The kitchen, the heart of the home where meals are prepared and memories are made, is naturally susceptible to wear and tear. As time progresses, the need for a kitchen revamp might arise, and one of the most important changes will be the flooring.
Especially in bustling households, the kitchen tends to experience a higher footfall than other areas. Thus, it becomes extremely relevant to invest in the right flooring solution that withstands the daily hustle and resonates with the kitchen’s role as a communal space for loved ones. For flooring that offers durability, resistance to stains, and visual appeal, here are some factors to ponder while choosing the ideal kitchen flooring:
1. Consider The Different Types Of Flooring
Before anything else, it’s best to be familiar with the different types of flooring offered in the market today. With the advanced innovation and development of the flooring industry, you’ll get to choose the best choice for your high-traffic kitchen. Here are some kinds of flooring to consider:
- Vinyl
Vinyl or resilient flooring comes in tiles and sheets with various styles and colors. This mimics the appearance of natural wood but comes with reasonable pricing than the real deal. Besides being waterproof and stain-proof, vinyl sheet flooring is easy to clean. Aside from wooden planks like the Southern Luxe vinyl plank flooring, some choices even mimic ceramic tile and stone.
There are also wide sheets that specifically allow you to hide the seams. They feel comfortable underfoot, so your family and guests will enjoy walking around the kitchen even with bare feet. Sheet vinyl is an excellent option for cheaper kitchen flooring.
-
Hardwood
Many homeowners choose hardwood floors because they are luxurious, durable, and long-lasting. This flooring type is classic, timeless, stylish, and durable. However, they’re usually not waterproof. But some finish and coatings can be applied to make them water-resistant. Also, you should maintain them by reapplying with new layers of coating every few years.
Despite some of their limitations, hardwood is still one of the best choices for kitchen flooring. In addition to adding a variety of looks over time, refinishing can be done to match the flooring throughout the house or give the kitchen a unique look. There are different kinds of hardwood flooring types to choose from, so you can choose what kind of wood would suit your preference.
-
Laminate
Stone, tile, and even wood can be replicated with laminate flooring. The reason is that it consists of a picture stuffed between its fiberboard base and its protective plastic top layer. They offer the aesthetic of natural stone, wood, or ceramics.
From afar, they may be able to deceive your guests with their appearance, but you can spot that it’s replicated once you get close. However, the top layer is a bit sensitive, so you’ll need to replace them once it gets damaged.
-
Tiles
For decades, tile flooring has been a popular choice for wet areas because it offers a classic and durable look. The great thing about using tiles for your kitchen is that they can last for many years. Some can even last a lifetime, depending on maintenance and care. According to anecdotal evidence, tile is the most popular flooring choice for kitchens. Furthermore, kitchen floor tiles come in a wide variety of options, so you should learn about the differences and narrow down your choices based on colors, patterns, and textures.
2. Match It With Your Home Aesthetics
While durability and functions are essential, you’d also want to pay attention to the look and aesthetics of your kitchen flooring. Take a look at your home design. Whether your kitchen is rustic or contemporary, choose floors that match the style. The size of your kitchen, as well as existing textures, colors, and patterns, should be considered. Is your kitchen a focal point of your home? If so, you might need to choose the flooring that allows it to stand out more. Make sure it can work perfectly with the design theme of your kitchen.
3. Consider Maintenance And Cleaning Requirements
Typical kitchen floors can become dirty pretty quickly due to spilled food, and dirt that gets stuck. Choose a water-resistant material that does not stain easily to minimize time and cost spent on maintenance. Whatever flooring material you choose, they all come with maintenance and cleaning requirements. The key is to find one that won’t be too costly and inconvenient for you. Keep in mind to choose a flooring that you are committed to maintaining.
4. Go For One That Comes With Color Options
You can explore as many color and design options with your kitchen flooring. Since they will be for your high-traffic kitchen, consider darker colors so stains and spills won’t be visibly apparent. However, it adds extra value to the project to seek unique colors, patterns, and materials. So, don’t stick to conventional styles and colors. Know the dos and don’ts of kitchen color schemes to have optimal results.
5. Prioritize Comfort
Consider floors with some softness and resilience if you spend long hours in the kitchen daily. Standing for extended periods on some surfaces can be tiring and uncomfortable for your feet. Resistant flooring, with its elasticity, makes for the most comfortable walking surfaces. A good tip is to lay down some kitchen rugs on some parts of the kitchen.
6. Match It With Your Lifestyle
Another tip is to choose the flooring that can withstand your lifestyle. Whether you have kids, pets, or elderly living with you at home, it’s key to consider their needs and preferences too. When choosing floors, make sure they can handle wear and tear. Based on the daily use of your kitchen, you should consider the longevity of each type of flooring. It’s possible to enjoy your floors for a decade or more when you choose more rigid materials for your kitchen.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right flooring for your kitchen can be easier if you apply the tips mentioned in this article. The key is to be familiar with the variety of flooring types. Consider your lifestyle, comfort, and maintenance requirements of the flooring option you chose.