subject: Smart Kitchen Flooring Choices [print this page] There are many different flooring choices for your kitchen. There are two things to consider when choosing floors for kitchen - how it looks and the function of the floor. The important idea here is picking flooring for the right reason. Home owners who don't spend much time in the kitchen or entertain a lot, might prioritize "how the floor looks" but those who love cooking/baking and spend hours on their feet in the kitchen, want a floor with good support that's easy to clean up.
Flooring Choices for Any Room
When picking flooring it's important to research how different types of flooring feels when you have shoes on, when you're barefoot and whether it is comfortable to walk on. You also want to consider the type of wear and tear each room will get because children, pets, water and food spills and heavy foot traffic will all affect the way a floor wears - will it withstand this use and is it easy to maintain?
So let's explore the various flooring choices with a focus on kitchen floor and how they compare for comfort, durability and maintenance. Other considerations not addressed here are cost, ease of installation by home owners and color choices, i.e. to coordinate with your kitchen cabinets, counter top, etc.
* Hardwood - wide range of wood choices; goes with any decor.
Comfort: Warm underfoot, easy on the legs and quiet.
Durability: Should last a lifetime although durability depends on type of wood & finish; it can also be sanded & refinished.
* Engineered Wood
Comfort: Warm like hardwood; more resilient than hardwood
Durability: Susceptible to scratches, dents and water stains.
* Laminate - made from photos with tough, plastic layer on top.
Comfort: Doesn't have the warmth of wood and some people consider it noisy.
Durability: Durable when installed properly (preparing the subfloor is key). You should look for high density plastic that is dent and scratch resistant.
* Vinyl (Vinyl Composition Tile or VCT) - is made primarily from limestone.
Comfort: Comfortable underfoot and easy to stand on for long periods of time.
Durability: Scratch & water resistant. The durability depends on product quality (3 types of finishes) and it may fade in direct sunlight.
* Linoleum - more popular again because it's environmentally friendly.
Comfort: Comfortable, warm and quiet; cork backing helps with sound absorption.
Durability: Very durable, easy to clean, no waxing needed.
* Ceramic Tile - larger tiles have fewer grout lines.
Comfort: Cold; hard on the legs; slippery when wet; dishes break when dropped.
Durability: Tiles easy to clean but grout difficult to maintain
* Porcelain Tile - denser than ceramic tiles as materials more refined.
Comfort: Cold; hard on the legs; slippery when wet; dishes break when dropped.
Durability: Durable, more resistant to staining than ceramic tiles; absorb less moisture so they withstand cold temperatures (outside) better.
* Concrete - no longer boring.
Comfort: Cool unless you have radiant underfloor heat.
Durability: Easy to maintain & once stained, you seal for a great finish.
* Bamboo - from bamboo grass, a renewable resource; for eco-friendly you'll want formaldehyde-free finish.
Comfort: Comfortable for people spending a lot of time on their feet.
Durability: Lasts a long time, can take heavy wear & tear; easy to clean.
* Cork - from bark of cork oak trees, a renewable resource;
Comfort: Soft and warm underfoot; very quiet; generally things dropped don't break.
Durability: When sealed properly, can withstand moisture and be damp mopped. Minor dents pop out but it can scratch & dent, excess moisture may cause buckling.
* Rubber
Comfort: Very easy for people standing.
Durability: Will last a long time, hold up to heavy wear & tear; easy to clean.
