The kitchen is regarded as the heart of the home where individuals or family prepare meals. In many homes, family and friends also gather in this spot for meals or parties.
Considering this, the kitchen floor gets a lot of foot traffic, stains, spills and requires more cleaning than other parts in your home. It’s certain you don’t want to have a less durable floor that always looks messy and feels hard to clean.
Hence, you need the best flooring for a kitchen that can handle the mishaps of cooking, dirt and spills. There are many kitchen flooring choices which make it pretty challenging to find the right option for your home.
Each of them also has their pros and cons that you have to consider when choosing. However, you don’t have to worry much because we’ve compiled great information about the kitchen flooring suitable for everybody’s taste.
Also, you’ll get to know the essential things you should consider when purchasing flooring for your kitchen thus making it a lot easier to choose.
Benefits of Having Recommended Kitchen Flooring
Affordable Price
Most recommended kitchen floorings come at a pretty low price and they also cost less to install. You’ll even find some to come as cheap as $1.10 per square foot.
Like in the case of vinyl, Cork and laminate flooring, you can easily remove and replace them either with the same material or other flooring options.
Comfortability
Cork and linoleum flooring have a soft surface texture that’s comfortable underfoot. You can stand on them for a long time without feeling tired or getting achy.
They’re also a safe choice if you have kids and pets because they aren’t slippery even when wet.
Moisture-Resistance
You ought to know spills or moisture are bound to happen on the kitchen floor. That’s why using one of the well-recommended floorings that can handle spills is always a great idea.
Kitchen flooring types that are moisture and water resistant include Cork, vinyl, engineered hardwood, natural stone tiles and porcelain tiles. With these floorings, it becomes easy to clean up dirt and spills as all you need is a mop and broom.
Easy Cleaning
Most recommended kitchen floor comes easy to clean. To keep them clean all you need is a floor sweeper, mop or one of the best vacuums under $100.
However, if you plan on using other cleaning tools, keep in mind that not all kitchen floorings work great with a perfect steam mop or special chemical products.
Durability
Kitchen encounters heavy foot traffic and it also gets a lot of dirt and spills that can damage the flooring in a short time. Most recommended floorings such as porcelain tiles, natural stone tile, linoleum and laminate last for longer.
Using one of these will save you more money as you won’t be changing your kitchen flooring over the years. Also, these kitchen floorings aren’t susceptible to scratches, wrinkles and don’t damage easily.
Types of Kitchen Floorings
There are many different types of flooring, but we’re going to reveal to you the best choices for kitchens. We’ll also provide you with great information about the best types and their pros and cons as well.
The best types of kitchen flooring include Cork, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, porcelain tile flooring, natural stone tile, laminate and linoleum tile.
Cork Flooring
The Cork flooring material is derived from tree bark. Today, it stands as one of the most popular kitchen floorings in homes. If you’re looking for an easy to clean flooring, then this is a suitable choice for you.
Cork flooring has a soft texture, which makes it pretty safe and comfortable to walk on. Not only that, but its soft texture surface also makes it non-slippery.
One impressive fact about this flooring is its resistance to water and moisture. However, exposure to sunlight can easily damage the Cork flooring’s quality and brightness.
For this reason, you should ensure to close your blinds and curtains more often. It’s also not advisable to use heavy kitchen furniture with this flooring.
The reason is that heavy items can leave annoying marks on your Cork floor or damage it in the process. Keep in mind that after installation, you have to seal the flooring every 3-4 years to keep it in good shape.
Pros
- Very resistant to moisture and water.
- Its structure makes it very durable and sustainable.
- Very safe and comfortable to walk on.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Heavy furniture can leave a dent on the floor.
- Needs periodic sealing to remain in good shape.
- Quality and color can quickly fade when the flooring is exposed to sunlight often.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring looks appealing when used in any room and kitchen isn’t the exception. Nevertheless, many find it uncomfortable to use because it can expand and deform easily in high humidity areas.
It also absorbs moisture and causes too much heat when used in an indoor environment. Luckily, continuous development has led to the production of engineered hardwoods which are now more durable than the natural solid hardwood.
Its durability makes it a perfect fit for kitchen flooring as it can handle heavy foot traffic and cooking mishap, dirt and spills. You’ll also find it easy to clean and maintain as all you need is to sweep and mop regularly.
Furthermore, the engineered hardwood is moisture resistant. Another big plus is that you can easily align the flooring with other rooms with ease in a home that uses an open concept floor plan.
Pros
- Moisture resistant.
- Durable enough to handle heavy foot traffic, dirt and cooking mishaps.
- You can easily align it perfectly with other room’s flooring.
- Makes kitchen aesthetically appealing.
Cons
- Costs more to install.
- Produced with harmful chemicals such as resin and adhesives.
- Pretty difficult to replace damaged planks.
Resilient and Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl planks and tiles look more like wood and natural stones. They come in many styles and colors that can make your kitchen look aesthetically pleasing.
They’re regarded as one of the best kitchen floorings because of their durability and longevity. Furthermore, they don’t require much hassle to clean and maintain.
Another impressive fact is that they’re water resistant, so they’re able to withstand spills and moisture. If you’re looking for great budget-friendly kitchen flooring, this is one of the perfect choices for you.
Made from PVC, it comes pretty easy to install. However, the fact that it’s made of PVC is one of the downsides you should consider.
The reason is that PVC emits harmful chemicals into the air when it comes in contact with fire or hot flames. Although vinyl flooring comes with great benefits, it adds little to nothing to the value of your home.
Pros
- One of the least expensive options.
- Comes in many different styles and colors.
- Less stressful to clean and maintain.
- Highly durable and can last for a very long time.
- Water and moisture resistant.
Cons
- Highly volatile and harmful.
- Not sustainable.
- Prone to indention.
- Doesn’t add cost value to your home.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tile is one of the most durable flooring options. This flooring material can handle heavy foot traffic, spills, stains and cooking mishaps. You can easily clean up any mess on it with one of the best floor sweepers or a simple tile mop.
Its production process through high temperatures makes the tiles very strong, durable and highly water resistant. Also, its surface is stain resistant.
However, you might find it uncomfortable to stand on it for a very long time due to its hardness. It’s also not safe to walk on when wet as it can be pretty slippery.
Although they don’t cost much to obtain, these tiles are pretty difficult to install. Hence, you’ll need an expert to install it perfectly. Overall, this is one of the best options for kitchen floorings that can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option.
- Highly durable and water-resistant.
- Great resistance to stains.
- Eco-friendly.
Cons
- You’ll need a professional to install this flooring.
- Very hard and can be uncomfortable to stand on for a very long time.
- Highly slippery and dangerous to walk on when wet.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Another great substitute to hardwood flooring that could add significant value to your home is the natural stone tile. It has great similarities to the porcelain tile, but it’s pretty expensive to obtain and comes in different natural and colorful options.
On a single purchase, you’ll get to have different stone tiles in beautiful designs, styles and colors. Flooring stones in this category include slate, marble, travertine, etc.
Known for its durability, this flooring tile for kitchen is highly water-resistant. To keep it in good shape after installation, you’ll need to seal it from time to time.
Although high-quality natural stone comes at a pretty high price, it’s worth the money in the long run. The downside to this flooring is that they’re pretty hard to install. Hence you’ll need to get professional to do the job for you.
Pros
- Comes in a wide assortment of colors and styles.
- Extremely durable.
- Enhances the appearance of your kitchen.
- Increases your home’s value.
Cons
- Comes at a more expensive price.
- You’ll need the expert knowledge to install it.
- More affordable natural stone can damage easily.
- You need to seal it over the years after installation to increase its lifetime.
Laminate Flooring
If kids and pets use your kitchen frequently and it also gets a lot of foot traffic and stains then laminate flooring stands as the best option for you. Although laminate uses less natural material, it’s one of the best eco-friendly options.
In comparison to vinyl plank vs laminate, it doesn’t release many toxic chemicals if it comes in contact with fire. This durable flooring surface looks more like hardwood or tiles.
They’re very affordable and have a stain-resistant surface that’s pretty easy to clean and maintain. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to use a perfect steam mop to clean this flooring as it’s prone to moisture.
Due to its high demand, many options have flooded the market making it pretty difficult to find a high-quality one. Another one of the reasons why laminate is such a popular option is a stress-free installation as you can also install it using only a DIY process.
All in all, laminate requires minimal maintenance as you don’t need to seal it periodically after installation.
Pros
- Doesn’t require continuous sealing or waxing after installation.
- Affordable alternative to other floorings including hardwood, stone and ceramic tiles.
- Easy to clean, maintain and install.
Cons
- Can easily get damaged by moisture or spills.
- Susceptible to scratches.
Linoleum Tile Flooring
The linoleum flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns and designs. It’s a perfect choice for avid cooks and those that want to give their kitchen flooring a stylish and designer look.
This durable surface flooring comes at a more affordable price. Due to its durability, it can perfectly withstand heavy foot traffic, heat, moisture and scratches.
Furthermore, it has a soft surface texture that makes it comfortable to stand on for a very long period. It comes as a more natural option because it includes pigments, wood resins and linseed oil.
Continuous improvement and its eco-friendly nature have made it one of the most favorite floorings for the kitchen. Its surface is great in resisting dust and dirt.
It also has antibacterial bacterial properties that fight off germs and other harmful microorganisms that want to strive on it. With this flooring, you can mix match different colors and patterns to create a beautiful kitchen floor design.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and free of potentially harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns that enhance your kitchen’s appearance
- Durable enough to withstand a high amount of traffic.
- Its surface is comfortable underfoot.
- Highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
Cons
- Not a budget-friendly option.
How to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Kitchen
Needs
Before you choose the best floor for your kitchen, ensure it matches your units and worktop. If you want to go for a matching look, use materials with similar finishes (matte or gloss).
Ensure the colors blend as much as possible. Select an article which works for both floorings and worktops, e.g., luxurious brownstone to a walnut hardwood flooring.
Choosing different finishes in the same colors or similar finishes in different colors are great ways to create a distinct look. You can pair a dark matte Coretec plus flooring with a lighter matte worktop or a polished white granite worktop with a matte slate floor.
Before you settle for any of the styles mentioned above, don’t rush for a particular look since kitchen floorings are long term investments.
Design and Style
Many homes have kitchens with different styles. Some are rustic while others have more different styles. With this in mind choose kitchen flooring based on its (the kitchen’s) size, colors, patterns and textures.
Durability
Like plastic flooring, many flooring materials are produced to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, some materials are tougher than others.
Depending on the number of people or pets that move around your living space, you’ll need to get durable materials for your kitchen floor. The best options include concrete and stone tiles.
Cleaning/Maintenance Methods
Since food spills and embedded dirt is bound to occur, the kitchen’s floors will definitely become untidy frequently. Go for a flooring material that’s resistant to water spills and stains and easy to clean with the best floor sweeper.
Since some floorings require special treatment with dedicated products, it’s advised you go for such materials only if you have the time to maintain them. However, if you don’t, choose a material which requires simple care with just using the best vacuum under $100.
Budget
Before you choose a particular flooring style during remodeling, ensure it fits within your budget. Only after that measure the kitchen to determine its size.
The actual cost of the project will depend on your location, kitchen size, style of flooring and materials as well as quality. With a large budget, you can go for elaborate hardwood or travertine styles while vinyl floors come as ideal inexpensive options.
However, you can get more advice from professionals on what styles fit your pocket and kitchen.
How to Clean and Maintain a Kitchen Flooring
In this section, we’ll give you great insight on how to clean and maintain vinyl, ceramic and laminate flooring in your kitchen.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors
Since vinyl floorings are cheap, durable and easy to maintain, they stand as the most common type of kitchen flooring. They even have a classic look while offering water resistance.
However, it’s advised that you wipe spills and stains as quickly as possible since such dirt might become challenging to remove when dry. When dirty, vinyl floors can be cleaned with regular materials such as broom, water, soft cloth, mild dish soap and floor cleaner.
Here are the steps to clean the vinyl floor:
- Step 1: Sweep all parts of the floor including around corners and under furniture.
- Step 2: Wipe with warm water and a mop. Don’t add any detergents to the water.
- Step 3: Apply some dish soap in warm water to remove stubborn stains.
- Step 4: Scrub the floor gently with a mop or soft cloth. For stubborn stains use a brush with rubber bristles.
- Step 5: Clean up excess moisture with a towel. Dry the floor thoroughly before use.
How to Clean Ceramic Floors
Another great choice for the kitchen floor is glazed ceramic tiles made with kilns, ceramic tiles and other durable materials. A glazed ceramic tile floor requires very low-maintenance and is easy to clean.
With the following steps, you should be able to clean this flooring without using a perfect steam mop. Materials needed include a broom, mop, mild dish soap, bucket and warm water.
- Step 1: Sweep all parts of the floor including around corners and under furniture.
- Step 2: Fill the bucket with warm water.
- Step 3: Mop the dirt with warm water. For tougher stains, add a little dish soap.
- Step 4: Mop the floor and rinse immediately.
- Step 5: Dry thoroughly before use.
How to Clean Wood Laminate Floors
Homeowners love this flooring option because it offers the look of real hardwood floors in kitchens. Nevertheless, excess water can damage laminate floors by causing them to swell.
This means you should avoid soaking this flooring with water during cleaning. However, it’s important to note that wood laminate resists water damage more than hardwood.
On the other hand, although it has durable features, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are the steps to clean a laminate floor without a premium upright vacuum:
- Step 1: All you need are a broom, bucket, white vinegar and soft cloth. Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly.
- Step 2: Add a cup of vinegar per gallon water to the bucket.
- Step 3: Soak the soft cloth in the solution.
- Step 4: Wring the cloth, removing as much moisture as possible.
- Step 5: Wipe the damp fabric on the floor.
- Step 6: Rinse the now dirty cloth in the bucket.
- Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 5 until the floor is clean and dry the floor thoroughly before use.
Other Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Kitchen Floors
Here are some more ways you can make your kitchen floor look great and last longer:
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent embedded stains and damage.
- Use a solution of mild dish detergent and water to remove grease stains from the floor.
Does More Spending Mean More Quality
When it comes to kitchen flooring, the cost shouldn’t be your main focus. You should consider the quality of the flooring you want to install first.
For example, the natural stone flooring is of premium quality, but there are some floors that are less quality and don’t last long.
If you have a higher budget, you might want to consider installing expensive flooring. Make sure that the floor you install isn’t prone to scratches and stains as this could result in spending more money on repairs in the long run.
Also, it’s best to consider your specific needs, kitchen design and color. Installing high-quality flooring that has stylish design and patterns will help to add a more aesthetic look to your kitchen.
How to Install a Kitchen Floor
As mentioned earlier, vinyl floors are durable, budget-friendly and water resistant. This makes them one of the best options for kitchens.
Here are the steps on how to install a vinyl floor:
Step 1 – Remove All Furniture and Appliances
Use a flat pry bar to gently remove the baseboards from the wall surrounding the room. Roll out the Kraft paper from the baseboard at one edge of the room.
Step 2 – Tape the Paper
Place the paper on the floor with 4-inch masking tape on every three feet of the corner. With scissors, cut the paper on one end. From one inch at the edge of the wall, tape the paper.
Step 3 – Cover the Floor
Roll another strip of Kraft paper which exceeds the first by three inches. Place the new piece to the first and add strips until you cover the entire floor.
Step 4 – Mark the Edges
Hold a framing square on the floor beside the baseboard. Mark the opposite edge of the tool with a pencil. Draw the mark around the corner of the floor while making regular pencil marks along the width of the square away from the floor.
Step 5 – Roll Out the Flooring Face Side Up
Go to a larger location and roll out the vinyl flooring face side up. Remove the Kraft paper template in a single piece and place it on the rolled out vinyl, while making sure to tape both materials together.
Put a framing square against the line on the Kraft paper template in the same position then mark a cut line on the vinyl flooring with a washable marker, using the framing square as a guide. Ensure the line is complete around the template.
Step 6 – Cut the Vynil
Under the floor, place a piece of plywood or thick cardboard. Use a sharp knife to cut the vinyl along the drawn marker line.
Protect the floor by moving the plywood or cardboard as you work. Take the vinyl flooring to the kitchen and place the material on the floor to check if it fits. Cut the edges to get a proper fit in case the vinyl flooring is larger than needed.
Step 7 – Smooth the Vynil with a Floor Roller
Roll over the whole floor to remove any imperfections and embed the flooring onto the adhesive, using a floor roller.
Add baseboards or quarter round and trim to the base of all the walls. If these materials aren’t available, apply a bead of tub and tile caulk around the perimeter of the room between the floor and walls.
Which Types Of Floors to Avoid for a Kitchen
When it comes to this question, it all depends on your specific needs. If you have a kitchen that uses heavy items it will be best not to use Cork or vinyl because they’re susceptible to scratches.
For a kitchen that encounters too much moisture, laminate flooring should be avoided. The reason is that they aren’t moisture resistant.
If your kids and pets love to use the kitchen then you need to avoid porcelain and natural stone. These floorings could be pretty dangerous when wet because your child or pet could slip and fall.
FAQ
Can I paint my kitchen floors?
Yes, you can, especially if you have a hardwood floor in your kitchen. Using a little paint can make this space look brighter and more beautiful.
Great colors for such purpose are white and yellow. This is because these hues relax the senses while bringing playful vibes.
You can also use stencils to make your flooring look unique. Adding a faux rug to a solid color floor also comes as a great way to paint your floors. However, before painting, ensure you clean, sand and prime the surface.
How often should I clean my kitchen floors?
All kitchen floors should be cleaned regularly. You should also sweep your kitchen floor with a broom after dinner or pests will roam your kitchen floor looking for food scraps.
Mopping should be done twice a week with damp microfiber mop and bucket.
Wrap Up
When choosing kitchen flooring, go for options that fit your budget and needs. For instance, if you want to increase your home’s value, consider natural stone tiles or engineered hardwood floorings.
But if you see your flooring installation as a DIY project, luxury vinyl comes as a great option. Other options to consider include Cork which is a great option especially if you’re going green while porcelain tiles offer durability at a low price.
No matter the type of material you choose, it’s essential you clean it regularly. This makes the kitchen floor look attractive and last for a lifetime and it also helps to cut costs.
Photos from: alabn / depositphotos.com, AndreyPopov / depositphotos.com, visochin_o / depositphotos.com, studiodin / depositphotos.com, Elnur_ / depositphotos.com and sssccc / depositphotos.com.