As you design your dream kitchen, you cannot miss the opportunity to select the best flooring for your kitchen. Most kitchens become the social hub of the home, with people coming and going or sitting and chatting. It often is much more than a place to grab a drink or prepare a meal. But all these activities must be considered when selecting your kitchen flooring. With high traffic, it needs to withstand wear and tear. With cooking heat and refrigerating cold, it needs another level of durability. Then there is, of course, the visual appeal as well as maintenance levels.

Here is a discussion of the main types of flooring and the various advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which suits your needs the best.

There are many types of flooring to choose from

Along with the durability mentioned above, some quick criteria to remember includes budget, water resistance, whether you want a specific design like a mosaic, and whether you plan on installing the flooring yourself or plan on hiring professionals to do so. With these criteria in mind, let’s take a look at some of the choices available.

Linoleum

Linoleum, like vinyl (see below), is affordable, easy to maintain, and comes in a vast array of colors and patterns, so you can match your kitchen’s design theme or get creative with your flooring. Linoleum is made from natural ingredients, such as linseed oil and pine rosin, so it is also a very sustainable option if you have environmental impact concerns. On the negative side, it is more likely to be water damaged or scratched up than other options.

Cork

Cork is also eco-friendly, as it is manufactured usually from sustainable materials. and creates a soft, cushiony surface, which may be a boon if you plan on spending time standing in your kitchen preparing food. However, even with regular applications of sealant to prevent water damage, cork flooring is easier to scratch or dent because it is so flexible.

Natural stone

There are many different natural stones that would make a lovely kitchen floor. They are durable and often add texture and elegance to a kitchen’s atmosphere. They include marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone. And, if you have natural stone countertops, you can play with matching or complementary colors or shades. However, even the most affordable natural stones can be pricey, especially since you need to have the flooring sealed to prevent stains and damage, which needs to be done on a regular basis.

Hardwood

Hardwoods are usually excellent choices for home flooring, but there can be issues with water damage and dings and dents. A polyurethane seal or finish can take care of water damage issues. They are hard and durable, but they may have some give, if a heavy pot is dropped on them. However, sanding and refinishing may be able to remedy any scratches and dents.

Bamboo

For a popular, eco-friendly, and often more affordable option, there is bamboo. Bamboo flooring is considered by some to be better than hardwood, as it is processed in a way that makes it more durable and water resistant. It is usually available in different colors and patterns, but you should check if the type you choose is also stain resistant and easy to clean. There may also be issues with slippage if there are spills.

Laminate

Laminate is made from layers of wood, but unlike hardwood, you can find waterproof versions that are suitable for your kitchen. Because of its manufacturing process, there are laminates that look like more expensive materials but are affordable, easily installed, and simple to clean and maintain. But if you have a high-traffic kitchen, you may be concerned about its durability when compared to other types of flooring.

Vinyl

Another very popular flooring choice is vinyl, especially for very busy kitchens. It is among the most inexpensive options, and it is easy to install, if you are considering doing it yourself. Not only is vinyl water and stain resistant, but it is also extremely easy to clean. And it comes in practically every color and design imaginable. The downside to vinyl is that, depending on the quality and usage, you may have to replace it due to wear and tear.

Concrete

If you are going for a more modern, industrial look, you may opt for concrete. With advanced techniques, you can have your concrete floor customized with colors or designs. It is long-lasting, especially for a high-traffic kitchen, but you would need to make sure it is properly sealed to avoid stains and water damage. Also, if it is not properly installed, it could crack.

Ceramic

Because they are glazed and fired in extreme heat, ceramic tiles are quite durable, as they are water and stain resistant. You can also get creative with designs, as they come in many different colors, patterns, and sizes. However, you need to be careful about keeping the lines between the tiles clean, and because of the smooth surface, it could be a slippery hazard.