5 Awesome Tips When Choosing Kitchen Flooring

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Your kitchen is the epicenter of your home. You want your space to be highly functional yet stunningly beautiful. That’s why selecting your kitchen’s flooring is an important decision. 

There are many factors to consider when narrowing down flooring materials. You want to balance strong durability and your unique style. All the while, making sure it’s comfortable underfoot and easy to maintain.

With the wide variety of flooring out there, you’re bound to find the right material for your kitchen. Consider your individual priorities and lifestyle while shopping to select the best fit for your home. Here are five helpful tips to help you choose the perfect flooring for your kitchen.

1. Set Your Budget

The first thing to consider when you begin your floor search is your budget. Come up with a limit and be disciplined about not exceeding it. Your budget should include labor costs and all materials and provide a cushion for unexpected expenses.

Your budget will dictate the type of material you can afford. Fortunately, there are flooring options at every price range. Having a set budget will allow you to shop confidently. It will also help you narrow down your options. 

If you aren’t installing the floor yourself, consider labor costs. These will vary by material, so make sure to get quotes for each type of floor you’re considering. And research what materials are required to install the flooring. Subfloor, sealants, and glue or nails may all be necessary additional expenses. 

When installing new flooring, issues are likely to arise. You want to budget to purchase ten percent more material than is necessary for your space. There may also be damaged subfloor boards that are uncovered and need to be replaced. 

Think about how the flooring installation will affect your lifestyle. You may not have access to your kitchen temporarily. Dedicate at least part of your budget to any meals out that may need to happen.

2. Look For Durability

The kitchen is a busy area, so durability is essential. It’s a high traffic area. And it’s often prone to spills and accidental drops. Look for a material that will withstand your lifestyle. 

Your kitchen is likely a gathering and entertaining space. With that, your floors will take a beating. Materials that are made to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen will last and look great for much longer.

Consider your lifestyle and its requirements. Do you have pets? Or kids that are likely to spill and drop food? A floor designed for a busy family will hold up to abuse and be easier to maintain.

Look for durable options like hardwood and bamboo. Both can be refinished in the future to refresh it and eliminate signs of ware. These materials are also able to be sealed for an extra layer of protection. 

Tile is a classic choice for the kitchen, for a good reason. It is virtually indestructible. It’s also resistant to stains and water damage. There are ceramic, porcelain, and stone options. 

Linoleum and laminate are budget-friendly options. Both are extremely stain resistant. And they are both resistant to showing signs of wear and tear. 

3. Align with Your Style

While durability is important, you also want your floor to be beautiful and enhance your kitchen. Think about your individual style when choosing to the floor. Also, consider the look and feel of your kitchen. You want your flooring to be cohesive with the design of your space. 

Does your kitchen have a rustic or country vibe? Carry it to your floor by choosing a warm, wood look. The texture and grain will go perfectly with your charming decor.

If you’re looking for something more modern and industrial, look for sleeker choices. Monochromatic tiles make a simple and classic statement. And concrete is making its way to popularity in the flooring world. It’s durable, unique, and has a stunning contemporary look.

If you are willing to take a design chance, think outside the box with your flooring. Cork makes a fun choice that offers warmth and unique texture. Or what about a bright tile with a geometric pattern? There are also rubber floor options that have the softness of cork with colorful design options that stand out. 

While style is important, choosing the right color can make or break your design. Make sure to compare floor samples alongside your current cabinets and countertops. You don’t want a matchy-matchy look, but you also want to avoid a complete color clash. And consider the color of any furniture you plan to keep in the space. 

4. Think About Comfort 

You’re likely on your feet in the kitchen a lot and you may have little ones that venture across the floor. Consider the comfort potential on any flooring you consider. 

Tile is beautiful, but it can be tough on joints and feet. Think carefully if you stand in your kitchen for long lengths of time. It may be wise to consider a softer option if you are prone to joint pain.

Many materials require an underlayment prior to installation. Consider upgrading your product to a thicker and higher quality version. It will provide cushion, as well as an extra barrier for moisture.

If you like to be barefoot often, the warmth of the flooring material should be a factor in your decision. A chilly surface isn’t exactly welcoming to sockless feet. Look for materials that retain temperatures like engineered laminate and vinyl. 

5. Consider Maintenance Requirements

If you are looking for a low maintenance floor, be thoughtful in selecting materials. You will also want to consider any special cleaning requirements. Consider the climate in your area and the elements you will have to protect your floor against. 

Hardwood floors can require a consistent maintenance routine, depending on the finish. They might require special cleaning products. And refinishing may be the only way to refresh high traffic areas after years of wear and tear. But with proper care, hardwood is a timeless choice.

As durable as tile is, accidents can happen. And replacing a broken or cracked tile is not an easy task. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of all tile materials. Some natural stone, like travertine, requires proper cleaning techniques to avoid damaging it. And some tile finishes need to be restored after some time. 

Your environment has a lot to do with preventing damage to your floor. If you live in a sandy area, a material that’s easily scratched will be tough to maintain. More humid climates require care to prevent moisture build-up and a damp surface. Consider these factors and look at the weather-resistant features or each material.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Selecting floors for your kitchen is a personal decision. with all of the options on the market, it can be overwhelming. Take your time to find just the right fit. 

Flooring is a significant investment. Make sure you find something that is practical but completes the look of the room. If you spend some extra time planning and choosing upfront,  you’re guaranteed to love your kitchen floors for many meals to come. 

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