edges curl inward.
What Is the Best Kitchen Flooring Material for You?
If you want to choose a durable kitchen flooring material, you should keep in mind numerous factors. For example, you should consider the other individuals living in the home, and if you have pets or children that can create a lot of mess, then it will be better to invest in something easy to maintain, like vinyl flooring.
Or if you want to stand comfortably while you prepare your meals, then linoleum, hardwood, and vinyl might be more forgiving than the harder alternatives, like natural stone and brick. You should also consider the kitchen style, and the flooring you choose should match the aesthetic of your personal design preferences. Additionally, you should keep the maintenance part in mind; if you don’t want to keep cleaning up all the time, it might be better to choose ceramic tile or hardwood.
Final Words:
A final factor that needs to be examined is your project’s budget. Linoleum and vinyl are affordable materials that will keep your renovation costs low, while premium alternatives for kitchen, like natural stone, can increase the total price.
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