We're well into October at this point which means the Holiday season is just around the corner. Every store we walk into blatantly reminds us that there's only a limited amount of time to get ourselves in order for the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and New Years festivities. They also remind us of the many hours we are about to inevitably spend in our kitchens preparing for these events. Is your kitchen ready floor ready for that?
Now, think about everything that takes place within your kitchen. Cooking likely happens at some point, but so does a lot of walking, shuffling, splashing, dropping, chair scooting, and pet begging. Your kitchen floor endures a lot, and you will have to take that into consideration when deciding on a your ideal kitchen floor. Hardwood floors and carpets, pretty as they are, are not going to stand up to these challenges well. Here are some types of flooring that are better suited for the job:
1. Concrete
The bad news:
Concrete is hard (as if we needed to tell you that). If you drop Granny Mae's favorite heirloom casserole dish it won't stand a chance against that surface.
It isn't at all comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
Concrete floors need to be resealed every few months. They're not as low-maintenance as they may seem.
The good news:
While a dropped dish or cooking utensil won't survive a fall, your floor will come out just fine. The chance of dents, scratches, or other damage is low.
Modern techniques for mixing and coloring concrete give you a lot style and texture options.
This floor is going to last for a very, very long time if properly maintained.
The price (Before installation):
$3-$15 depending on style
2. Porcelain Tile
The bad news:
The grout between tiles requires careful cleaning.
Like concrete, tile is not fun to stand on for long periods of time.
The good news:
Styling options are endless.
Any damage dealt to porcelain won't show easily because color goes all the way through the tile.
Porcelain tile is very durable and long lasting.
Tile is easy to clean.
Porcelain can be made to mimic the look of hardwood and natural stone.
The price:
$2-$14 per square foot.
3. Laminate
The bad news:
This stuff will warp or bubble if water or a spill is left on it for too long.
Laminate does not have a particularly long lifespan.
Once it's ruined you can't fix it. It has to be totally replaced.
The good news:
Laminate is super budget-friendly.
Like tile, it can be made to look like other natural materials.
Installing laminate is quite easy and doesn't take long to do compared to other flooring types.
The price:
$1-$6 per square foot.
4. Ceramic Tile
The bad news:
It is a hard surface and as such is not comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.
Ceramic tile will likely break any fragile thing that falls on it.
If not properly cared for, the grout between your tile will stain.
You'll have to be extra careful when your tile is wet. Ceramic is very slippery when it's not dry.
The good news:
With the wide variety of colors and patters, it fits in with any decor.
It's nice to look at.
Ceramic tile is cost-effective, durable, and pretty.
Like porcelain, it is easy to clean.
The price:
$3-$8 per square foot
5. Vinyl
The bad news:
Vinyl is easily damaged.
It is not great for the environment.
The good news:
Vinyl shares many benefits with laminate flooring. It is durable, cost effective, and easy to clean.
Vinyl can last upwards of 15 years if take care of.
Vinyl is fairly easy to install and can be laid directly over your sub-flooring.
Once again, vinyl is in favor of any style you love with its many colors and designs.
The price:
$1-$5 per square foot