Creating your dream kitchen for a new home or a home renovation is exciting and challenging, all at the same time. After all, there are so many decisions to make when it comes to choosing appliances, countertops, and kitchen flooring. It can get a bit overwhelming…
Kitchen flooring is the foundation and one of the most important features of a kitchen, therefore you will want to choose the best option for you.
To help you with the decision-making process we have outlined everything you need to know about how to choose the right type of flooring for your kitchen.
What to Look for In a Kitchen Floor
The kitchen is no doubt one of the most used spaces in your home. Here is where meals are prepared and families congregate to eat, celebrate special occasions or just hang out. Choosing which kitchen flooring is right for you depends on a few factors such as your lifestyle (durability), maintenance (cleaning}, and looks.
Durability
If you don’t want to have to worry about wear and tear for quite some time then look for a kitchen floor that is classed as extremely durable. However, durability generally comes with a higher price.
Cleaning
If cleaning your kitchen floor every few days is what you love, then a higher maintenance flooring material would be perfect for you. However, if you don’t like to clean often then opt for a low-maintenance material that can withstand high traffic and spills easily. As a general rule, shiny or dark kitchen flooring shows dirt and dust more easily than lighter and less shiny kitchen flooring options.
Look
The look of your kitchen flooring can add value and timeless function to your design, as well as complement the other materials and colors in your new kitchen. In 2021 we see a big trend toward natural and earthy-looking flooring. We always recommend honing in on the style of the rest of your home and the look you want to achieve with your new kitchen before making a decision.
With that said, let’s take a look at what types of suitable flooring is available.
Trendy Types of Kitchen Flooring in 2021
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Unlike its solid wood counterpart, engineered hardwood flooring is factory constructed in multiple layers with only the top layer being wood. This type of floor is then finished with layers of protective coating making it water-resistant which is always a plus for a kitchen. Engineered hardwood flooring is timeless, stylish, comes in many different wood types and colors. The best part is it will blend in beautifully with or enhance any interior design. Easy to clean and maintain as it doesn’t absorb dust or debris and it can last for many years. Although you don’t need to worry about your engineered wood flooring warping over time like traditional hardwood, fading could be an issue if exposed to too many UV rays. Scratching can also be an issue and unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood cannot be refinished.
- Vinyl flooring
This is not your regular vinyl floor from your Mom’s kitchen. We now have “luxury vinyl” flooring which has become a very popular choice amongst US homeowners. LV’s are for anyone who prefers to save costs but still have a waterproof and hard-wearing flooring material. Not only is luxury vinyl flooring budget-friendly it’s also DIY-friendly as it’s easy and cheap to install because it can be installed over existing flooring. The good news is you don’t need to worry about spilling wine or soup as it is completely waterproof and also scratch-resistant. Vinyl flooring comes in three options: vinyl tile, vinyl plank, and vinyl sheets. And there is a wide range of designs available, from wood looking to stone looking.
- Tile flooring
Ceramic tiles are still one of the most popular choices when it comes to kitchen flooring. That is because they are extremely durable and stain-resistant and low maintenance. Also, you don’t need to worry about tearing or scratching the floor, or spilling and staining. There is a wide variety of design options to choose from today and you can even get tiles that look like solid timber. On the downside, tiles are more costly to purchase and install because their use of grout requires professional installation. And even though staining isn’t an issue for your tiles, grout can stain easily and does require more maintenance than vinyl flooring.
Laminate flooring
If you prefer the warm look of floorboards in your kitchen then laminate flooring is another option. Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product made from melamine resin and fiberboard material, and the top layer has a textured image printed on top that mimics real wood. Laminate flooring is more durable and easier to clean, however, it is not waterproof. Laminate flooring also tends to look more artificial than other kitchen flooring options, so if you are after budget-friendly options and not fussed about the look, laminate flooring is right for you.
In Closing
What is the best kitchen floor looks different for everybody. Whilst there are many great options available today, the right kitchen flooring for you will be determined by your lifestyle and preferences on comfort, durability, water resistance, wear and tear, maintenance, and style.
If you are still trying to decide between laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, engineered wood, or tiles we recommend speaking to a flooring professional such as West Coast Floor Company located in Napa. Our flooring specialists can help you choose the perfect kitchen flooring for your new kitchen today.