Whether remodeling your kitchen or designing a new home, you will want the best kitchen floor for your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll discuss material and design options for the best flooring selections in terms of maintenance, hygiene, and performance. We’ll also explore some of the most popular materials for residential kitchen flooring, including vinyl, laminate, wood, and stone.
Vinyl Flooring: LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Innovative upgrades and technological advances have greatly improved vinyl flooring through the years. Luxury vinyl flooring is available now in tiles and planks, featuring high-resolution designs that closely imitate the look of stone and hardwood. Both Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are excellent choices for kitchen flooring. LVP and LVT consist of several layers, including a core layer consisting of either a wood plastic composite (WPC) or a stone plastic composite (SPC).
Vinyl flooring is fully waterproof, has a cushioned feel, is easy to clean, and is a popular kitchen floor option for do-it-yourselfers. The biggest disadvantage of vinyl flooring is that it is softer than other materials, so large appliances can damage it. Caution is a must when moving things around in the kitchen.
Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simulates more expensive materials, including natural hardwoods
- Includes a waterproof wear layer
- Can be installed without using a professional
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
- Comfortable underfoot
- Comes in numerous colors and patterns
- High-quality products have shock-absorbing layers
Cons
- Not as durable as tile
- Can be scratched or dented easily
Wood Flooring
A traditional option, hardwood flooring remains a favored choice for the kitchen. While not waterproof, solid hardwoods with the right finish can be water-resistant. Hardwood flooring is also available in recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable choices for those looking for an environmentally friendly option.
To revive the look of hardwood floors, you can refinish them, which is a convenient option if you don’t want to overhaul the entire floor. You can also create various interesting effects by laying hardwood in different patterns. Since hardwoods can be costly, you’ll want to hire a knowledgeable professional to install your floors.
Wood Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made of natural raw materials
- Numerous colors and patterns available
- Easy to renew
- Sustainable options available
- May increase your home’s value
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Prone to scratches, scuffs, and staining
- Can be slippery when wet
- Difficult to install, not for the DIY crowd
- More expensive than laminate and vinyl
Laminate Flooring
Laminate has been a less costly alternative to hardwood flooring for some time. Like vinyl, it can emulate the look of hardwood; however, it is not consistently waterproof, though waterproof varieties are now available. Laminate flooring also resists stains and scratches and is easy to clean.
Laminate flooring is a great option for DIYers because the floating floor format allows you to place planks on uneven subfloors. Imitating solid hardwood flooring’s characteristic colors and patterns continues to be a main selling feature of laminate floors.
Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
- Numerous colors and patterns, including styles that mimic wood and stone
- Can be waterproof
- Easy to install, doesn’t require professional installation for skilled DIYers
- Easy to clean and maintain
- One of the most affordable flooring options available
Cons
- Not as sturdy as other options
- Some brands are not waterproof
- Difficult to determine quality; some products may look fake
- Not eco-friendly
- Can’t be refinished or repaired
Stone Tile Flooring
Stone tile flooring offers elegance and natural beauty to any home. It comes directly from the earth, so no two tiles are exactly the same. Not only does stone tile add elegance to your kitchen, but it is also primarily non-slip because of its semi-porous surface.
Stone tile flooring, known for its durability, is easy to maintain and perfect for high-traffic areas. It provides a high-end look at an affordable price. But remember that stone tile must be professionally installed because of the special underlayment and mortar required and may require occasional sealing to lessen damage from spills and stains.
Stone Tile Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can endure heavy foot traffic
- Creates a naturally sophisticated look
- Doesn’t attract dust
- May increase the value of your home
Cons
- Stone flooring can cost more
- Can scratch easily
- Difficult and expensive to replace
- Requires regular sealing to prevent damage from spills and moisture
- Susceptible to chipping and cracks under impact
Get Advice for Your Kitchen Flooring through LX Hausys
LX Hausys routinely works with homeowners and designers to help them select the best kitchen flooring for their projects. Here are some things to consider:
- Is your family messy? Do you have pets? Your flooring should withstand regular wear and tear based on your lifestyle. Some floors are designed to resist spills and other kitchen messes.
- How easy is the flooring to maintain? Some flooring requires more maintenance than others. If easy kitchen floor cleanup is what you need, check out vinyl and tile flooring, which are typically easier to maintain.
- How much comfort do you want? Do you spend much time standing in the kitchen cooking, baking, or entertaining? Certain flooring styles, like tile, can be hard on your feet and joints after a long time. More pliable flooring, like vinyl, can be easier on you.
- What is your style? Your flooring should complement your personality and the design choices around your home. Do you prefer a modern or farmhouse look? Consider the textures, patterns, and colors you want in your home.
- What is your budget? Some materials are more expensive than others. It’s important to consider your budget when making this decision. Most flooring is sold by square footage, so make sure you have the proper measurements. And don’t forget to add in installation costs.
LX Hausys’ HFLOR luxury vinyl flooring brand offers incredible freedom and creativity both in terms of design capabilities and installation methods. You can learn more about HFLOR and explore its seven collections and products here. LX Hauys also offers design inspiration and a virtual showroom to help you with your product choices.
If you’d like personal assistance from one of our flooring and design experts, contact us and complete a short form, and one of our knowledgeable team members will reply promptly.