If your kitchen sees a lot of foot traffic—family coming and going, kids running in and out—you’ll want a floor that can take a beating and still look great. This is why you’ll want to know the best flooring materials for kitchens.
When choosing kitchen flooring, there are several factors to consider. Durability, cost, and aesthetics are all critical considerations when deciding. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. If you need getting started, be sure to check out our guide to selecting the best flooring for your kitchen.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the best kitchen flooring materials.
What To Prioritize In Kitchen Flooring
- Functionality: The first thing you’ll want to consider is how your kitchen will be used. If you do a lot of cooking, you’ll want a floor that’s easy to clean and maintain. Tile or linoleum may be your best bet in this case. If you have young children, you might want to use a softer material like cork or bamboo. If you’re looking for something that’s both durable and stylish, hardwood floors are always a good option
- Budget: Of course, the cost is always a factor when remodeling your kitchen. Flooring can range in price from less than $2 per square foot to more than $10 per square foot. Tradeoffs may need to be made between cost and durability or style, so be sure to set a budget before making any decisions
- Style: You’ll want to consider what kind of look you’re going for with your kitchen remodel. Do you want something classic? Contemporary? Rustic? Many different types of flooring can achieve any look you’re going for
- Durability: If you have young children or pets, durability should be one of your top priorities when choosing kitchen flooring. Look for scratch and stain-resistant materials, like ceramic tile or vinyl plank flooring. Hardwood floors are also a durable option, but they require more maintenance than other materials
- Maintenance: Tile is the clear winner when it comes to easy maintenance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be easily wiped clean and don’t require special treatments or cleaners. Vinyl plank flooring is also low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require waxing or polishing. Hardwood floors require regular sweeping and mopping, and they should be refinished every 3 to 5 years to maintain their appearance
8 Best Flooring Materials For Kitchens
1. Porcelain Tile
Durable And Easy To Maintain
One of the most significant benefits of porcelain tile flooring is that it is exceptionally durable and easy to maintain. Porcelain tiles are strong enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and can be easily cleaned with a damp mop. You won’t have to worry about spills or stains, and your floors will look beautiful.
Beautiful And Versatile
Porcelain tiles come in various colors and styles, so you’re sure to find an option that fits your taste. Whether you want a classic look or something more modern, porcelain tile can provide it. You can also choose from various finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured. Porcelain tile is very versatile and can be used across multiple design styles.
Affordable
Porcelain tile is often more affordable than other types of kitchen flooring, such as hardwood or stone. This makes it a great option if you’re working with a limited budget. Plus, since porcelain tile is so durable, you won’t have to replace it as often as other flooring materials. This can save you money in the long run.
2. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic Tile Is Durable
One of the most important considerations for any kitchen flooring material is durability. After all, the kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your house, so you need a material that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, dropped dishes, and spills. Ceramic tiles are up for the challenge. It’s scratch-resistant and can withstand heat and cold without cracking or breaking. Plus, properly installed ceramic tile will last for years with minimal upkeep.
Ceramic Tile Is Easy To Maintain
Another critical consideration for kitchen flooring is the ease of maintenance. You want a material that won’t require much work to keep it looking its best. Ceramic tiles fit the bill here as well. It’s easy to sweep or vacuum, and spills can be quickly wiped up without leaving behind any stains. If a tile gets damaged, replacing just that one tile is also reasonably simple instead of replacing the entire floor.
Ceramic Tile Comes In Endless Styles
Although durability and easy maintenance are essential factors to consider when choosing kitchen flooring, let’s be honest—style is also a significant consideration. After all, you’ll be looking at your floors daily, so you want them to be an aesthetic you love. Ceramic tile comes in various colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns. You’re sure to find an option that fits your style perfectly.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood Is Easy To Clean
One of the most significant advantages of hardwood flooring is that it is effortless to clean. Spills can be wiped up quickly, and dirt and dust can be vacuumed or swept away easily. With other types of flooring, spills can be more challenging to clean up, and dirt and dust can get trapped, leading to a build-up over time.
Hardwood Is Resilient To Stains and Scratches
Another advantage of hardwood flooring is its resilience to stains and scratches. Carpets can stain easily, and tiles can crack or chip. Hardwood floors are much more resistant to stains and scratches, meaning they will continue to look good for a long time with minimal maintenance.
Hardwood Floors Increase Your Home’s Value
Finally, hardwood floors can actually increase the value of your home. Homes with hardwood floors tend to sell for more than homes with other types of flooring because they are seen as a luxurious upgrade. If you plan on selling your home in the future, investing in hardwood floors could pay off down the road.
4. Vinyl
Vinyl Flooring Is Durable And Water-Resistant
When it comes to durability, few flooring materials can compare to vinyl. This synthetically-manufactured product is designed to stand up in high-traffic areas like kitchens. It’s also resistant to moisture, making it ideal for areas where spills are likely to occur. Plus, vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep your kitchen flooring looking new for years.
Vinyl Flooring Is Affordable, And Easy To Install
In addition to being durable and water-resistant, vinyl flooring is also one of the most affordable flooring options on the market. It’s also relatively easy to install, so you can save money on professional installation costs. Doing so is a breeze if you ever need to replace a damaged section of your vinyl floor.
Vinyl Flooring Comes In A Wide Range of Styles
Most people think of vinyl flooring and picture ugly, cheap-looking tile. But today’s vinyl floors come in many styles, from realistic woodgrain designs to sleek, modern patterns. No matter your personal style, there’s a vinyl floor out there that’s perfect for your kitchen remodel.
5. Natural Stone Tile
It’s Easy To Clean
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a kitchen flooring type is how easy it is to clean. After all, kitchens can be messy places. There’s nothing worse than having a beautiful floor that’s impossible to keep clean. With natural stone tile, you won’t have to worry about that. Natural stone tiles are easy to clean and won’t require special cleaners or treatments. All you need is a mop and water, and you’re good to go.
It’s Durable
Another vital factor to consider when choosing kitchen flooring is durability. After all, your kitchen floor will have to withstand a lot of foot traffic and other wear and tear. You need to make sure that your floors can handle it. With natural stone tile, you don’t have to worry about that, either. Natural stone tiles are incredibly durable and can last many years with proper care.
It Adds Value To Your Home
If you’re considering selling your home in the future, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a type of flooring that will add value to your home. Luckily, natural stone tile will do just that. Potential buyers will love the look of natural stone tile in your kitchen and will be willing to pay more for your home.
6. Laminate
Laminate Floors Are Resistant To Spills And Stains
One of the most significant benefits of laminate floors is that they are incredibly spill-resistant. This makes them ideal as kitchen flooring, where spills are inevitable. Even if you spill something on your laminate floor, you only need to quickly wipe it up with a damp cloth; there’s no need for tedious scrubbing or special cleaners.
Laminate Floors Are Durable
In addition to being spill and stain-resistant, laminate floors are also incredibly durable. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing any signs of wear and tear themselves.
Laminate Floors Are Easy To Care For
Laminate floors are not only durable and resist spills and stains well; they’re also easy to care for. Unlike some flooring, which requires regular refinishing and special cleaners, all you need to do to care for your laminate floors is vacuum or sweep them regularly and mop them with a damp cloth when necessary.
Laminate Floors Are Stylish
These days, laminate flooring options are available in every style imaginable, from traditional wood-look laminate to modern stone-look laminate. No matter your kitchen’s style, you’re sure to find a laminate flooring option that will complement it perfectly.
7. Stained Concrete
Durable And Easy To Maintain
Stained concrete flooring is an incredibly durable material. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, and spills, making it the perfect choice for busy families or anyone who loves to cook. Even if you damage your stained concrete floor, it’s easy to repair. Simply sand down the area until it’s smooth, and then reapply the stain.
Affordable And Stylish
Stained concrete is surprisingly affordable compared to other flooring materials like hardwood or tile. It’s also one of the most versatile materials regarding style. Stained concrete can be customized to match your aesthetic, whether for a sleek and modern look or a cozy farmhouse feel.
8. Cork
Cork Flooring Is Durable
When it comes to your kitchen floor, durability is vital. You need a material that can withstand spills, dropped dishes, and heavy foot traffic. Cork can do all of that and more. In fact, cork flooring is actually one of the most durable materials on the market. It’s made to last for years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your floors soon.
Cork Flooring Is Easy To Clean
We all know how messy the kitchen can be. That’s why choosing a flooring material that is easy to clean is important. Again, cork comes out on top. Cork floors are impervious to dirt and dust, so they won’t show footprints or paw prints as other materials will. If something does spill on your cork floors, all you need is a damp cloth to clean it up.
Cork Flooring Is Comfortable
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll want a comfortable floor to stand on for long periods. Yet again, cork comes out ahead. Cork floors are soft and cushiony, making them much easier on your feet than hardwood or tile floors. You’ll be able to stand for hours without feeling any fatigue.
Create Your Perfect Kitchen With Brucksch & Sons Contracting
So, what are the best flooring materials for kitchens? The answer to that question will vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, we hope this article has given you a good starting point for choosing the right kitchen flooring for your remodel.
If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be happy to help!