If you’re building a new home or just remodeling your kitchen, it’s easy to become overwhelmed even just by choosing the best kitchen flooring. In the kitchen alone, the decisions you need to make are countless.
Every little detail is a gamble, and like any choice, you need to make the right one. Of course, the consequences aren’t all that dire if you choose something you decide you don’t care about down the road. Still, it’s good to take your time and give careful consideration at every turn.
Take your kitchen floor, for instance. Most contemporary flooring is designed to be low-maintenance and durable.
The variety of attractive materials, options, and styles is nearly endless. How do you decide what’s best?
In this guide, we will explore kitchen flooring options from classic styles to contemporary materials to help you make an informed decision that will suit your personal style and practical needs.
Types of Flooring Materials With Estimated Cost
With some knowledge, you can find the perfect flooring that corresponds with your vision for the kitchen.
Consider the function of your floor. Will it be a high-traffic area? Are you expecting a reasonable number of spills and breakages from sources like wine, oils, and dishes? If so, you may want something low-maintenance and durable.
The most popular options are concrete, rubber, stone, tile, vinyl, or wood laminate.
On the other hand, if you have back pain and need or prefer a somewhat softer floor or some cushioning beneath your feet for those prolonged periods, there is another set of options. They include bamboo, carpet tiles, cork, rubber, vinyl, wood, or wood laminate.
Obviously, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s look at each floor material type in greater detail.
Wood Flooring
Wood has been a common kitchen favorite for years. It has a high-end, warm charm with a unique grain pattern, and it ages well. As a kitchen floor, it requires special protection from moisture.
It’s best to apply an additional finish coat to keep it sealed. Besides being attractive and durable, it adds to a home’s overall resale value. However, it may eventually creak, and you must refinish it periodically.
Also, it can be scratched or dented. Installation costs run around eight dollars per square foot.
Estimated cost: $4 – $12 square foot
Carpet Flooring
It’s uncommon to see carpet covering an entire kitchen floor, especially considering carpets are very difficult to maintain and keep clean in such a capacity.
Enter Carpet Tiles. They’re a new industrial-grade sensation that can handle almost anything. They feature a cleaning innovation in that they’re easily removable. They’re available in as many colors and textures as you’d expect from the carpet sphere of choices. They’re also soft, padded, and recyclable.
Estimated cost: $2 – $8 per square foot
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl floor covering is a water-resistant and affordable option. It comes in various styles and textures. It is easy to install in sections, but the sheet vinyl option requires professional installation.
You may even choose a style that is virtually identical to wood. Your base floor must be nearly perfect; however, you must use vinyl without issue.
Estimated cost: $1.50 – $5 per square foot
Tile Flooring
Easy to clean, sturdy, and low maintenance, that’s what you’ll find with a tile floor. It is known for its reflective quality, it’s easy to clean and a positive effect is made on the look of the kitchen.
You may purchase tile that looks like wood or has various other textures and patterns. You can also choose it in one of many sizes and shapes.
Professional installation is recommended so the tiles are set with minimal visible grout lines or as preferred. Tiles are moisture-resistant, but those grout lines may be hard to maintain.
Estimated cost: $1 – $8 per square foot
Stone Flooring
With great color and pattern variants, stone offers a solid earthy appearance. Among the most popular types chosen are marble, travertine, and slate. It is a naturally cool substance suitable for warmer climates.
Compare each stone section you purchase to ensure they are all as similar as possible, as you can have one or two in a batch that is inexplicably different. Hard, durable, and easy to clean, they aren’t immune to chipping sadly. Pro-installation only.
Estimated cost: $2 – $25 per square foot
Laminate Flooring
It is a protected surface that can take most of the abuse regular kitchen activity can dish out. Adding padding beneath it makes for a softer floor, an appreciated mercy after long periods of standing.
It’s a modern solution available in a wide range of styles. It’s easy to install and usually comes with a longstanding warranty. Ultimately, it is an appealing, cost-effective option.
Estimated cost: $1.50 – $5 per square foot
Rubber Flooring
Rubber surfaces are so ‘high-grip’ that they can be installed without adhesive, making it the perfect temporary flooring when renting an apartment. You’ll find that it’s a cushy nonslip surface as well. It is also quite durable and available in either sheeting or tiles.
For extra earth-friendliness, choose one of the many brands that are recycled. You can’t go wrong with the wear-resistant cushioned feel and fire retardant, the easy-to-clean surface of rich rubber.
Estimated cost: $3.50 – $9 per square foot
Cork Flooring
Like wood, you can choose a brand of cork that can be sanded down and refinished from time to time. Its surface repels water and moisture, and keeping extra tiles on hand is easy.
These tiles are green-friendly, anti-microbial, and offer a comfortable padded feel. They are prone to dings and dents, but ultimately, it could be argued that they actually contribute to providing character.
Estimated cost: $2 – $15 per square foot
Concrete Flooring
Quite contemporary, concrete has achieved a look and tone without equal. It’s great for the busiest kitchens as it looks impressive and durable.
Pick a finish that appeals to you best. It can be stained, polished, stenciled, or waxed. Cold climates would benefit from the addition of a heating element. With regular resealing, you can expect a long life of outstanding service.
Estimated cost: $2 – $30
Bamboo Flooring
For the environmentally conscious, bamboo is a popular choice (but a select few seem to question its environmental friendliness). As an entirely sustainable material, bamboo grows quickly and is a great eco-friendly flooring solution.
It’s a very strong material, and the quality you buy may be reflected in the length of an exceptional warranty. It has a uniquely attractive grain and is not easily dented or dinged.
Estimated cost: $5 – $7 per square foot
Give Your Kitchen a Fresh New Look
You can do countless things to give your kitchen a fresh new look. Allow us to assist you in maximizing your kitchen space. Reach out now to schedule a consultation with our experts and discover how to complement each detail, from cabinets to appliances to your kitchen flooring.
