Kitchen remodeling is an interesting yet complicated process due to electricity, plumbing, consideration of other appliances to make the kitchen aesthetically beautiful. Effective kitchen designing allows to make the most out of the space for work and beauty purposes, where flooring does its job. A right flooring enhances the appeal and gives the maximum resell value. Allocating a specific budget for the flooring while remodeling the kitchen is always a great idea.
But keep in mind that kitchen flooring should be done before the backsplash and countertops. This guide will explain the different flooring options for the kitchen, their pros and cons, and their estimated cost.
Hardwood flooring is the traditional and popular option in laying the kitchen flooring due to its contemporary design and look. Though hardwood flooring is not waterproof, spilling of water should be avoided and if spilled, clean immediately to prevent it from damaging. Modern finishes has eliminated the risk of hardwood damage due to its durability.
Pros of hardwood flooring
The major pros of hardwood flooring are:
Cons of hardwood flooring
Cost of hardwood flooring
$10 to $30 per square foot
The resistance of hardwood flooring to water leads to another waterproof option of concrete flooring. It is the most durable option for kitchen flooring where the water leaks are also prevented due to proper sealing; however place mats near sinks and other moist areas. Although concrete is water resistant, it looks less appealing than wood. To some people, concrete flooring might seem like a harsh option.
Pros of concrete flooring
Cons of concrete flooring
Cost of concrete flooring
$2 to $15 per square foot
Laminate is a less expensive and waterproof option that mimics the look of a hardwood. Hence, it offers a cost-effective and waterproof alternative to hardwood flooring.
Pros of Laminate flooring
Cons of laminate flooring
Cost of laminate flooring
$2 to $12 per square foot
Cork is available in brown and gray hues in the market and is a new addition to kitchen flooring. Cork can resist stains, but it is not waterproof, so spills should be cleaned immediately. During the light and sunny days, the brown hues of the cork dims hence it is advised to close the curtains during daylight hours. The other feature of cork is its sound- absorbing ability, which make it a good fit for heavy traffic areas.
Pros of Cork flooring
Cons of Cork flooring
Cost of Cork flooring
$5 to $12 per square foot
For kitchen flooring, tiles are the most durable option, and they come in various forms, including ceramic, porcelain, and stone. All of these are hard and resistant to water giving a beautiful look to the kitchen. Due to its water-resistant nature, it is a great option for areas where water use is in excess, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Though it is resistant to water and can not penetrate into it, it becomes slippery, so even if it repels water, it needs frequent cleaning. The spills can leave marks on the floors which also need to be cleaned right away. Moreover, if any plate or crockery falls on the tile floor, it is susceptible to breakage, which can leave microparticles on the floor and may hurt the pets and children.
Stone tile requires proper clean-up rather than ceramic and porcelain tiles. The heaviness of porcelain tiles limits its use to only the ground floors. It is found in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs, but it is also expensive.
Pros of tile flooring
Cons of tile flooring
Cost of tile flooring
$6 to $20 per square foot
The flooring renovation or reinstallation of the kitchen is a wise investment that requires proper expertise and skills. You can analyze the pros, cons, and costs of different floorings and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. You can install it yourself if you are an expert in this field. However, if you are a beginner and do not know how to install the flooring effectively, it is better to call the kitchen remodelers team, which is highly professional and expert in the installation of flooring. It will save you time, energy, and money while giving the most beautiful outcome.
