Kitchen Floor Options: Best and Worst Choices

Your kitchen floor gets a lot of wear and tear. It takes a beating from everything from shoes to spills. So what are the best and worst flooring materials for your kitchen? If you're moving into a new home or thinking of redesigning your current kitchen, here are a few things to consider.

Laminate: popular and durable

This may be the most popular type of flooring today, not just for the kitchen but throughout the house. Laminate has the look of hardwood but is much more durable. It is also easy to install and comes in several styles and at several price points. It cleans up easily and is perfect for kitchens.

Tile: lots of choices

Another common choice for a kitchen is tile. Tile comes in many materials and styles and is more durable than wood. Whatever design you want in your kitchen, you can find a tile that matches your aesthetic. Tile floors require more effort to install than laminate does, but homeowners can install them on their own if they're willing to spend some time learning to tile.

Stone: classic and wide-ranging

Stone has been a popular choice for kitchens for decades. You can find stone tiles in materials such as slate or marble or more natural-looking solid stone slabs. Tiles come in many colors and will match any decor. Stone is a little more challenging to install, so you should talk to an expert.

Vinyl: easy to install

Vinyl flooring has come a long way since the '60s and '70s. You can get it in sheets, planks or tiles, and they're easy to install. Most come in a peel-and-stick format and require only a razor blade to cut. Vinyl is excellent for an interim flooring solution before you decide on another option or for a high-traffic area.

Wood: handsome but fragile

Many homeowners have a love-hate relationship with wood in the kitchen. Hardwood floors are popular in kitchens, but they are far more likely to be damaged by water or other hazards. However, that doesn't mean wood is never an option. There are wood options that could be a good solution, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Concrete: colorful and trendy

One popular kitchen floor option right now is poured and stained concrete. It's an option that should only be installed by a professional. Concrete can be dyed or stained in any color to match your decor. It's easy to clean but can be hard on the feet for long-term standing.

Carpet: fun but tricky

Probably the one material that is least desirable in a kitchen is carpet, though plenty of homes at the end of the 20th century did have carpeted kitchens. Industrial low-pile carpets can be hygienic enough for the space, but it's better to choose an option that's easier to scrub and sanitize.

What kind of floor do you want for your dream kitchen? 

Call your CENTURY 21® agent today to learn more.