The humble kitchen floor is capable of so much more than tired linoleum patterns chosen for their ease of cleaning. Options range from unique stone design to affordable but classy looking and durable vinyl tiles. This wealth of choice and abundance of materials can sometimes be overwhelming. Heading to your local home improvement or Do It Yourself store may be the first option for many but having a good idea of what you are looking for and why before you leave the house is a good idea. Forewarned, after all, is forearmed.
Materials
Vinyl flooring has long been one of the most popular options for kitchen floors. Not only is it durable and easy to clean but also advances in the manufacturing process mean an increased number of designs and colors, as well as availability in sheet or tiles. Because it’s easy to mop or wipe clean, vinyl is the perfect choice for families or for any household looking for a stylish kitchen that is easy to maintain.
Ceramic tiles are also comparatively easy to clean. They combine sleek looks with amazing potential. There is a wide range of different designs, patterns, and colors to choose from so you can easily match any kitchen design. While ceramic tiles are not as affordable as vinyl tiles they do offer a little more in the way of luxurious finishes and a unique look for your home.
Laminate flooring has seen a surge in popularity. The principle of manufacturing laminate flooring is that a picture of wood or another effect is laminated onto a durable flooring material. This gives the effect of a wooden floor without the cost and maintenance of a hardwood floor. Laminate is easy to clean and easy to install yourself. It has also become much more affordable whether in strips, planks, or sheets.
Hardwood flooring is the more luxurious version of a laminate floor. Nothing else truly compares to the beauty of well-finished hardwood flooring. Unfortunately a real wood floor can prove costly and needs regular maintenance. Choosing the best hardwood finish means that the floor will be more scratch and damage resistant. A hardwood kitchen floor will last longer than almost any other type of floor and through routine maintenance it can be kept looking fresh and attractive throughout its life.
Stone flooring is expensive because it generally offers a completely unique look. The type of stone you choose will directly impact the cost and size and shape of the stone. It can be difficult to fit a stone floor because of the unusual shape of the stone itself. However, nothing looks as unique and alluring as a stone floor.
Beauty, Strength, And Durability
Finding the right combination of beauty, durability, and use according to your own requirements is essential. Your budget will generally play a large part in this but so too will the size of your family unit and the overall design of your kitchen. Never forget that the kitchen sees a lot of foot traffic for a majority of the time. This means that durability should be a major issue, especially if you have a large family or use the kitchen to entertain.
Finding the right combination of beauty, durability, and use according to your own requirements is essential. Your budget will generally play a large part in this but so too will the size of your family unit and the overall design of your kitchen. Never forget that the kitchen sees a lot of foot traffic for a majority of the time. This means that durability should be a major issue, especially if you have a large family or use the kitchen to entertain.
Kitchen Flooring Decisions
The overall design of your kitchen should play an important part in your final decision on flooring. Sleek, modern designs should incorporate similarly modern looking flooring. This can be achieved with laminate or certain tiles. Light colors give kitchens the appearance of being airy and spacious so are particular useful for smaller rooms. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of any interior design project is that rules are sometimes best broken. Experiment and consider all of your options before making that all-important final decision.
The overall design of your kitchen should play an important part in your final decision on flooring. Sleek, modern designs should incorporate similarly modern looking flooring. This can be achieved with laminate or certain tiles. Light colors give kitchens the appearance of being airy and spacious so are particular useful for smaller rooms. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of any interior design project is that rules are sometimes best broken. Experiment and consider all of your options before making that all-important final decision.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
