- It can be difficult to renovate a kitchen. A kitchen renovation is more complicated than a bedroom or living space that has many pieces but not enough wiring or components.
Don’t forget about flooring when you are considering kitchen remodeling. If you are remodeling the entire kitchen, flooring should be approximately 7% of your remodel budget. If you’re remodeling the entire kitchen, flooring should be completed earlier. While painting the walls of the kitchen may be the first step, cabinets and countertops must come last. Below are the pros and cons of some of the most popular and best kitchen flooring options.
- Hardwood
Hardwood is still one of the most popular options for kitchen flooring. Solid hardwoods can be waterproofed if they are finished correctly. To avoid any damage, spills must be removed immediately.
You can refinish hardwood floors to update their appearance. This is especially useful if you are doing a small kitchen renovation and don’t want to replace the entire floor. Hardwood flooring can be laid in different patterns, just like tile flooring. Reclaimed, recycled, and environmentally sustainable hardwood has been a particular focus in recent years.
Pros
- There are many colors and patterns to choose from
- It’s easy to update
Cons
- It is not waterproof
- Slippery surfaces are possible
- Tile
For areas that are frequently exposed to water like bathrooms and kitchens, tile is the best choice. There are many options for kitchen flooring, including stone, porcelain and ceramic. You can choose from a wide range of sizes and colors for tile and you can lay it in any pattern to match your design style.
Although tile is extremely durable, the grout may need to be resealed in certain cases to protect it from staining. It is not recommended to do tile flooring yourself.
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles look similar, but porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles. They are both extremely durable, but dishes dropped on them may cause damage. Also, ceramic tiles are heavier than porcelain tiles, so they are not recommended to be used for second-story floors. Particularly porcelain is waterproof and easy to clean, but grout can be slippery and prone to staining, so it is important to get any spillages out right away.
Stone tile can be more costly than porcelain and ceramic and requires more maintenance. Stone tile can be as durable as any other type of tile if it is properly cared for. Its porous surface makes it more slippery and less likely to slip. There are many stone tiles that can be used for flooring, including travertine and marble as well as slate, granite, and slate.
Pros
- There are many colors and patterns to choose from
- Very durable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Slippery surfaces are possible
- It requires some upkeep
- Professionally installed
- Vinyl
Modern upgrades have seen vinyl flooring enjoy a revival in recent years. Engineered vinyl flooring can now be purchased in tiles or planks, which mimic the appearance of stone and hardwood. It is waterproof and has a springy feel underfoot. This makes it a great choice for kitchen flooring if you’re looking to do your own. Vinyl flooring is great for kitchens including residential kitchens and commercial kitchens.
Vinyl flooring has the biggest disadvantage: it is softer than other options. Vinyl flooring can be damaged by large appliances, so it is important to use caution when upgrading or moving kitchen items.
Pros
- Can be used to imitate more expensive materials
- Waterproof
- Installation can be done without the assistance of a professional
Cons
- Tile is not as strong as tile
- Can be scratched or dented
- Laminate
Laminate is a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring for many years. Laminate can be replicated in hardwood look for a cheaper price, unlike vinyl. However, waterproof versions of laminate are now also available. Laminate flooring can also be used for DIY installations. The planks can be attached and glued to each other, or “floated” to cover uneven subfloors.
Pros
- Can be used to imitate more expensive materials
- If a particular type is used, can be waterproof
- Installation can be done without the assistance of a professional
Cons
- It is not as durable as some other options
- Some types are not waterproof
- Cork
Cork flooring is a relatively recent addition to the market for kitchen flooring. It’s also a budget-friendly option. Cork flooring is available in a variety of formats, including glue-down, peel-and-stick and snap-together. It can also be used to make tiles or planks look like tiles. Cork flooring is not colder than other options and has a soft, springy feel that absorbs sound.
Cork flooring is made from cork ground up and resins. It comes in many colors, including brown and gray. Cork flooring is resistant to stains, but not waterproof. Spills must be cleaned up immediately before they soak in. If it gets stained, you can sand it down and then seal it with a stain.
Although it can be damaged by heavy appliances, the floor is resilient and will bounce back if given enough time. Direct sunlight can cause it to fade, so it is best to close the curtains at the brightest hours of the day.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- DIY
- Sound absorbs
Cons
- Appliances can be indented
- Fades in the Sun
- Concrete
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Concrete flooring may seem too hard for a cozy area, but it is a great option for your kitchen. Stain concrete can look like wood, stone, or tile and can be sealed to make it almost waterproof. However, mats are recommended for areas with excessive moisture like near the sink or dishwasher.
Concrete has many advantages. It is much more affordable than other flooring options and can be made to look just like another product.
Pros
- It’s affordable
- Waterproof
Cons
- It’s not as traditional as some other options