How to select a flooring material for your kitchen?
Floorings in the house are extremely important. They take a lot of planning, time, resources and budget to be replaced and one cannot go through the difficulty of going through this again and again. So, the flooring in the house must match the taste, style and mood of the residents. Furthermore, the flooring should be stylish, robust, easier to maintain and clean and above all, should be comfortable. The flooring in all the rooms can be different, depending upon your budget and the application of the room.
Kitchen, one of the busiest rooms in the entire home, sees a lot of traffic and the flooring in the kitchen takes a lot of beating all the time. Kitchen is the central command centre for cooking, small parties, homework, family gatherings, morning breakfasts and so on and so forth. Since it takes a lot of beating and sees the maximum traffic, it is essentially important that the flooring in the kitchen should be strong and robust. It should also be easy to maintain and clean so that you can easily maintain the look and appearance of the floor with minimal effort.
This article provides some insight on the material used in the flooring for kitchen, which are popular and trending these days. The pros and cons of the flooring materials are also provided along with some estimate regarding the pricing of these materials. This information will help you decide the material to be incorporated in your kitchen flooring.
Read the complete article to learn more about flooring materials for kitchens!
Ceramic Tile
The quintessential kitchen flooring surface, ceramic tile is a fail-safe bet for just about any style and budget. Your options for color, size, shape and pattern are virtually limitless, so you can create the look that suits you best, whether that’s sleek and contemporary or lavish Old World.
Pros: Ceramic tile stands up to wear and tear, from muddy footprints to spills and splashes, like a champ and is super easy to clean. The huge variety of low-priced options makes it one of the most affordable flooring choices. And thanks to tile’s modular, DIY-friendly nature, you can easily come up with a custom pattern even on a tight budget.
Cons: Tile can crack as floors settle, and a dish or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It also can be cold and hard underfoot, so use a rug or a cushioned mat to offset the discomfort. Moisture makes tile slippery; a honed or textured surface can provide slightly more traction. Grout needs periodic sealing and special cleaning to keep stains at bay.
Solid Wood
Nature is a terrific artisan — it’s tough to match the warmth and charm of solid wood. Even in a space with a lot of moisture and heavy foot traffic, wood can last indefinitely if it’s properly treated and cared for. It’s a perennial classic, and it develops a rich patina with time and use.
Pros: Whether you want thin strips of pale maple or wide planks of pine, there’s a wood that will look just right in your kitchen. Wood never goes out of style, so you won’t have to worry about updating it as your home evolves. It can be sanded and refinished to keep it looking its best.
Cons: You’ll have to stay on top of spills; liquids can cause damage if they’re not wiped up right away. Wood dents and scratches easily, so it will need periodic refinishing. Although it’s not as unyielding as concrete or tile, it also isn’t as comfortable as cork or vinyl.
Linoleum
People tend to confuse linoleum with vinyl, but it’s a completely different substance. A staple through the first half of the 20th century, linoleum — an all-natural material made from linseed oil, resins, wood flour and more — fell out of favour as synthetic flooring came into vogue. But in recent years, its green cred and retro-cool look have caught the attention of Eco conscious consumers and style savants. It’s perfect for old-fashioned cottages and mid-century interiors.
Pros: Much of linoleum’s appeal lies in its versatility. Because it comes in just about every colour you can imagine, you can go as subtle or as bold as you want. It can be easily cut into one-of-a-kind patterns, such as the circular motif pictured here. Plus, it’s affordable, durable and easy to maintain.
Cons: Linoleum can wear and fade with time and use. Many manufacturers add a protective coating before the material is sold; without this coating, the floors may need periodic waxing and polishing. Linoleum is also tricky to work with, so even hardcore DIY-ers will likely need help from a pro.
Concrete
Concrete flooring has come a long way from the days when it was relegated to basements or hidden under carpeting. Its star has risen in the design world because of its edginess and industrial-chic look. No longer does a concrete floor mean a dull swath of grey; today, it can be stained, stamped, scored or acid etched for visual panache.
Pros: Concrete stays cool even in the hottest weather, so it’s ideal for warm climates. It’s virtually indestructible, no matter what you spill on it or drag across it. And if you get tired of the look, you’ll have a ready-made subfloor for carpeting, tile or another surface.
Cons: Concrete is difficult to work with, so you’ll almost certainly need professional installation. As with tile and stone, concrete can be unforgiving on feet. It’s porous, so sealing is a must to ward off stains — especially in a high-traffic area such as a kitchen. And some folks find it just plain cold.
Author: Lisa Frederick
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