Which Flooring Material Should Be Used In Kitchens?

As you finish up your kitchen renovation, it’s important that you look down. What flooring material is currently installed in your kitchen? If it’s outdated or showing signs of wear and tear, perhaps it’s time to get a new floor installed. But, which material is right for you? Look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular choices:

Wood

Many homeowners choose wood floors in the kitchen to add a touch of rustic elegance. Wood floors are known to be durable and resistant to the constant flow of foot traffic that tends to pass by in the kitchen. Because there are so many different options when it comes to choosing the stain, width and look of a wood floor, you will definitely be able to find one that fits your needs. However, if you do get wood floors, make sure that you take the time to refinish them as needed over the years to restore the luster and shine. Also, if you spill something on a wood floor, you have to clean it up right away to avoid serious damage to the wood.

Vinyl

When homeowners think of vinyl, they usually think of a cheap, ugly alternative to pricier flooring materials, but that is no longer the case. These days, vinyl comes in dozens of different colors and designs, some which even replicate the appearance of pricy natural stones. Vinyl is comfortable to walk across and you don’t have to break the bank to fix it when it’s in need of repair. However, there are downsides to this type of flooring. If you have ever dropped a sharp object on vinyl, you know firsthand how easily this material can snag or rip. Also, the color can fade over time, especially if it is exposed to a lot of natural light. Take a look around your kitchen to see whether any windows would allow natural light to shine directly onto vinyl floors. If you do have these windows in your kitchen, perhaps this is not the right choice for you.

Ceramic Tile

Homeowners with kids may want to take a closer look at ceramic tile as a flooring option. Why? Ceramic tile is very easy to clean, so if kiddos are dropping food, spilling drinks or walking through the house with shoes full of mud, you don’t have to worry about how badly your floors are being damaged. Luckily, this flooring material is also very inexpensive, so the majority of homeowners can afford the switch to ceramic tile. You can also make it your own by customizing the tile to create unique patterns or mosaics in your kitchen. But, ceramic tile is not perfect. This flooring material is much harder than other options, meaning if you drop a glass or plate, it will most likely completely shatter. The hardness means it is also kind of uncomfortable to walk across in bare feet, so you may need to lay down mats or rugs.

For more advice on real estate and home improvement projects, talk to the pros. Contact our team of real estate experts at Coast 2 Coast Realty who have years of experience listing and selling homes in the Tampa area.