How to Choose a Kitchen Floor

Kitchen floors have to withstand a great deal--everything from water and spilled spaghetti sauce to high heels and tricycle wheels--so you want a floor that’s going to make it through the long haul. There are a number of options out there, so it’s important to make sure you choose the one that’s right for you. Here are some of the flooring options I’d recommend.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Reference books or the Internet
• Samples

1. Now that so many homes are featuring open plans, wood is becoming a common feature in the kitchen because it carries over from the surrounding areas. While most woods are relatively strong, they can scratch and show wear and repairs to small areas often require the refinishing of the entire floor. If water gets under the floorboards it can cause the wood to warp or buckle, so it is important to seal the floors, typically with a polyurethane, oil or wax. Bamboo is also becoming increasingly common, and this naturally moisture-resistant, strong wood is an eco-friendly choice because it is a fast-growing renewable resource and is formaldehyde free.
2. Concrete is strong and durable, though this makes it hard underfoot and not the most comfortable option. It comes in a number of colors and finishes and requires some maintenance to prevent against cracking and staining.
3. Stone can be a beautiful option, but it is important to choose carefully; some stones can be hard and very slippery when wet, so aren’t ideal for children or the elderly. Stone is durable, but can chip or crack. It also requires maintenance to prevent against staining.
4. Tile is another option that can be unforgiving to stand (or fall) on, though certain types of tile are more dangerous than others (smooth, glazed tiles will be more slippery than unglazed, textured ones, for example). Unglazed tile will require some maintenance to prevent against staining and the grout between tiles can tend to show dirt (and gather bacteria), so it’s advisable to aim for as little grout as possible. Though it can chip or break, tile is quite durable and available in a huge range of colors, textures and styles.
5. Linoleum, popular several decades ago, is enjoying a resurgence of popularity now as part of the green movement. It’s made of natural, renewable materials, is soft underfoot, doesn’t stain or dent easily and is inexpensive.
6. Cork is another eco-friendly option popular with people looking for a flooring material that will be comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. It is hypoallergenic as well as naturally mold and mildew resistant and is good for absorbing sound. It can get gauged easily, however, and can suffer water damage.
7. Poured epoxy floors, often found in industrial spaces and garages, can be a good choice for kitchens for the same reasons they work well in garages: they are strong and durable, moisture resistant and slip resistant. They can crack, however, and some epoxies contain chemicals that create off-gases or cause allergic reactions, so make sure to check on the particular type of epoxy you’re considering.