The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the home. Whether its gathering for family meals or hanging with friends, the kitchen is a busy area that requires floors to withstand heavy foot traffic, spills and dropped dishes just to name a few. You want a floor that looks good but can handle the mishaps that come along with it. Choosing the option that?s best can be complicated, but there are a few things to consider that may help make the decision easier.
Lifestyle
One of the most important factors to consider is lifestyle. A person who loves to cook will be faced with spills, dropped silverware and broken dishes, as well as frequent visits from kids, spouses and pets. For this reason, it?s good to choose flooring that stands up to wear and tear. If young children and pets live in the home, nonslip floors are important for safety.
Comfort
If you spend hours on your feet, a floor that is comfortable is a must. Tile floors can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time, while wood is better for reducing leg fatigue. Resilient floors with elasticity are ideal.
Ease of Cleaning
Taking into consideration the high traffic, food spills and dirt, kitchen floors get pretty dirty. To help minimize the time spent on maintenance, choose a flooring type that is easy to clean and is water- and stain- resistant.
Flooring Types
There are a variety of flooring types that are durable and suitable for the kitchen. Some of the more popular choices include engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl and tile. Let?s consider how they measure up:
Engineered Hardwood
Pros: Durable to withstand high traffic, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, increases a home?s value.
Cons: More expensive than other options, harder to replace if damaged, manufactured with resins.
Laminate
Pros: Mimics the look of hardwood or tile, surface is stain- and scratch- resistant, easy to clean and maintain, eco-friendly, easy to install.
Cons: Does not increase a home?s value, cannot be refinished if damaged, cheaper grades may need to be replaced more often.
Vinyl ?
Pros: Budget-friendly, water resistant, wide variety of colors and styles, easy to clean and maintain.
Cons: Not eco-friendly, susceptible to scratches and gouges.
Tile
Pros: Hard and durable, stain resistant, waterproof.
Cons: Easy to slip or fall, difficult to stand on for long periods of time, challenging to install.
Still having a hard time deciding? ?Hessler Floor Covering can help! We offer a vast selection of flooring options in a variety of brands. Our team of experts can help you choose the right style and type to meet your needs. Visit our website at HesslerFloors.com to schedule a free estimate.
