Last updated on July 12th, 2024 at 11:01 pm
This guide isn’t just about picking a floor that looks good – it’s about nailing down one that vibes with your lifestyle, décor dreams, and, importantly, the wallet. From the timeless charm of hardwood to the practicality of vinyl, we’re here to help you sift through the options and find your kitchen’s ideal flooring.
Most Popular Types of Flooring
Kitchen flooring isn’t just about picking a material that’s easy to clean after or durable enough to survive the daily dance of kitchen chairs. This foundational feature of your kitchen plays a massive role in setting the style and mood of one of the most trafficked rooms in your house. Whether you’re sliding across the floor in your socks or standing barefoot preparing a family feast, your kitchen floor is the unsung hero of home décor. It ties together the room’s aesthetics, from the countertops to the statement light fixtures, creating a unified look that can make your kitchen feel like a cozy nook for gathering or a culinary masterpiece where cooking takes center stage.
Browse some of the most popular types of flooring and read on for things you should consider before you buy.
Hardwood Flooring
There's nothing quite like the warm, inviting look of hardwood floors in your kitchen. They bring a timeless elegance and can seamlessly integrate with virtually any decor style—from rustic country to sleek modern. Plus, with proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a smart investment for many homeowners.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of layers, with a top layer of real hardwood and a backing of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood. This construction makes it more resistant to moisture than traditional hardwood, making it a great option for kitchens prone to spills. Plus, engineered hardwood comes in a wide range of wood.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Tile (LVT)
If you're all about practicality but don't want to compromise on style, LVP and LVT are your go-tos. They mimic the look of natural materials like wood and stone so well, you might have to look twice. They're water-resistant, durable, and super easy to maintain, which is perfect for the spill-prone zones of your kitchen.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
For a kitchen that’s as hygienic as it is stylish, tiles have got you covered. They’re a breeze to keep clean, resistant to heat and water, and the variety of shapes, sizes, and colors means you can really get creative with patterns and designs. Not only are they virtually indestructible, but they also offer the chameleon-like ability to mimic the warm, appealing look of wood without the worry of water damage or wear.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate lets you get the look and feel of wood, stone, or tile, but at a fraction of the price. It’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Just keep in mind, it doesn’t handle moisture as well as other options, so spills need to be wiped up quickly.
Concrete Flooring
For an uber-modern, industrial vibe that’s also super durable, concrete is a surprisingly versatile option. It can be stained, polished, or textured for different looks and is about as tough as it gets. Good for indoor air quality and excellent for radiant heating – just remember, it’s hard underfoot, so comfort mats are a must in prep areas.
Bamboo Flooring
Now, if you're leaning towards something eco-friendly but still sleek, bamboo flooring is where it's at. It's got this cool, contemporary feel, and since bamboo grows so fast, it's kinder to our planet. It's strong, it's durable, and it gives your kitchen that touch of nature without feeling like you're outdoors. Plus, it can hold up against the daily hustle and bustle, making it a sweet spot between hardy and stylish.
Cork Flooring
Cork is the underdog in kitchen flooring options, but it's quickly gaining fans. Here's the deal – it's kinda like your kitchen's BFF because it's warm underfoot, reduces noise (no more clatter of dropped utensils), and it's naturally antimicrobial. Got kids or do a lot of standing while you're whipping up treats? Cork's cushy underfoot feel is like a little hug for your feet, plus it's eco-friendly. It comes with a unique texture and a warmth that adds character to your space.
Pairing Flooring w/ Your Kitchen Style
When it comes to sprucing up your kitchen with the right colors and textures, your options are as diverse as your favorite recipes. These are a few of my favorite pairings when it comes to types of flooring and various kitchen design styles.
- Farmhouse kitchens thrive on the charm of soft, creamy whites paired with distressed wood textures, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Think buttermilk-hued cabinets, reclaimed wood floors, or barn-inspired LVP.
- Contemporary spaces sing with bold, contrasting colors like sleek blacks or deep blues against pure white or cool gray. Textures are smooth and glossy, with high-shine ceramics or polished concrete flooring making a statement.
- Transitional kitchens blend the old with the new, so a palette of neutral tones like taupe, beige, or soft gray with subtle textures works wonders. Engineered hardwood or matte-finish LVT can bridge the gap between cozy traditional and sleek modern.
- Rustic vibes call for earth tones – think terracotta, forest green, or burnt orange, paired with natural stone or rough-hewn wood textures that echo the great outdoors. Cork or bamboo flooring can add to the organic feel.
- Mediterranean designs dazzle with vibrant blues, sunny yellows, or rich terracottas, complemented by intricately patterned tiles and rustic, textured walls. Porcelain tiles that mimic aged stone or terracotta can transport your kitchen to the shores of the Mediterranean.
- Modern kitchens break the mold with high-contrast color schemes like black and white or navy and gold. Abstract patterns, geometric designs, and polished concrete flooring add to the sleek, edgy look.
- Traditional kitchens rely on timeless color schemes like warm whites, deep blues, or rich woods. Classic finishes like ceramic tiles or hardwood flooring bring a touch of elegance and comfort.
BROWSE OUR KITCHEN DESIGN STYLE GUIDES
What to Know About Various Flooring
Devil’s in the details.
When picking the perfect platform for your culinary castle, there’s a lot more to consider than just how snazzy it’ll look with your fridge. I’ll breakdown a few things to think about each of these various types of kitchen flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
Think of hardwood floors like the James Bond of kitchen flooring; timeless, sophisticated, and always in style. But before you go all-in, there’s more to hardwood than just picking a color that matches your cabinets. First, you’ve got your solid hardwood, which is exactly what it sounds like – planks of solid wood all the way through. They can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, making them a fabulous long-term choice.
Then there’s the world of finishes – from polyurethane, which is basically like armor for your floors, keeping them safe from spills and scuffs, to oil finishes that soak into the wood and give it a gorgeous natural glow but might need a bit more TLC. And oh, the types of wood — endless — oak, walnut, cherry, and maple are like the greatest hits, each bringing its own vibe and level of hardness to the party.
But here’s the kicker, not all spaces are made equal, and solid hardwood might not be the best choice for everyone, especially situations prone to moisture.
That’s where engineered hardwood steps into the limelight.
It’s got that top layer of the wood you love, supported by layers of plywood or HDF underneath, making it more stable and less prone to throwing a fit with changes in humidity.
Cost-wise, sure, hardwood might make your wallet lighter initially, but it’s like investing in a classic piece of furniture – it adds value, both in curb appeal and actual market value. Plus, walking into your kitchen and feeling that blend of nature and craftsmanship under your feet? Priceless.
Quick Summary
- Installation: It's a bit of a project, best left to the pros, unless you're a seasoned DIYer with a knack for precision.
- Durability: Super durable but hates water. Keep those spills in check!
- Cost: It’s an investment. Think, more dollars, but it's like the fine wine of flooring – gets better with age.
- Pros: Ageless beauty, increases property value, can be refinished.
- Cons: Not the biggest fan of water, can scratch and dent, might require refinishing every decade or so.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is the cool cousin of traditional hardwood. You’ll find a slew of options that can fool just about anyone into thinking it’s the real McCoy. Typically the top layer will be made of real hardwood, backed by layers of plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard), giving it that stability and resistance to humidity.
When it comes to available types of engineered hardwood, the list is never ending. You’ve got species ranging from the classic oaks and maples to more exotic vibes like acacia or teak.
And the finishes?
They’re just as diverse as with solid hardwood.
You want a glossy finish that catches the light? You got it.
More into a matte, understated elegance? No problem.
And for the texture enthusiasts among us, options like hand-scraped or distressed surfaces bring that worn, lived-in look right out of the box.
One thing to keep your eyes peeled for is the thickness of the top wood layer. Thicker means you can give it a sand-down and refinishing a time or two, giving your floors a facelift down the line. But, keep in mind, the thinner the layer, the less room for do-overs.
TIP: pay attention to how it clicks together. Engineered hardwood comes in both, the glue-down and the click-together varieties. If you’re all about that DIY life, the click-together might just be your weekend project. But, if permanence is your jam, then glue-down will keep those planks snug as a rug.
In the grand scheme of things, engineered hardwood lets you have your cake and eat it too – the beauty of hardwood, with a side of tech-y resilience.
Quick Summary
- Types: From classic oaks to exotic teaks, with endless finish options.
- Installation: Choose your own adventure with glue-down or click-together options.Easier than traditional hardwood and can be a DIY project for those with some skills.
- Durability: Handles moisture better than its hardwood cousin but still, no water parties.
- Cost: Less pricey than solid hardwood but more than laminate. Middle of the road.
- Pros: Less susceptible to humidity damage, can fit in more areas of the home. Less $$.
- Cons: May not have the same lifespan as solid hardwood, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Can't be refinished like hardwood – once it’s worn, it’s bye-bye, board.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Tile (LVT)
Diving into the world of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Tile (LVT), you’re stepping into a realm where practicality meets style. LVP comes in a plethora of styles mimicking various types of wood flooring, so whether you’re into the rustic charm of reclaimed wood or the sleek sophistication of exotic hardwoods, there’s an LVP for that. Plus, it’s got a wear layer holds up against scratches and scuffs, making it perfect for homes that are always buzzing with activity.
Then there’s LVT, which is all about giving you the stone or ceramic tile look without having you freeze your toes off in the morning. Offering textures and patterns that can range from marble elegance to urban concrete chic. One thing to note about both LVP and LVT is their durability and water resistance, making them ideal for splash zones like kitchens and bathrooms.
Tip: look out for the wear layer thickness because that’s what dictates how well your floors will stand up. A thicker wear layer means more protection, so if your floors are going to see a lot of action, opting for a thicker option might just save you from headaches down the road.
What sets LVP and LVT apart, aside from their striking visuals, is their comfort underfoot. They’re softer and warmer than their natural counterparts, thanks to their layered construction, which also provides a slight give that’s kinder to your feet and any dishes that might take the plunge. And for those of us who love to DIY, these floors are ideal; easy to install with options for interlocking, glue-down, or even loose lay, they offer the satisfaction of a weekend project done right.
Quick Summary
- Installation: DIY-friendly for real. Snap and click your way to a new floor.
- Durability: Tough as nails. Water, spills, pet claws? No problem.
- Cost: Wallet-friendly. High style without the high price.
- Pros: Easy to install, hardy, water-resistant, lots of styles.
- Cons: Won't help your property value much, can be damaged by heavy appliances or furniture.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and are kiln-fired at a low temperature which makes them less durable than porcelain. But, they’re more cost-effective and versatile for indoor projects. You’ll can find them in all sorts of glazes, colors, and patterns, meaning there’s a ceramic tile for just about any vibe you’re going for.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are tough. They’re also made from clay but are fired at higher temperatures. This makes them denser, less porous, and more resistant to moisture and wear. They can stand up to high traffic areas, patios, and even frosty conditions.
Porcelain does a great job mimicking the look of wood, stone, or even fabric, giving you the luxurious look without the upkeep or cost. It’s worth mentioning that both ceramic and porcelain are eco-friendly options. They’re made from natural materials and can often be recycled.
On the down side, installation can be a bit tricky, so unless you’re handy, you might want to call in the pros.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider slip resistance (especially for bathrooms or outdoors) look for tiles with a bit of texture or a slip-resistant coating to keep your two-step safe on damp days.
Quick Summary
- Installation: More complex. You're gonna want a pro unless you're comfy with grout and tile cutters.
- Durability: Resistant to heat, water, and scratches.
- Cost: Varies wildly; you can find deals or blow the budget on luxury options.
- Pros: Durable, water and heat resistant, endless design options.
- Cons: Hard and cold underfoot, grout needs upkeep to prevent stains.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring; able to mimic just about any look you’re dreaming of without draining your wallet.
You’ve got options that span the aesthetic spectrum, from the warm tones of oak to the sleek vibes of stone. And the beauty isn’t just skin deep; these floors come with different performance ratings, too. The AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating is your new best friend when choosing laminate. This number tells you just how much foot traffic, playful pets, and toy car races your floors can handle. Starting from AC1 (think bedrooms or closets), all the way up to AC5 (bustling commercial spaces), there’s a laminate out there for every spot in your home.
Today, most laminate is waterproof. It’s perfect for bathrooms and kitchens where spills happen. But keep in mind, while the top might be able to take on some water, the core can still suffer if water gets underneath, so proper installation is key.
Speaking of installation, one perk of laminate flooring is the lock-and-click installation system. No glue, no nails, just snap together for a room transformation.
And for those who are eco-conscious but still coveting that hardwood or stone look, laminates are stepping up in the sustainability game too. Many brands are using more recycled materials and ensuring their products are free from harmful chemicals. Plus, with laminate, you get the look and feel of natural resources without the extraction.
Quick Summary
- Installation: Pretty DIY-friendly. It’s all about that click-together installation.
- Durability: Durability levels very based on cost.
- Cost: Economical. More bang for your buck.
- Pros: Affordable, mimics wood or stone nicely, easy to install.
- Cons: Difficult to repair, the cheap stuff looks fake and even the higher priced options look like mid-range fake plants.
Concrete Flooring
Diving into the world of concrete flooring is like discovering the cool, edgy side of interior design that you never knew you needed.
Imagine a floor that’s not just a floor, but a sleek, minimalist canvas that makes every piece of furniture pop.
Concrete is all about raw, industrial charm (trendy for the last 15 years and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere). But hey, it’s not all about looks. Concrete is as sturdy as it gets– high heels, pet claws, dropping heavy items, etc.
Not al upside though, don’t forget about maintenance; it may need sealing or waxing to keep it looking sharp. Comfort-wise, it’s not the coziest under your feet, which means you might want to throw down some rugs to warm things up. Temperature-wise though, it keeps its cool in hot climates, making it a cool choice for Arizona homes.
Yet, for all its toughness, concrete can be surprisingly versatile design-wise. It can be stained, stamped, or polished to look like polished stone, and there are even techniques to make it mimic wood or tiled floors.
Concrete flooring can be super sustainable, especially if you use the existing concrete slab in your home, cutting down on new materials.
Whether you’re going for that modern, minimalist look or just want something that can stand up to life’s messes, concrete floors might just be the unexpected flooring choice you’re looking for. hero Just remember to pair it with some cozy accents and proper maintenance to keep it looking good.
Quick Summary
- Installation: Use your existing flooring or hire professionals to lay a new top-layer.
- Durability: It’s concrete -- however, cracking is always possible.
- Cost: Surprisingly affordable for how durable it is. But, custom finishes add up.
- Pros: Durable, modern look, low maintenance.
- Cons: Hard and cold, might crack.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is not just for zen loving hippies; bamboo flooring is all about sustainability meets style.
Bamboo flooring is a versatile choice for adding to your home’s interior design–it comes in many types /finishes and it is strong enough to make it practical.
Solid bamboo, which is exactly what it sounds like – made purely from bamboo, giving it an authentic, natural look. Then there’s engineered bamboo; It has a bamboo top layer, but underneath, it’s supported by layers of other materials, making it a bit more versatile in handling moisture and temperature changes.
Strand woven bamboo stands out as the powerhouse in the bamboo flooring world. Its exceptional durability comes from compressing bamboo fibers under high heat and pressure, creating a product that surpasses many hardwoods in toughness.
Quick Summary
- Installation: Most products offer a DIY-friendly click-and-lock system, though some designs may require professional installation for optimal results, particularly for complex patterns or nailed-down styles.
- Durability: Strong, but susceptible to moisture and scratches over time.
- Options: Natural light hues to darker carbonized shades
- Cost: Middle of the pack. Not the cheapest, definitely not the priciest.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, unique look, durable.
- Cons: Not great with moisture or heavy wear, color can fade in sunlight.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is exactly what you might think it is, and it’s a game-changer when we talk about underfoot surfaces. But it’s not just about stepping on something as soft as a 1980s bulletin board. Cork has a certain charm, while offering functional benefits. Here’s a snapshot of your types of cork flooring;
Cork flooring comes in two main types; tiles and planks. Whether you prefer a custom mosaic look with tiles or a classic hardwood appearance with planks, cork flooring adapts to your style preferences without the environmental impact of cutting down forests.
You can also opt for solid or engineered cork flooring. Solid cork flooring brings with it a pure, natural feel with cork throughout the entire product. However, engineered cork flooring has a top layer of cork on a high-density fiberboard backing, providing extra durability and resistance to warping. As with all types of materials, engineered is the more cost effective option.
When it comes to finishes and textures, you’re not limited. Here’s some of the most popular styles;
- Choose a natural state for a rustic appearance or select from a variety of sealed finishes for added durability and color options.
- Color ranges from pale honey to deep espresso, allowing for customization beyond the typical “cork” look.
Here are some of the benefits of choosing cork flooring;
- Its cushiony nature is easy on your feet, perfect for long standing periods.
- Excellent insulator, keeping floors warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Natural sound-dampening properties enhance home tranquility.
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, cork is ideal for allergy sufferers, resisting dust, pollen, and the growth of mold and mildew.
Quick Summary
- Installation: Doable for the ambitious DIYer. Glue down or click-together options.
- Durability: Cushy and comfy but watch out for sharp objects and heavy furniture.
- Cost: Moderate. A bit more than laminate but less than traditional hardwood.
- Pros: Soft, warm underfoot, sound-reducing, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Can be damaged by furniture, claws, and high heels, fades in sunlight, needs sealing.
Best Places to Buy Flooring
Your Go-to Kitchen Maestro
Hunt’s Kitchen & Design
Ready to Transform Your Floors?
Get in Touch! Feeling inspired but need a bit of guidance? Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic wood finish, a chic ceramic tile, or a durable vinyl floor that can take on life’s messes, we’re here to help every step of the way. At Hunt’s Kitchen & Design, we’re passionate about bringing your vision to life, offering personalized advice and support in selecting and securing the perfect flooring for your home. And don’t worry if you’re not in Phoenix, AZ – we assist customers all across the U.S. with the same dedication and expertise. Reach out to us with any questions or to get started on making your flooring dreams a reality!
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