Best Flooring For Kitchen

You’ve probably noticed how everybody flocks to the kitchen at parties and gatherings.

It’s no surprise that they do – the kitchen keeps the whole house together, the belly of the home if you will.

You’ll find yourself in the kitchen several times a day. It’s not only where the cooking happens, but where we store many essential everyday items.

Because of this high-traffic, kitchens frequently succumb to spills, moisture and dirt.

Your kitchen floor is the most hardworking surface in the home and requires a flooring that is resilient to messes.

But, we don’t just want the toughest flooring, we also want flooring that looks good. We want flooring that will resist the everyday spillages, but also be stylish enough to wow our guests.

As well as this, we don’t want to worry about needing to replace it every couple of years due to damage.

There are plenty of choices for materials and styles that you can explore when it comes to choosing the best flooring for your kitchen.

On top of this, there are advanced printing techniques that can change the aesthetic of your material to resemble that of another entirely.

If you want the affordability of laminate but the look of stone, then you won’t have trouble finding a flooring that suits your taste.

On the other hand, you may not even be aware of what your preferences are yet. That is until you see the perfect flooring for you.

So, to help you make your decision we have picked out a variety of choices for fantastic kitchen flooring to make your house a home.

Keep reading for our guide on buying the best flooring for your kitchen.

Hardwood

There’s a reason solid hardwood flooring has been so popular for many centuries. It is a luxurious, warm, stylish and water-resistant material.

It may not be entirely waterproof, but this flooring would take immense exposure to liquids in order to become damaged.

Don’t worry too much about water exposure, modern sealers and polyurethane finishes have made hardwood flooring more durable over the years.

If you’re someone who likes change in the home, then solid hardwood might be for you. All it needs is a little refinishing to become a whole new kitchen floor.

It is easy to find a finish for solid hardwood that will match the flooring throughout your home, if that’s something that you’re interested in.

But, if you’re looking to make your kitchen flooring stand out, then there are staining options for that available too.

Overall, hardwood flooring is a versatile choice.

It is still sensible to have caution when choosing hardwood flooring.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring with a hardwood veneer, this material is more likely to be affected by moisture problems and stains in comparison to other materials.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of hardwood flooring.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable under feet
• It has a good resale value
• By refinishing it can look good as new
• Doesn’t need to be replaced frequently

Cons

• Can easily dents or become scratched
• Can be difficult to install

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is most similar to solid hardwood. It looks and feels very alike but is actually harder than solid hardwood.

Bamboo flooring is unique in its grain, pattern and color. This means that if two people bought the same bamboo flooring, the pattern will never be the same.

Due to the difference in manufacturing, the water resistance is much stronger in bamboo flooring compared to hardwood. Bamboo flooring is becoming a very popular choice in kitchens due to its durability.

As well as this, bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option for those who are considerate of environmental decisions.

The typical tree requires 20 years to mature before it can be harvested, whereas bamboo can be repeatedly harvested every 5-6 years. The majority of bamboo is harvested from plantations that are farmed responsibly.

It can withstand high temperatures and other temperature fluctuations. This is particularly suitable for kitchen floors as these temperatures will fluctuate often.

It is also relatively easy to maintain. All that is required is a quick sweep or vacuum followed by an occasional mop to keep on top of this beautiful flooring.

However, because it is an organic material, bamboo can experience some discoloration if it is exposed to too much direct sunlight.

It can also be affected by mold if too much standing water is present on the surface, so be sure to clean up those spills promptly.

Pros

• Eco-friendly alternative
• Withstands temperature fluctuations
• Has a unique grain, pattern and color
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Prone to discoloration in heavy sunlight exposure

Laminate

Laminate flooring is warm and water-resistant.

Similar to hardwood and bamboo, laminate is not entirely waterproof, this is important to factor in when choosing kitchen flooring.

Laminates are notorious for being a more affordable way to achieve the traditional hardwood flooring look.

One thing to note, however, is that some manufacturers are starting to offer entirely waterproof laminate options.

These options feature a rigid core made of waterproof material, adding stability and strength.

There are other advantages to laminate flooring – they are flexible and easy to install. The majority of laminate flooring can simply be slotted together and either glued down or floated.

If you have uneven floors, laminate is a great option.

By floating the laminate whilst installing, your floors can be evened out without needing to do expensive work on the terrain.

The top-selling point for laminate is the way that its pattern and styles are so similar to that of hardwood.

If you’re looking for that distressed and rustic look in your kitchen, the laminate flooring is able to offer that.

It is also able to offer other bold varieties of color and pattern for anyone who is a little more quirky in their style choices.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Affordable
• Stain resistant
• Non-allergenic

Cons

• Susceptible to water damage unless purchasing the special waterproof material
• Hard and noisy when walking on it

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a material made from natural clay. The clay has been shaped first before being glazed and lastly fired under extremely high temperatures.

It is a durable and solid flooring that is resistant to water and stains. These facts together already make ceramic tile a perfect option for kitchen flooring.

On top of this, ceramic tile is resistant to breakage and heat. If well maintained, ceramic tile is a fantastic option for a long-term kitchen renovation.

Ceramic tile is perfect for people who are looking to add a little more pizzazz to their flooring option.

With many patterns and colors available, tile can be made to mimic other flooring styles or simply stand out in its own unique way.

Ceramic tile is great for warmer climates, with its cooling underfoot effect, it is bound to be refreshing in the heat.

It has a hard and solid surface that doesn’t attract dust, dirt or other allergens. If the tiles do attract these, then it is easy to spot and immediately clean.

There are few drawbacks to ceramic tile. If you aren’t in warmer climates, then ceramic tile can be cold and hard under your feet.

Ceramic tile is difficult to chip, but if it does it will expose the clay color inside which can ruin the look of a pattern.

Overall, ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for those looking for a long-lasting, unique kitchen flooring.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Waterproof and resistant to water stains
• A myriad of design options available
• Great for warmer climates

Cons

• Cold and hard underfoot
• Difficult to install

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring has become more and more popular over the years.

When most people think of vinyl flooring they imagine their mom’s flimsy sheet vinyl in the kitchen with hideous patterns and color choices.

But, long gone are those days, vinyl is now trendy and practical.

Offered in tiles and planks, vinyl is a practical choice for flooring. You will find it referred to as either WPC or SPC: Wood Plastic Composite or Stone Plastic Composite.

The differences between the two will suit different people’s requirements.

WPC uses polymers and wood for strength and stability and SPC has a plastic/stone composite, it is made mostly of stone dust and PVC which strengthens the tile.

Both of these options have a foam or cork backing in order to soften the floor when walking on it, deadening the sound.

Both vinyl types are entirely waterproof and can be installed “floating” if your floors are uneven.

Vinyl flooring is softer than other floorings, especially ceramic tile. However, this doesn’t have an effect on the durability of the material.

This material can be difficult to repair if any of the planks happen to get damaged, but it is a very durable flooring and so the likelihood of needing to replace anything is slim.

Overall, vinyl flooring is an affordable and stylish option for your kitchen flooring.

Pros

• Entirely waterproof
• Easy to install
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Can be difficult to repair

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone is an incredibly popular kitchen flooring tile due to its long-lasting durability.

It is often a sign of luxury when found in someone’s house and this is one of the main draws of natural stone flooring, especially if you are considering selling your home.

There are various kinds of natural stone and each of these have their own properties.

Granite is found in tiles for flooring specifically but can also be found in slabs for countertops.

It is known for its unique and attractive veining as well as its lasting durability which can be seen over decades if maintained and sealed correctly.

Limestone is another kind of natural stone flooring. It is pretty and soft, but typically used for countertops.

It can be easily dented and scratched when used for flooring as it is very soft.

Marble is an incredibly sought after natural stone tile. It is known for its incredible veining.

However, polished marble can be easily scratched and stained, it is a fragile stone and would not be suitable for kitchens with a lot of heavy foot traffic.

Sandstone is mostly known for its multicolored look. It has an individual and interesting style for kitchen flooring and can really stand out among the rest.

It isn’t the longest wearing natural stone, but it does prove to serve well as a kitchen flooring option.

Slate is a very sophisticated option for flooring. It is one of the most durable, especially when maintained correctly.

It isn’t uncommon to find slate flooring that lasts for decades, it is definitely worth the investment.

Another kind of natural stone is travertine. It is known for its textured surface and old world style. However, it is not the most durable stone.

A drawback to natural stone is that it is quite porous which means that it is susceptible to liquid and water penetration.

However, if you apply an annual coat of quality penetrating stone sealer then you can extend the lifeline of this beautiful kitchen flooring option.

Pros

• Aesthetically unique
• High resale value
• Limitations can be mitigated with sealers
• Desired by home buyers

Cons

• Expensive
• Porous (unless sealed)

Linoleum

Linoleum was most commonly favored in the 1960s especially for kitchen flooring. Even though it had faded from popularity in the early 2000s, it is not making a comeback.

It is made from a natural oil called linseed oil. It is environmentally friendly, easy to clean and maintain.

As well as this, it is available in a large selection of vivid or neutral colors depending on your preference.

You can also find linoleum with elegant designs involving borders and insets. To top it all off, linoleum can last for decades if properly maintained.

If you are a homeowner that is looking for a flooring that can withstand the test of time, then linoleum is for you. It is incredibly versatile and durable.

Not only this, but if you’re looking for flooring that can be put in your kitchen and other rooms, this is a perfect choice.

Linoleum is often mistaken for vinyl flooring, but it is quite different. It is a mix of renewable and natural materials.

The composition of linoleum will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it primarily contains linseed oil, cork powder, jute, tree resin and wood flours.

One of the biggest benefits to linoleum flooring is how low maintenance it is. It is relatively easy to look after, only needing the occasional sweep and mop to keep in tip-top shape.

However, it can be easily dented and scratched, and therefore requires a little more consideration when it comes to heavy kitchen traffic.

There are plenty of design options when it comes to linoleum. You can find this flooring in solid colors and patterns which is present throughout the entirety of the material.

You will even be able to find linoleum options that recreate the look of natural woods and stones.

Pros

• Exceptionally durable and long-lasting
• Easy to install
• Affordable
• Water-resistant
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Susceptible to dents from furniture
• May discolor in excessive direct sunlight

Conclusion

Choosing the right kitchen flooring is all down to personal preference and priority. If your priority is aesthetics, the softer flooring may be for you.

If your priority is durability, then looking and natural stone may be where you are heading.

There are things to keep in mind when choosing flooring for your kitchen.

Make sure you pick something that not only matches your style, but is also practical and long-lasting as well.

Like any room in your house, the floor you decide depends on your lifestyle.

If you love to cook, have a huge family and enjoy having guests over then it is crucial that you select a flooring that can be easily cleaned and maintained.

If you have already fully decorated your kitchen then ensure that you find a flooring that matches the style that you have already curated in that space, that way then you won’t need to do a full kitchen renovation just to match your flooring.

Unless you want to, that is!

Selecting the right flooring can also impact the way your kitchen is perceived.

If you have a smaller kitchen, deciding a wood effect flooring will give the illusion of a bigger space due to its long and narrow pattern.

If you don’t like the wood effect then experts recommend using a large tile that detracts from the cramped feeling of smaller tiles.

Lastly, when making the decision on the right kitchen flooring for you, be sure to take samples home with you so that you can fully see how it will look in your home.

You don’t want to fork out for a full kitchen flooring renovation for it to not be quite how you imagined!

Renovating your kitchen should be fun and exciting and a wonderful way to express yourself to all who visit.

We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down your choices when it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your kitchen.