Kitchen Flooring Ideas, Designs & Tips

Design Approach

There's a few things that you should know before selecting a kitchen floor. The first: not all floors are created equally, and some are higher quality than others. The second: maintaining your floor takes quite a bit of effort, and if you don't put in the work, your new floor will not remain perfect. The third: aesthetics, alone, are not reasons enough to choose one material over another. When you plan out your kitchen floor, make sure that you consider multiple factors including appearance, budget, and how your material of choice will work with your lifestyle. With so many available options, you will do a better job narrowing down your choices by outlining your practical objectives.

Ceramic tiles and laminate vinyl are two of the least expensive options.

Ceramic floors are ideal for people with higher budgets who are looking for stylish and creative options. For people on a budget, laminate vinyl flooring may be a more practical option. Both these types of floors come with a variety of color, pattern, and texture choices. Other options to consider include cork, bamboo, natural stone, linoleum, and porcelain tile.
Make sure that you factor longevity, wear, and tear into your budget. Quite frankly, kids and pets have the potential to do a lot of damage on a floor. If you plan to have family time in the kitchen, you may want to save the expensive wood or marble floors for another part of the house. Otherwise, over time, you will end up spending substantial money on repairs and maintenance. Do your best to choose a floor that holds up while it looks pretty.

Ceramic Flooring

Ceramic tiles are versatile, durable, and attractive. They are available in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors to coordinate with almost any kitchen décor or theme. You can choose colored tiles, plain white or cream colored tiles, and even patterns. You can create your own floor patterns by strategically mixing colors, and you can highlight your favorite features in any kitchen, large or small.
Ceramic flooring is an extremely practical option. It creates substantial traction so that you family will not need to endure sudden spills and falls. Ceramic floors relatively easy to keep clean and repair in the event of damage. If a chip or break occurs, you can replace an individual tile or even part of a tile.
One main drawback for ceramic is that it is prone to damage. If you drop something heavy, the tiles will likely break. Over time, you're likely to find at least a couple of chips. You can choose to fix chips and cracks, or you can leave your floor as-is. Slight damage is barely noticeable and can even give your floor a rustic, down to earth, and old fashioned charm.

Laminate

Laminate vinyl flooring is a practical option because it is inexpensive and durable. Laminate floors are available in sheets for less than $1 per square foot. Laminate flooring is also available in patterns that closely resemble wood.
These designs will give a kitchen the look and feel of hardwood floors without the hassle. With laminate vinyl and laminate wood, your floors will be resistant to wear and tear, damage, and spills.
Laminate floors provide a smooth and level surface with enough traction to prevent unnecessary accidents. Plus, cleanup for laminate vinyl & wood will be convenient with an everyday mop or broom.
Vinyl is one of the most convenient options for do-it-yourself installation. Over time, your floor may become worn if liquids become absorbed into cracks. If you're diligent about cleaning spills and messes, you can extend the life of your floor.

Natural Stone

Natural stone such as marble can give your kitchen a dramatic and elegant appearance. In any case, natural stone can be very expensive and difficult to maintain. Moisture & foot traffic may cause long-term damage, requiring costly replacements and repairs. Natural stone may also be uncomfortable for chefs who spend significant time standing. Stone floors can be very cold and may not provide adequate support for people who spend significant time standing.

Linoleum

Linoleum floors are made from recycled materials including linseed oil, pine, wood, and minerals. The blends are durable and resistant to wear and tear. Linoleum is available in different qualities and grade levels. Unlike tile, linoleum is flexible so it is resistant to cracks. It is available in patterned sheets.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are more expensive than laminate or ceramic flooring, but they are durable and attractive. If you're using tile for your floor, make sure that you're ready to make a long-term commitment since you will want to avoid spending additional money to replace your floor. Select colors that you will enjoy and that will evolve with your changing interests. Keep a couple of spare tiles handy in case part of your floor becomes damaged.

Green Flooring

In terms of environmental friendliness and eco-consciousness, laminate vinyl flooring is the worst option. Wood and natural stone are the most environmentally friendly. Recycled materials including vinyl and ceramic tiles are considered green options.

Carpets

Carpets are not ideal for kitchen floors because they are difficult to clean and maintain. Kitchens are moisture-rich environments that are prone to spills and traffic. If you absolutely need carpet in your kitchen, consider investing in an inexpensive and machine-washable rug.