Tips to Choose a Kitchen Floor You Love

When doing a kitchen remodeling design, much of the time is spent selecting cabinets, countertops and appliances. However, the floor is a crucial part of the function, flow and appearance of the kitchen. Here are some tips to enhance the overall style of the kitchen by focusing on the floor.

Comfort

When choosing a kitchen floor, comfort may not be high on the list. However, when people cook, they stand for long periods of time. A hard floor can cause feet and back pain. If choosing a harder material for the floor, consider adding anti-fatigue mats to make the kitchen more comfortable.

Cleaning

The kitchen is full of items that can stain, damage or leave residue behind from grease to liquid spills. A floor that is difficult to clean makes your job harder in the kitchen. Look for flooring that easily wipes clean and is non-porous to maintain the look and style longer.

Cost

Some materials cost more than others. While smaller kitchen spaces may have the budget for expensive flooring, the flooring material can eat up the budget in large spaces if you are not careful since it is sold by the square foot. Include a 10% waste factor when choosing flooring costs plus any additional options such as heating elements.

Material

The classic flooring choice in kitchens is tile because of the cost, comfort level and easy cleaning. Travertine offers similar benefits but is a more opulent look. Green options to consider include linoleum, bamboo and cork. Hardwood and engineered wood floors come in a variety of colors and tend to be a more expensive option. Vinyl is a durable, low-cost option known for the checkerboard pattern. Stained concrete, painted floors, flagstone and brick are other available options.

The style of your kitchen is greatly impacted by the floor. Make sure to leave space in the kitchen remodeling budget for the flooring of your choice. Consider the comfort, cleaning and cost of the floor in addition to look.