With today’s preferences toward open floor plans, appearance in a kitchen floor is becoming increasingly significant.
However, appearance, while important, should not be the sole criterion when selecting kitchen flooring. A kitchen is the
command center of most homes so the kitchen floor must also be comfortable, low–maintenance, durable, functional and
yet attractive. Here is a brief rundown on some of today’s varied choices.
- Wood flooring meets a wide range of décor styles is warm, quiet and comfortable on the feet. Durability and
maintenance depends on
the species of wood. A wooden floor is susceptible to scratches and stains from spillage. When installing wood flooring in
kitchens, take great care to ensure and spills are cleaned immediately as standing liquid will damage wood floors.
- Vinyl flooring is a budget-friendly choice which is available in a wide range of patterns and colors. Vinyl is
spill proof, moisture resistant and easy to maintain. Today’s vinyl flooring comes in a variety of styles and patterns and
is made to look like other flooring materials like wood and stone.
- Ceramic tile offers an infinite selection of colors and designs. To minimize grout lines, the largest tiles are preferred
using a thin grout line. The disadvantage is that the floor is hard and cold underfoot. Ceramic tile is low maintenance,
almost spill–proof and moisture resistant.
- Cork, harvested from the bark of cork trees is a renewable resource and hence green. It is available in several colors
and patterns and is arguably the most comfortable underfoot. Cork flooring is sound resistant, and moisture resistant when
sealed. Cork flooring is easy to maintain and can be swept, vacuumed or damp mopped periodically.
