Kitchens not only receive the most traffic in a typical home, they also are among the wettest places. This is why it has special flooring requirements – something that can withstand heavy traffic for long and doesn’t deteriorate in wet conditions. Vinyl, ceramic and linoleum are the most popular kitchen flooring options because they ideally fulfill these requirements.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is not only highly versatile it is also affordable. It is highly water resistant and is highly durable for bearing heavy traffic. It is both easy and cheap to install. Vinyl floors are available in almost endless colors, patterns and textures. You can install vinyl flooring that looks exactly like natural stone and still offers better water resistance than most of the natural stone tiles. Even better, they don't feel cold during the winter.
Traditional hardwood flooring may be exceptionally sturdy but it isn't suited for environments like kitchens and bathrooms. All the water and moisture in the kitchen could easily damage your hardwood flooring. Natural wood requires lots of maintenance, which could increase the long-term cost. There’s no denying that hardwood offers unmatched warmth, but it will not last longer in a wet environment. On the other hand vinyl flooring is not only durable, it is also easy to clean.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the traditional flooring options for kitchens. They are affordable and are available in almost any style and color. Whether it’s the size, shape or the patterns, there’s no limit to what you could find. Even if you are upgrading your existing kitchen flooring, you could easily match the existing décor. Besides, the styles can range from more traditional to the latest trends. Most importantly, ceramic tiles don't seem to ever go out of fashion.
Ceramic tiles are exceptionally durable and can withstand all the wear and tear typical to kitchens. Whether its spills, stains or mud, they can be wiped and cleaned with utmost ease. Besides, you could use almost all types of cleaners on the surface without causing any damage – something which is not possible with stone or hardwood flooring. besides, you don't require many skills to be able to install them yourself.
Linoleum
Most homeowners will fail of differentiate between vinyl and linoleum. However, they are entirely different materials, made from linseed oil, wood flour, and resins. They had been in use for a long time but then lost their popularity. If you are looking for a highly versatile and natural flooring option for your kitchen, linoleum could be an affordable choice. It may have been overshadowed by the new synthetic flooring materials, but its “green” appeal has again brought it into fashion in the last few years.
It has strong water resistant properties but it is not waterproof. It is available in rolls and could be easily cut into various shapes to lay down. You could even cut it down in circular or other shapes. As already mentioned, it’s extremely versatile as it’s available in various colors. Besides, linoleum flooring is not only cheaper to install, it is also inexpensive and easy to maintain.
These are the most popular kitchen flooring options which are ideally suited for wet and heavy-trafficked conditions. Stone and hardwood flooring are the other options, but they don't fit into all the kitchens. They require more protection and regular maintenance. While wood floors can be protected with special coats, natural stone can be vulnerable to various types of substances used in the kitchen. The floor could be damaged or stained by spills and stains. So vinyl, ceramic and linoleum are easily the most popular flooring options for your kitchen.
0 Comments