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Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials: Weighing the Pros and Cons

When you undertake a kitchen remodel, you will have to make many decisions about the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, and more. Don’t let your flooring decision get lost in the mix! You need a kitchen floor that is attractive and blends with your design style but is durable enough for all the foot traffic and spills that inevitably happen in the kitchen. Consider these popular flooring materials and weigh your options for durability, longevity, price, and aesthetics. 

porcelain ceramic tilePorcelain or Ceramic Tile

PROS: Porcelain or ceramic tile is a classic flooring for the kitchen as it is very durable and not porous, resisting scrapes and stains. It is also one of the most affordable options both for the materials and the installation. Plus, when properly maintained, high-quality tile can last for more than 75 years. 

CONS: While the tile itself is easy to clean, the grout should be sealed every few years to prevent stains and keep the floor looking fresh. It is tough to crack tile, but it can happen. So, it’s advisable to keep some spare tiles in case you need a repair. As with most materials, you get what you pay for, and a low-quality tile may need to be replaced after just 20 years.

natural stoneNatural Stone

PROS: Natural stone can be a beautiful option that matches many different kitchen designs. There are quite a few options within the natural stone category, including slate, granite, travertine, and marble. Additionally, most natural stone is slip-resistant and, when properly cared for, has an incredibly long lifespan, sometimes over 100 years!

CONS: Natural stone is porous, meaning you will need to regularly seal it to avoid staining. Depending on the type of stone, the price can be much higher than other options. And the installation may cost more as it can be tricky with special underlayment and mortar that require a practiced hand to lay correctly. 

hardwood floorHardwood

PROS: Natural hardwood brings a distinguished aesthetic to the kitchen. With proper sealing and installation, it can last a lifetime. Popular options are pine, mahogany, and oak. Choosing a hardwood floor that can be sanded and refinished is a great way to ensure it will look good for years to come.

CONS: If it is not sealed correctly every ten years or so, hardwood will wear from foot traffic and can even suffer permanent water damage. Additionally, wood floors are more susceptible to scratches, even from something as common as pets running around. Hardwood usually comes with the highest price tag depending on the type and quality of the wood. It will also need to be professionally installed, or it can warp or split. 

laminate floorLaminate

PROS: By far the most inexpensive flooring option, laminate costs the least from both a materials and installation perspective. Engineering for laminate has progressed, and this material made of several layers of fiberboards laminated together can reproduce the look of natural wood.

CONS: With a lower cost comes issues in longevity and durability. Laminate will likely only last about ten years. Additionally, it can’t hold up to standing water or even regular wet mopping. So, while we do see this material in kitchens, most professionals will not recommend it for that space.

LVT floorLuxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

PROS: LVT is not the thin vinyl of the past; it is comprised of thick, durable layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that hold up well in the kitchen. These planks can imitate natural stone or wood flooring, blending with many aesthetics, especially modern designs. And with a lower price tag than natural materials and an easier install process, this is a more budget-friendly option. 

CONS: While LVT is durable, it does not have the longevity of natural materials. Still, with proper installation, quality LVT can last upwards of 30 years. It can also be very hard, if impossible, to make repairs to LVT as it cannot be refinished like natural hardwood. So, similar to tile, it is a good idea to keep extra LVT boards for repairs.

No matter what type of flooring you go with, finding the right Full-Service Remodeler to do the installation is key to having your kitchen floors look great and last as long as possible. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, the kitchen design experts at Brothers can help. Our in-house design team can help you sift through all the options for your kitchen flooring and pick the one that works best for your family. Schedule a consultation to get started today.