Americans spend around 37 minutes a day preparing and serving food. Not to mention cleaning up!
Kitchens play an important role in households because it’s where we socialize, eat, and cook together. Because we spend a large amount of our time there, we must choose kitchen flooring that aligns with our style and lives.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Do You Want in a Kitchen Floor?
Before you learn how to pick new kitchen floors, it’s important to list everything you want from them. Perhaps you’re in a busy household so you want a low-maintenance material that you simply mop every evening.
Other families may want affordable new kitchen floors so you have extra money to upgrade your refrigerator. While many prioritize durability so the floor can withstand heat, spills, and messes that occur in the kitchen.
Or you may want kitchen flooring that’s versatile so that it goes with your current style. Whichever you features to choose, remember them so you can find the kitchen flooring of your dreams.
The Different Types of Flooring
When choosing kitchen flooring, you’re bombarded with materials that have their advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, consider your kitchen’s design and weigh it against each material to find the best option for you. For example:
Hardwood
Many choose hardwood for the kitchen thanks to the variety of styles, durability, and fabulous aesthetic. You can also refinish your hardwood floor if you want an updated look without having to pull up the entire floor.
It’s important to regularly maintain hardwood floors and watch out for spills or leaks because the wood will absorb the liquid and stain. If you’re interested in a hardwood floor but want expert advice then contact Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods to learn more.
Laminate
Laminate is a popular flooring for kitchens because it’s stain-resistant, low-maintenance, and affordable.
You can choose premium laminate which imitates other styles like stone or tiles without the hefty price-tag. Regardless of which you choose, laminate is revered because it’s easy to clean. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt or grime but avoid soaking wet mops as it could damage the flooring.
But don’t choose the cheapest laminate option because they’ll likely warp, stain, and peel. Note that you can’t refinish laminate flooring when it shows signs of wear and tear, instead, you must remove it completely.
Engineered Wood
Many homeowners choose hardwood or engineered wood because it adds warmth to a kitchen. Engineered wood has multiple layers to keep it durable. This includes a scratch-proof finish, hardwood, a core layer for durability, and another layer to tackle moisture.
Thanks to the final layer, you needn’t worry about mopping up messes because the water won’t seep through. Further, you can refinish this type of kitchen floor as long as your hardwood layer is thick enough.
But be careful because many manufacturers cut production costs by using a low-quality material. So make sure it has a plywood core as it withstands temperature fluctuations.
Ceramic Tile
These tiles are made from clay and come in an array of sizes. Ceramic often mimics wood, limestone, or travertine depending on your preference.
Choose glazed ceramic tiles because they’re stain-resistant and work with common household cleaners. But although they’re durable, ceramic tiles turn slippery if wet and are expensive.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is great for indecisive homeowners. You can choose between rolls, tiles, and planks which all work well for kitchens. Rolls are the least expensive but they must professionally be installed. In contrast, the other two can be glued down, peels and stuck, or interlocked and floated.
This is an appealing option because you can choose between stone, wood, or other snazzy patterns. But when you browse the different types of luxury vinyl flooring, choose a phthalate-free one. This is because scientists are researching whether phthalates are linked to health problems.
Polished Concrete
If you’re after a Brutalist-style kitchen then look no further than polished concrete especially as it works well with stainless steel countertops and appliances. Polished concrete is extremely resilient whether it’s to heat or scratches.
When you properly seal and maintain polished concrete flooring then it will last around a hundred years, unlike other options. Plus, polished concrete is easy to maintain, simply brush and mop daily to prevent a build-up of dirt.
But because polished concrete is notoriously hard, it’s uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. Further, it’s cold which is intensified during winter so you must install radiant heating cables to reduce heat loss.
Plus, if you haven’t properly finished or sealed the concrete flooring then moisture will seep in. If this goes unnoticed then you’ll end up with a mold or mildew outbreak which can put you and your family’s health at risk.
That’s How to Pick the Right Kitchen Flooring
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know how to choose the right kitchen flooring for your home.
Make a list of the features you want before considering your options so you’re happy with your purchase. Hardwood floors are timeless and add warmth to the room whereas other households may want luxury vinyl flooring. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each one until you find the best one for you. Happy shopping!
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