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Best Kitchen Flooring
The best kitchen flooring is that which fits your lifestyle and budget. What kind of flooring is best in a kitchen depends on how the room is used, the house's style, and your budget. Kitchen flooring can be as simple as linoleum or vinyl, as elegant as stone or ceramic tiles, or as homey as wood flooring. Selecting kitchen flooring that fits your needs takes some research on your part to make sure you get the best knowledge; there are pros and cons of kitchen flooring materials that may not be made obvious by manufacturers. The best flooring for kitchens truly depends on how the room is used.
The best kitchen flooring is that which fits your lifestyle and budget. What kind of flooring is best in a kitchen depends on how the room is used, the house's style, and your budget.
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Kitchen flooring can be as simple as linoleum or vinyl, as elegant as stone or ceramic tiles, or as homey as wood flooring. Selecting kitchen flooring that fits your needs takes some research on your part to make sure you get the best knowledge; there are pros and cons of kitchen flooring materials that may not be made obvious by manufacturers. The best flooring for kitchens truly depends on how the room is used.
How do you decide what kitchen flooring is right for you and your family? Trying to decide what kind of flooring is best in a kitchen can be an overwhelming decision. With the numerous types of flooring, how do you decide what the best kitchen flooring is for your home? Selecting kitchen flooring does not have to be overwhelming. With the proper research, you can make the best decision for you and your family so that you will have kitchen flooring that meets your desires and your needs.
How much time do you spend in your kitchen? For most families, the kitchen is the room that is used most often. Kitchens are not just for eating and cooking anymore. Now they are used as gathering places, to do homework and crafts, and to just sit around and talk. That is why you will want to choose kitchen flooring that is durable, easy to clean, and inviting to your family and friends.
Durability is a huge factor in the kitchen. There are many activities that are done in the kitchen area so you will want flooring that can stand up to heavy traffic from people going in and out as well as stand up to items being dropped or spilled upon it. Flooring is a huge investment and if you buy high quality kitchen flooring that is durable, you will have flooring that will last a lifetime.
Ease of maintenance is another big issue in purchasing your flooring. You want to select kitchen flooring that is stain proof so that you will not have to worry about the spills and messes that are bound to occur in the kitchen. Being able to clean the kitchen floors easily and quickly is another huge consideration. You also want flooring in the kitchen that does not need constant maintenance. Otherwise, you will be taking time away from your family.
Welcoming flooring is flooring that makes people feel warm and secure rather than tense and cold. If you choose flooring that you love and that makes you feel good, then others will feel good about it too. Make your decision based on the feel of the flooring beneath your feet and the way that is makes you feel inside. Then you will know that you have chosen the best type of kitchen flooring for your kitchen and your family.
Research kitchen flooring options so that you can learn the pros and cons of kitchen flooring materials. This will help you make the best decision for your family's lifestyle. Selecting kitchen flooring based on your family's use of the kitchen and how you feel about the flooring will allow you to make a decision that you will be satisfied and happy with for many years.
Choosing the best kitchen flooring does not have to be a scary and overwhelming decision. With a little research and asking questions of experts, you will find the kitchen flooring that fits your kitchen and your family!
Comments
We bought a broke down cheap house (all we could afford.) We have a young son 1.5 yrs and he can give anything a beating. I want to redo the kitchen floor. Right now it is cheap stick on vinyl tiles which I spend hours scrubbing to look around and see I made no difference. It looks just a dirty as before I started. I need a flooring that has a natural shine, easy to clean and can take a beating. I am a clean nut and need things to look shiny and clean but cant spend hours scrubbing. Any advise on the type of floor I should look at. please keep in mind have young son equals broke also lol Thanks in advance for all the help
kim at April 10, 2009 07:45 AM
Hi Kim, Do you think the flooring is getting worn out? If not, you might want to try a product like StainSolver it's better than OxyClean because it's got more bleaching action. You can also seal it afterwards with a product like Diamond Coat Varathane Polyurethane. Stay away from products like Mop 'n Glo and orange products though - they can cause some real nightmares!
If you're really strapped for money, I would recommend new vinyl and use the poly over it.
Ever hear of freecycle.org? It's a site where people give away things they no longer want/need to keep them out of the landfill (reduce, reuse, recycle!). You can become a member of a group(s) in your area. You can post for items you need too - you never know - you might luck into some tile or other material that you've only been able to dream about so far! You could even mix up different tiles to create a look that's uniquely your own. ;~) You still should seal them well with the poly though or another product that is specifically made for that type of flooring (depends on if it's ceramic/porcelain, stone, etc.)
It's tough to do any type of flooring when you're on a shoestring budget, but you shouldn't let that stop you - there are some creative ways around that.
You might even want to consider painting your vinyl tiles - it can be done. More about that here, here, and here.
The Flooring Lady at April 14, 2009 01:47 AM
I'm also getting a new refrigerator and stove. Should the floor, say wood, go under the appliances or just up to? I have gotten different answers regarding this.
One reason I'm replacing floor and fridge is that fridge leaked and water went under linoleum and I don't want to have this again. Linoleum was not under appliance. The installer did a horrible job. Also, I see a lot about marmoleum. What do you think of this product for a kitchen. I have a cape cod house and the reason I was thinking wood was so that it could continue to the hallway and livingroom. Thanks for your help!
Theresa at October 9, 2009 05:55 AM
Theresa,
I think the wood flooring would be fine in this situation. I would use the same flooring under the appliances as you have in the room. I could see that the refrigerator or stove may scratch a wood floor, but it would allow the floor to be completely sealed and match.
If you are adding the wood to the entire kitchen, don't forget to check the height of your appliances vs. any raise in the floor (like your dishwasher) to ensure you won't have a problem.
The Flooring Lady at October 13, 2009 10:02 AM
Dear Flooring Lady,
We are in the middle of a total remodel of our kitchen. It's just my husband and I and one small dog, but it will get a good amount of traffic. I have looked very hard for a flooring that will go with our new maple cabinets, and the one I like the best is Armstrong/Hartco-Sakura. It's my understanding that Sakura is a variety of cherry and we've been told that cherry is a very poor choice for kitchens. It has a 995 rating on the Janka scale and it seems like it might be too soft. I guess I already know the answer to this question, but I'd like you to weigh in on it. Is there a Janka number I shouldn't go below for kitchens? Thanks for any input you can give us.
Becky at October 14, 2009 12:07 PM
I have a log home with a 12X15 kitchen. I am in the process of flooring...I have hardwook in the room next to the kitchen would be hard to match. I want a warm looking florbut I don't think porcelin will do it. Any advice?
Suzanne at October 14, 2009 05:34 PM
Becky,
Because of wood's natural tendency to absorb moisture, it is often recommended to avoid placing cherry flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas. You may want to read the article Cherry Hardwood Flooring.
The Flooring Lady at October 19, 2009 08:45 AM
Suzanne,
Decorating a room, and choosing the tile you like are personal choices that would be really hard to assist with. My suggestion would be to look around at your other choices, and find what looks best to you. With the hardwood floor that is hard to match, you may be able to stain a new wood floor to match. Good luck with your project.
The Flooring Lady at October 19, 2009 08:48 AM
Flooring Lady Please HELP!
I have always wanted wood floors thru out my home and my husband tells me the kitchen is not good to have wood floors...the spills that would occur will damaged and cause more problems. Are his sources correct? I want the warmth of wood floors in our home, we have three kids 12 10 & 8 plus to dogs...PLEASE can you advise me of what is available. Thank you, Jo Dillon
Jo at November 4, 2009 08:50 AM
Jo,
There are many choices available.
Hardwood flooring has usually not been thought of for kitchen flooring because of its susceptibility to water damage, but times have changed. The new hardwoods have a sealer or coating on them which makes them a practical choice for kitchen use. Hardwood flooring can instantly add character and warmth to a kitchen that will make everyone who walks into it feel welcome. You could develop some eye catching patterns by using different types of woods with their different colors and grains. Parquet tiles would give you a special look.
There is another article on Kitchen Flooring Ideas that may help with your decision.
The Flooring Lady at November 5, 2009 11:29 AM
