If you are shopping for a kitchen floor, you’ll want something durable that can take a lot of wear and tear. In this article, we’ll look at 7 kitchen flooring material options, including vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile, natural stone tile, linoleum, hardwoods, and concrete flooring, to determine how they perform on durability factors such as heat and water resistance.
1. Vinyl Flooring for Kitchens
Vinyl flooring is highly durable and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It’s the perfect choice for busy kitchens with lots of foot traffic, as it can resist stains and scratches. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) offer a higher quality product than standard vinyl and will last for years and stay looking beautiful. Please note we are using the common term LVT, but you should know that luxury vinyl also comes in plank formats that resemble natural wood flooring; you may see a product labeled LVP for luxury vinyl plank.
Layers of material make up vinyl flooring, including polymers, resins, pigments, and stabilizers. The bottom layer consists of foam or cork and acts as the underlayment, so no other material is required prior to laying the vinyl flooring. The middle is made of a thick plastic core, and the top layer is clear, covering the image layer below it. A vinyl kitchen floor is easy to clean. Spills can be wiped up with plain water, and mopping once a week with a water and vinegar mixture or a vinyl floor cleaner will keep your floors shining.
Vinyl’s design and construction make it completely waterproof. If you soak it in water, it can be dried out without losing its shape or appearance.
And although LVT is flame resistant, meaning if there is a fire, it will not contribute to the flames, it can be damaged by dropping hot dishes, pans, or other extremely hot items onto the floor.
2. Natural Stone Tile Flooring for Kitchens
/ H·FLOR TAUPE MARBLE from PRESTG SPC Collection
Stone tile flooring adds sophistication and beauty to any home. Not only does stone tile add elegance to your kitchen with its variety of patterns and colors, but it is also mostly non-slip because of its natural semi-porous surface.
Natural stone tile requires more care than other flooring materials. Normally, it must be sealed after installation and re-sealed regularly after that. With proper maintenance, stone tile flooring is a beautiful and durable choice for your kitchen floor, perfect for high-traffic areas. But bear in mind stone tile must be installed professionally because of the special underlayment and mortar required.
Because stone tile is water-resistant and easy to maintain, it is an excellent choice for your kitchen. Avoiding acids and dust mopping regularly will help prevent scratches and chips.
Stone tile flooring is heat resistant. Because it is made from natural stone, it is strong enough to endure high temperatures without cracking.
3. Ceramic Tile Flooring for Kitchens
Ceramic floor tile is a good choice for your kitchen because it is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a wide array of colors and styles. Tile can weather lots of foot traffic, spills, and stains.
Ceramic tile is made from clay, so it is softer than some other tiles. But it is also durable and fairly simple to maintain. Sweeping or vacuuming daily will keep it clean, with an occasional mopping with a mild cleaning solution and hot water.
Because they are porous, ceramic tiles can absorb small amounts of liquid. They are water resistant, but spills should be cleaned up quickly because if left for too long, the tiles could crack and damage the grout. Also, moisture can make ceramic tiles slippery, so be careful when mopping.
Ceramic tile is heat resistant, but exposure to very hot items like pots or pans can cause damage. They are also susceptible to extreme temperatures. So there are better options for an outdoor kitchen.
4. Concrete Flooring for Kitchens
Consider concrete flooring if you are looking for something different but durable for your kitchen floor. Concrete can be stained, polished, or etched to make a sophisticated and stylistic addition to your home.
A concrete floor is exceptionally strong and will not scratch or chip easily. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last for an incredibly long time. To maintain its protective top layer, your floor will need to be sealed every one to three years, depending on wear and tear. For regular cleaning, use a neutral cleaning solution to mop the floor.
Because concrete will absorb most fluids quickly, it’s necessary to totally seal your concrete floor to make it waterproof. To be sure it is done properly and remains safe from any exposure to water, consider hiring a professional.
Concrete flooring can withstand very high temperatures without damage. Constructed entirely of natural materials, this hardened combination of water, cement, sand, stone, and pigment resists heat.
5. Linoleum Flooring for Kitchens
Linoleum flooring is a popular choice among those who want a long-lasting and versatile kitchen floor. It comes in a large variety of colors and design choices, withstands heavy foot traffic, and is softer than most flooring materials so it’s easier on your feet.
Linoleum is made from all-natural materials, including wood flour, resin, limestone, linseed oil, and pigments. Its surface repels dirt and dust so it’s easy to keep clean. Dust or sweep regularly, and then use an occasional damp mop to keep your linoleum floor looking good.
Though most linoleum flooring is water resistant, some types are more susceptible to exposure to water, which can cause permanent damage. Having your linoleum sealed will help protect it.
Since linoleum is constructed from all-natural materials, it is very resistant to heat. It will not melt easily, nor will it readily burn in a house fire.
6. Laminate Flooring for Kitchen
Laminate flooring can mimic many different varieties of real stone or wood. The material consists of multiple layers laminated together with a wood fiberboard core. Laminate flooring is a great option for DIYers because of its easy installation.
Constructed of high-density wood fiberboard, laminate flooring is created to be durable. It consists of up to five layers sealed together through a lamination process. The decor—or second layer—includes a printed image that can imitate the look of more expensive flooring, like stone, tile, or wood. A thin, impact-resistant layer covers the high-density fiberboard, making up the product’s bulk. To create a softer cushion, the bottom layer is either a soft foam or paper.
Laminate flooring is not water resistant. Excess water caused by spills or careless cleaning can cause the material to warp or stain, especially near seams or edges. If liquid does get in, the core will soak it up and permanently distort.
Because the top layer of laminate flooring is plastic, it may melt under extreme heat—although the high temperatures necessary to cause damage are rarely reached. The high-density fiberboard core is largely impervious to heat.
7. Hardwood Flooring for Kitchen
Hardwood flooring remains a preferred choice for kitchens. There are many style options with wood floors—from reclaimed and raw to painted and glossy. Hardwood can also be laid in numerous patterns for an extra interesting effect.
Many characteristics of hardwood flooring differ depending on what type is being used. Hardwood flooring used in kitchens is typically one of several types, such as engineered, prefinished, unfinished, or reclaimed. No matter the type, if your hardwood kitchen floor is installed correctly and sealed, it is easy to maintain. Daily sweeping and an occasional damp mop with hardwood cleaner will keep your floors in good shape.
Though not waterproof, hardwoods with the proper seal can be water-resistant. Hardwood is susceptible to water, and exposure can make it swell and buckle. Minor spills shouldn’t cause an issue if cleaned up promptly.
Hardwoods are affected by changes in temperature and humidity. Low humidity will cause hardwoods to shrink and warp. Maintaining even temperatures and humidity levels will protect your floors. Never put things on your hardwood floor that might burn, as not only will this leave scorch marks on your floor, but they could also start a fire. Keep objects that create a lot of heat off of your hardwood floors.
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If you need help finding the most durable kitchen floor, contact us today, and one of our helpful professionals will be in touch soon.