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What are the Different Types of Kitchen Flooring?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Many different materials may be used in kitchen flooring, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and concrete. Even carpeting can be, and is, used in some kitchens, but experts usually recommend that homeowners go with a material that will repel moisture, not absorb it. This is why these other materials are more popular than carpet, which not only absorbs moisture, but also has a tendency to become stained relatively easily.

One of most popular types of kitchen floor material is laminate flooring. This is a versatile product that can not only be manufactured to resemble wood, but also tile and even stone. People who want to keep their options open for developing a certain look may find they that laminate is suitable in many cases. Laminate flooring is relatively easy to cut and lay down as well, making this flooring popular for those who want to do the project by themselves.

Kitchen with tile flooring.
Kitchen with tile flooring.

Hardwood flooring is another possibility. Those using this option should make sure the floor is protected, since it takes a lot of abuse, and there are many different substances that will drop onto the floor over the years. Spills should be wiped up quickly because, if moisture stays on the floor too long, there is a potential for warping and permanent damage. This type of flooring is often a little more difficult to install, and so it is usually handled by professionals. Still, for those with home improvement experience, the project is doable with just one or two people.

A concrete floor in the kitchen can create a distinctive look.
A concrete floor in the kitchen can create a distinctive look.

Vinyl flooring is another popular type of kitchen flooring. This type can also take a variety of forms, and it is very flexible and easy to cut. Therefore, those who want a fast job may find that vinyl offers a very attractive option. The material is dyed, and therefore comes in many different colors, further adding to its versatile look. Vinyl flooring usually comes packaged in rolls, which are then put down in a manner similar to the installation of carpet.

Laminate flooring can be made to resemble wood.
Laminate flooring can be made to resemble wood.

Often overlooked, concrete is another flooring material that creates a distinctive look in the kitchen as well. While many people feel concrete is too plain, different designs and colors can be added. For those who want more a Tuscan or Mediterranean kitchen ambiance, standard concrete creates the effect being sought. This can also be one of the cheapest options, as the home's foundation can be used for the kitchen floor.

Discussion Comments

anon304762

I've noticed a lot of the time that the flooring in kitchens, is almost always hard wood floors. Why is it that you hardly see carpet in kitchens?

SarahSon

My friend just remodeled her kitchen and she put down kitchen tile flooring. Before that she had a vinyl flooring which was several years old and she was ready for something new. She has five kids so needed something that was durable and wouldn't show dirt very easy. As far as I know she has been really happy with this choice and has encouraged me to do the same thing to my kitchen floor.

myharley

The house I live in now had wood flooring in the kitchen when we moved in. The whole downstairs has wood floors which have a nice look and feel to them. The only problem I had was when the dishwasher started to leak.

Fortunately I was able to catch it right away, otherwise I think that could have ruined the wood floor. I keep rugs alongside the sink and dishwasher which helps keep some of the moisture off the floor.

One thing I really like about having wood floors in the kitchen is that they are easy to clean. I also like having the same flooring throughout the entire bottom level of the house as it really adds a lot of continuity to the overall feel of the house.

sunshined

Many years ago when my parents remodeled our kitchen they put carpet down for their kitchen flooring. While this is soft and warm on your feet, it isn't the best to have because it is easy to have spills in the kitchen.

It is a lot easier to clean up spills and moisture from almost any kind of kitchen floor other than carpet. My mom said she would never do that again and the next house she moved into had laminate flooring which she just loved.

MrsWinslow

@ElizaBennett - I'm not doing to argue with you that ceramic tile is the ideal option if you have a lot of funds. But laminate flooring has improved a lot in recent years. The apartments you lived in probably didn't have the best stuff.

Another consideration with ceramic tile is that your subfloor has to be in really great shape. Laminate can lay down over minor imperfections. And it's not so cold on your feet, or so hard on baby's knees! It's also less likely to break your dishes, should they get dropped.

So if you really need to spruce up your kitchen, and laminate flooring is all that's in your budget, it's a fine option that you'll probably be happy with for several years.

ElizaBennett

Another kitchen flooring option, and the best in my opinion, is ceramic tile. It's expensive, but it's incredibly durable and it's very convenient. When I've lived in rentals with laminate flooring, I notice it being more difficult to pull out the fridge, for instance, and the laminate always seems to look dingy. The fridge rolls beautifully on the ceramic tile.

I've never heard of using concrete--I bet that has some the same advantages (hardness and durability) of ceramic and it sounds like it would be cheaper.

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    • Kitchen with tile flooring.
      Kitchen with tile flooring.
    • A concrete floor in the kitchen can create a distinctive look.
      By: Lilyana Vynogradova
      A concrete floor in the kitchen can create a distinctive look.
    • Laminate flooring can be made to resemble wood.
      By: Arpad Nagy-Bagoly
      Laminate flooring can be made to resemble wood.
    • Glazed tiles are a good choice for a bathroom or kitchen because they absorb very little water.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Glazed tiles are a good choice for a bathroom or kitchen because they absorb very little water.