ceramic tile is offered in different colors such as green, brown, and black. Some sizes are more popular like 12x12. With so many designs, styles, and colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose which type is best for your kitchen. Whether you're doing a full renovation or just looking to quickly renovate a room, it's a big decision that can be affected by everything from budget to underfloor heating. Do you want an easy-to-install and affordable option? Or are you looking for something luxurious and durable? To make this task a little easier, we've compiled a handy guide on the pros and cons of different kitchen floor types to help you figure out what's best for your home's centerpiece.
- wooden floor
The natural warmth and wonderful underfoot, wood floors are the most traditional flooring material available. While solid wood floors — such as planks or parquet floors — can be used in kitchens, engineered wood is more practical and often more affordable.
- Durability
Engineered wood floors consist of a thin top layer of hardwood (popular woods include oak, ash, and walnut) with a thicker core of plywood underneath for stability. The top layer can usually be sanded and refinished once or twice throughout its life before it needs to be replaced. When properly maintained, engineered wood can last for decades, making it a long-term investment.
- maintain
Regular sweeping is recommended, and occasional mopping with a specific wood cleaner can prevent staining and refresh the top layer. Compared to solid wood floors, engineered wood is less prone to warping and swelling from water damage, making it a more reliable material to use in the kitchen.
- design
Laying the same floor throughout the kitchen and hallway can make the kitchen and surrounding area feel like one cohesive space. There are many colors and types of wood to choose from to suit most kitchen palettes.
- cost
Engineered wood is more affordable than natural hardwood, and it can be refurbished and re-sanded, meaning your new floors should look beautiful for years to come.
- laminate
A popular and affordable option for many, laminate is constructed from multiple layers of materials, including a moisture-resistant backing, a durable fire-resistant board, a high-definition photographic image (that mimics wood or stone), and a layer that protects the photographic layer from Damaged top wear layer damaged.
- Durability
The durability of laminate floors depends on the thickness of the wear layer. In general, thicker means better quality, as it protects the underlying photographic layer against scratches, dents, and staining—especially important if you have dogs or small children. The thickest laminates can withstand a period of impact but may need to be replaced within 10 years.
- maintain
It's easy to clean with a warm, soapy cloth, but avoid excess water to avoid moisture damage. Leaving standing water on the laminate for an extended period of time may cause warping or deformation. If the laminate is badly scratched or damaged, it must be replaced completely, as it cannot be repaired like engineered wood.
- design
Any kitchen has a laminate floor design that resembles stone, hardwood, or tile, depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve.
- cost
Laminate floors are much less expensive than other flooring options. You can hire a professional or lay it yourself, but it requires almost zero preparation on existing floors and can be installed in just a few hours. If you're a family looking for a cheaper alternative to wood or stone floors, this could be the perfect choice for beautifying your kitchen. However, there's a future to consider: Laminate floors won't add value like hardwood or tile if or when you sell your home.
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT, sometimes sold as vinyl plank flooring, is one of the fastest growing products in the flooring market. Thick vinyl tiles can be of any width and length, fitted with a loose "click" system that requires padding, or a glued system that requires specially formulated LVT glue. No matter which system your kitchen uses, the subfloor (the floor below it) must be perfectly level before installation.
- Durability
LVT is made of multiple layers of PVC vinyl with special compounds to enhance the toughness of the product. LVT can last up to 30 years compared to the lifespan of laminate floors, which can sometimes be as short as 10 years. Of course, it depends on where it's placed, how well it's maintained, and how much traffic it's taking. It is also fire and water resistant. Although less expensive than wood or tile, it is more durable and more prone to wear than these more expensive options.
- maintain
LVT is zero maintenance - all you need to do is sweep and mop to remove stains. The design layer is covered with a waterproof, scratch-resistant, protective coating to prevent staining. For this reason, often
- ceramic tile
Ceramic, porcelain, stone, or concrete (also called wax) tiles are back in vogue for kitchen floors, in part because they are suitable for use with underfloor heating.
- Durability
Very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. The tiles have a "low cycle life", meaning they can last up to 20 years without repair or replacement. They are waterproof and also flame retardant.
- maintain
The tiles are versatile and can be used in rooms with high humidity, such as kitchens. Simply wipe with soapy water and sweep away any dirt. Plus, they don't absorb odors or grow bacteria, making them perfect for cooking.
- pattern
Tiles are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.
- Cost
Tiles are the most affordable compared to other tile materials. It is recommended to hire a professional to install them as it can take time. Overall, this is a cost-effective product that can last up to 20 years.
- Porcelain tile
- Durability
The tiles are made of clay fired at extremely high temperatures. They are denser, stronger, and harder than tiles. However, the hardness of porcelain can make it more brittle than standard tiles and therefore more prone to cracking.
- maintain
Porcelain is waterproof, stain and damage resistant, and can be washed with water and cleaning products.
- pattern
Like tiles, tiles are available in many colors and variations. Using state-of-the-art printing techniques, they can be made to look like almost any material, including wood, bamboo, or steel.
- Cost
Tiles are slightly more expensive than ceramic tiles because they use more delicate clay. You should hire a professional to fit them as they can be heavy and can crack if not handled properly.