Laminate kitchen flooring

Best kitchen flooring options

When it comes to style, there aren’t many rooms in your home that are more important than the kitchen. A kitchen is where family and friends gather most often, so it’s a room that should be shown off! Of course, you also want a kitchen that will maintain its appearance and last for a long time. A huge part of that is flooring. So, what type of flooring is best for your kitchen?

Hardwood is a popular option, but is it the best?

If your top priority with kitchen flooring is its appearance, hardwood is pretty much THE best flooring option for you. Hardwood flooring can be found in many forms, whether it be maple, oak, hickory, mahogany, or Brazilian cherry. You’ll also find that all hardwood types have different grain variations and intentional stains that give them their homey appeal.

Hardwood flooring can be refinished multiple times and should last for 20-30 years before you need new flooring.

The problem with hardwood flooring is moisture absorption. Moisture that seeps through the seams of hardwood flooring can cause cupping and/or warping. If you cook often and use different kinds of oils, liquids and sauces, then those things could end up damaging your hardwood flooring if they are dropped on it.

If you do choose hardwood flooring for your kitchen, make sure to seal it. You’ll have to do so every 2-3 years, but it will better protect your flooring and maximize its lifespan.

What about flooring that looks like hardwood, but can better withstand moisture?

There are a few types of flooring that qualify. Engineered hardwood is the closest non-hardwood material that has the same look as hardwood.

Engineered hardwood is multi-layered. Therefore, it’s built to better withstand moisture and scratching. Additionally, it’s top layer, called the veneer, is made of real hardwood. So, if you choose an engineered oak floor, the top layer will be real oak. The composition of engineered hardwood gives it a look that’s identical to a plank that is 100% hardwood.

The only problem with engineered hardwood is that it cannot be refinished. Veneers are very thin and a refinish would likely sand off the veneer, ultimately ruining the floor.

Cheaper alternatives that imitate hardwood include laminate and vinyl plank flooring. These are also layered and can also better withstand moisture better than real hardwood. Their looks differ from hardwood, but only slightly. In fact, your guests probably won’t even be able to tell the difference.

Stone tile is better for kitchens than hardwood

It depends on personal preference, but stone tile flooring tends to be more visually appealing than hardwood. Certain stone tiles certainly are, like marble or limestone. Natural stone creates a very natural look in a kitchen. It tends to be darker; therefore, it’s easier to match with kitchen appliances and general kitchen color schemes. If you want to give your kitchen a contemporary look, natural stone tile is the way to go.

You can choose from either a honed or polished finish. Polished will have more of a shine, while honed will be duller (which isn’t a bad thing). You should also note that polished stone can be a relatively slippery surface, which could be an issue in a kitchen.

How well does stone flooring withstand moisture?

Not too well. Similarly to hardwood, you’ll need to seal natural stone tile in order to prevent moisture from seeping through. Moisture that does seep through can result in discoloration of the tile.

Porcelain is made for kitchen use

Porcelain is a very hard material. In fact, it’s heated at extreme temperatures until it meets a certain level of hardness. This makes it virtually indestructible as a kitchen flooring option. Porcelain withstands moisture with no issue and it can easily withstand the everyday use of a kitchen. It’s so durable that it can even be used outdoors.

People often underestimate the design options for porcelain. It might not be as unique in appearance as hardwood or stone flooring, but it’s definitely an appealing flooring type. Porcelain has a through-body color, which means that any chips or general blemishes will be covered up by the consistent color throughout the tile.

Considering the main qualities that homeowners look for in kitchen flooring—appeal, durability, lifetime, maintenance—porcelain is perhaps the best option.

To see and learn more about flooring options and for general home remodeling information, visit Nadine Floor Company. We sell and install flooring! No matter which flooring option you choose for your kitchen, we’ll have it in stock and ready for installation. Call us at (469) 666-4530. Also, check out our blog for more helpful home remodeling input.