When remodelling a kitchen, what are the first things you need to consider? A lot of people will first think of cabinets and countertops. However, before you consider those, you need to first consider the options for your flooring. Flooring needs to be done in the earlier process, before countertop, backsplash, and other kitchen appliances. Kitchen flooring undergoes a lot of wear and tear from dropped utensils and water damage. So, it is extremely important to choose the right flooring that matches your needs. In this blog, I will talk about the five different kitchen options that are mostly used.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is a very durable material and is a very commonly used flooring for many areas of the home. For many years, hardwood has not been considered in the bathroom and kitchen because of its inability to resist moisture. The perception has changed thanks to sealers and polyurethane finishes that make hardwood more durable and long-lasting for moisture-prone areas. Despite the sealer, any water spill should still be wiped away as soon as possible. Hardwood is often softer than other flooring choices. If you are someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, hardwood will be a better choice for your feet. The downside of hard flooring is that it can be dented and degraded over time, but it can be refinished to make it look new again.
(Winston White Cabinet, Calacatta Venetto Quartz, Brazillian Cherry Hardwood Flooring)
2. Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain are a very popular option for kitchen use. It is made from very dense clay and fired under extreme heat. The material is also very durable and hard; the tile is difficult to crack. However, if a single tile is cracked due to heavy impact, it can be replaced easily. Porcelain tile is generally heavier than ceramic tile and offer in more styles than ceramic tile. This is why homeowner decide to choose porcelain tile over ceramic. Other than that, the surface is also very easy to clean and maintain. There is only regular maintenance like sweeping is required. There are also some disadvantages with porcelain tile. Due to its hard surface, it can make it very uncomfortable after standing for some time. A way to help ease this problem is to use rugs and mats in the kitchen such as in front of the kitchen sink. In addition, since the tile is denser, it’s also more difficult to install and repair. This mean you will likely be quoted a higher price for installation.
(Classic Cottage Style, White Shaker Cabinet, 24x24 Grafito Porcelain Floor Tile)
3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is one of the easiest and most versatile kitchen floorings. Vinyl is a manmade material that has a high resistance to stains and water damage. It requires low maintenance; a quick sweep clean will do its job in keeping the floor spotless. Since it is very easy to install, it is considered the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly flooring material. However, vinyl flooring is not as durable as wood or other materials on the list. It can be damaged by sharp items such as a kitchen knife or any heavy object. Vinyl could also fade due to extreme temperatures. This is why it is not recommended for outdoor use.
(Modern farmhouse kitchen, European Slab Door Cabinet, European Oak SPC Vinyl Flooring)
4. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is another inexpensive option. Laminate floors are not authentic wood, but they can mimic the look of other more expensive materials. Unlike vinyl, it has good UV resistance and is resistant to scratches. Laminate is also very easy to install and can be cleaned easily. The disadvantage of laminate flooring is that it can not be sanded and renews its appearance like hardwood. The Laminate’s top layer cannot be sanded; doing so will destroy the resilience of the floorboard. Lastly, it is prone to water damage. A little water shouldn’t cause a problem, but you should still wipe it away as soon as possible.
(Classic White Kitchen, White Shaker Cabinet, Silver Grey Laminate Flooring)
5. Concrete Flooring
Concrete is also an option homeowner would consider for their kitchens. If your kitchen doesn’t have a basement and it's at the ground level, concrete may be an option you can consider. Concrete is an inexpensive, long-lasting, waterproof, and durable material. Concrete floor surfaces can also be polished and stained to look like wood, stone, and even tile. But similar to ceramic tiles, concrete can also be hard and cold to stand on. The main downside of concrete is that it can form hairline cracks due to changes in temperature and moisture, even if the concrete is installed by an expert.