When choosing the right flooring for your kitchen you need to think about things like functionality and visuals. In terms of functionality, there are three things to keep in mind:
- Durability
- Water-resistance
- Maintenance
You see, your kitchen is a place that will get dirty with every use. It is also a place where you’re constantly spilling water (while washing dishes and preparing food), dropping leftovers and ingredients, etc. On top of this, it is a part of your home that needs to be presentable and aesthetic so that it increases the overall value of the place.
With that in mind and without further ado, here are the top four flooring kitchen options for you to consider.
1. Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are a go-to when it comes to the best kitchen flooring options. Why? Well, they’re reasonably priced, durable, simpler for maintenance and there are so many varieties that they’re easy to go for any kitchen style. So, what are the downsides of tile floors in the kitchen? First of all, they’re cold and heavy.
This can be a problem in some regions, especially seeing as how a kitchen rug is not a thought that appeals to everyone. Second, it can be quite slippery and hard, which may cause some unpleasant experiences.
Verdict: One of the best ideas out there. Regular maintenance increases safety quite drastically.
2. Vinyl
Another great solution is quality vinyl flooring options for your kitchen. First of all, vinyl flooring is stain- and water-resistant, both of which are incredibly important for your kitchen. Second, when it comes to the style-to-cost ratio, no other option on this list can match vinyl.
This flooring is easy to clean. Also, it is much warmer and softer than ceramic tiles, which gives you greater comfort. Its downside is the fact that it’s not that damage resistant. Dropping sharp objects on it will damage it and the scratching risk is always present.
Verdict: This is a perfect compromise solution, seeing as how it generates the highest value on a budget.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood is an incredibly attractive and resilient surface. Most importantly, even after years of wear and tear, it can be sanded and refinished. This will result in a brand-new-looking floor in your kitchen. It is also soft and warm. When installed, it can drastically increase the value of your home.
The problem, however, lies in the fact that it’s susceptible to water damage. This is why it’s a better solution for semi-moist or sporadically moist areas. In other words, it’s rarely your first choice for either kitchen or bathroom.
Verdict: While an incredible flooring option, hardwood floors in the kitchen will require too much work and maintenance. For those who are ready to commit and aim for resale value, it’s still a valid choice.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo flooring in the kitchen is a somewhat controversial idea. On the one hand, it gives you a modern décor, it is easy to clean and it is eco-friendly. However, people usually go for bamboo because it’s cheaper than hardwood. There are some top-quality bamboo flooring options out there to choose from but, chances are, that those who are budget-oriented might go for an inexpensive alternative. These options are usually prone to scratches and dings. This is a problem, seeing as how the kitchen is a high-traffic area. Also, water absorption (thus water damage) is a huge issue.
Verdict: Quality bamboo flooring can be great for your kitchen but low-end variants are simply a terrible choice for this area.
In conclusion
When choosing a floor for your kitchen, make sure that you understand just how big of an issue this is. The kitchen is the area of your home that will require maintenance the most often. It is also a place where there are constant spills of water, oil and decomposable materials. It is a place where you drop kitchenware and other sharp and hard objects. Therefore, durability and maintenance always need to be a priority.
