One of the biggest decisions a homeowner makes when renovating their kitchen is to choose a kitchen floor material. Many different options and styles can affect the look and feel of your kitchen. Traditionalists may prefer a tile floor, while homeowners with modern tastes prefer dark hardwood floors. Below is a list and explanation of some of the most popular kitchen floor materials.
Tile
Tile is a very traditional kitchen floor choice for its durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Several different types of tile can also affect the look and style of your kitchen. Ceramic tile is one of the more popular types in modern times, and often comes in tan or light brown colors that go well with a variety of different color schemes. They are also popular because it is easy to replace a broken tile, whereas a broken piece of hardwood flooring may be more difficult.
Natural stone is another common tile material and is often more expensive
A marble floor, for example, will give your kitchen a very sophisticated attitude, but may cost a good deal of money. The other benefit to natural stone tiles is that they are even more durable than ceramic tiles, with virtually no danger of cracking or needing to be replaced. One drawback of tile is that it is typically cold against bare feet and can be susceptible to water damage. If the grout is damaged, then the tiles may begin to shift and it could be very difficult and expensive to repair the floor.
Hardwood
Like tile, hardwood floors come in a number of styles and types. While virtually any type of wood can be used for a hardwood floor, certain species are more common than others. Oak, pine, birch, and beech all include a number of species that are popular for hardwood floors due to their durability and appearance.
Red oak is reddish brown in color, sturdy, and perhaps the most popular wood for flooring. White oak is more durable, but a less attractive brown/gray color. Pine is much lighter in color and easier to work with, but also not as durable as white oak. Birch and beech are of similar hardness to red oak, but while beech is a reddish brown, birch may be very light in color or quite dark. Most woods respond well to stains, and can be finished to protect them from wear and tear. Dark stains are popular for modern kitchens, where contrasts between light and dark colors are highly prized.
Linoleum and Vinyl
Linoleum is a common choice for its low price and ease of installation, and is offered in a wide variety of styles and colors. It is less durable than wood and tile, but easily replaced. Its aesthetic appeal is somewhat less than the other kitchen floor materials, but linoleum can be found to match any kitchen theme. Vinyl flooring, made from a very different process, is similar in many respects in that it is of low cost, simple to install and clean, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
For more information about kitchen floors, contact RH Homes today.
