Kitchenability

04.18.2019

Flooring for Kitchen Renovations

Looking at Flooring Types for Kitchen Renovation

Guest Contribution: Meghan Belnap

If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen with new floors, you’ll want to choose the right flooring material for your home. The most popular flooring materials each have their pros and cons, and making the right selection will depend on your needs and personal taste. Here are a few flooring suggestions that you may want to consider for your kitchen.

Wood

Wood flooring can add more sophistication to a kitchen setting and works great with many different layouts. One of the biggest advantages of wood flooring is that on cold days, wood won’t be as chilly on your feet as other flooring materials. For the greatest longevity, its best to opt for hardwood floors, though you can get the best of a variety of floors with engineered wood. You’ll have to be careful about water damage, but most kitchens don’t have as much moisture as bathrooms and basements typically do. The cons, however, tend to come with pets. Dogs and cats can easily scratch wood floors with their nails and claws. There’s also the risk that your furniture if they don’t have pads on the leg ends, can scratch up wooden flooring when moved.

Tile

There are many different tile color and style options, which makes this flooring material highly versatile. Tile can be cut to provide a more customized fit in kitchens and is easy to use when laying down flooring in tight or oddly shaped spaced. Most types of tile are also water-resistant and highly affordable. Tiles can come in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and even false wood. The best tile stores in NJ feature a vast array of tile selections for sale in a variety of materials and shapes. The cons of tile, however, include higher costs and install time. Of course, it also doesn’t retain heat well on cold days, so you may want to consider heated floors if you go for tile in the kitchen.

Stone

Granite, limestone, marble, and slate all fall under the category of stone flooring and coincide well with most kitchen design themes. Stone flooring can enhance the look of your kitchen and is usually easy to clean. However, some stones are more susceptible to cracking and absorb stain marks easier. If you choose marble, you’ll likely want to have a professional finish applied to make your floor less slippery. Because stone tends to come in a variety of colors and shapes, much like tile, you may benefit from the help of a kitchen visualizer to ensure that the shapes and colors work well with your overall design before you get it installed, as well.

Linoleum

This classic flooring material is still a popular selection for many homeowners who want to spruce up their kitchens. Linoleum is one of the most comfortable materials to walk on because of its bounce-back effect that provides additional cushioning for the feet. This is also one of the more affordable options and gives you the option of just about any style or color you want. The cons, however, include its tendency to curl up at the edges and allow for crumbs to fall underneath.

Weighing all the pros and cons of each type of flooring material carefully will make it easier for you to pick an option that works best for you. Whether you prioritize style, affordability or easy maintenance, it’s best to do your research before you get your new floors installed. Speak to a professional in your area and carefully consider all aspects, and you’ll be much happier with the result in the end.