For many homeowners, kitchen remodeling is at the top of their wish list. And for a good reason – we all want to cook and enjoy food in a nice setting where everything is properly organized and designed to our taste. Plus, a renovated and functional kitchen also increases the value of your house in case you decide you want to sell it.
So, if you’re facing a kitchen remodeling, I’m sure you’re aware of all the choices you’ll need to make regarding kitchen floors, cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, etc. To help you on your journey, in this article we’ll focus on a rather big and important element: kitchen floors. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the most commonly used types.
Vinyl Flooring
A low-medium cost flooring that comes in the form of vinyl tiles, vinyl planks and sheet vinyl, and can imitate the look of wood or stone. Among the biggest advantages of this type of flooring are its ability to handle moisture, its durability against scratches and scuffs and the soft underfoot feeling that provides. It comes at rather affordable prices and you can install it yourself. The downside of this option however, is that furniture can leave marks on its surface and foot-traffic patterns can also appear over time.
Laminate
Laminate kitchen floors are the biggest trend in the world design today. They offer the look of wood but cost much less than hardwood floors. Laminate also features a click-and-lock floating installation system which makes it quite easy to install. Nevertheless, since laminate isn’t created to withstand lots of moisture, manufacturers recommend that you use a proper moisture barrier when installing it in your kitchen.
Tile
Modern printing technology that is used in the tile fabrication process can create surfaces that imitate the look of natural stone, concrete and wood. Moisture is not a problem for this flooring as its hard surface ensures extremely durability. Plus, it is one of the easiest floor types to clean. However, its smooth finish makes it pretty slick when wet and despite its durability, cracks and chips can still occur. Moreover, people with knee or foot problems may also have difficulties standing for longer periods of time on this hard-surface.
Hardwood
The truth is, everyone wants hardwood floors, especially home buyers. It increases the sale’s value of a home and although other flooring options may replicate its look, they can never fully achieve the natural beauty of real hardwood floors. Due to its ability to be refinished, this floor option could last you for decades. However, if you are looking for a low-maintenance kitchen floor, it may not be the most practical option as it can be scratched easier than other materials and it is harder to clean. Also, when exposed to moisture, it can buckle, warp or crown. And there is also its high price tag. High-quality hardwood floor tends to be pretty expensive, so be ready to dig deep in your pocket if you have already set your heart on it.
