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How to Find the Most Durable Kind of Flooring for Your Kitchen
Springtime is a wonderful time of year to undertake home improvement projects, both outside and inside the home. One highly visible area that many homeowners look to improve is their kitchen, their kitchen’s flooring in particular. As this could very well be the most highly-trafficked area in the house, usually used by all members of the home on a regular basis, a good deal of research should go into what flooring composition would work out the best. Below are a few kinds of flooring that work great for kitchens.
Hardwood Flooring
This is a very popular favorite for many and is eye-catching indeed. However, one considerable drawback, whether it be engineered wood flooring featuring a hardwood veneer or solid hardwood planks, is the moisture and stain accumulation susceptible to this material. Over time, the surface will have to be regularly sanded and refinished if the brand-new surface appearance is to be maintained.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
As tiles are shaped, glazed, and fired under heat, this material is impervious to stains and water and is one of the most durable materials used for floors. The extraordinary number of options in tile shape, size, and colors open up a world of options in decor choices. The one possible drawback to this material is that the surface tends to get cold. Consider keeping your feet covered during the winter if you plan on using this kind of flooring.
Vinyl Flooring
This kind of flooring is very resistant to water issues, damages, and stains. This man-made manufactured material is one of the most versatile and easy to install and maintain flooring solutions. As vinyl is one of the best DIY materials to work with, as well as one of the most inexpensive, owners don’t fret too much about replacing the kitchen vinyl flooring after about a decade or so of natural wear.
Now found in many high-end residences, luxury vinyl flooring is available in planks and snap-together tiles. Many modern versions of vinyl flooring now come in styles that replicate stone or wood very convincingly.
Linoleum Flooring
Properly caring for linoleum floors will allow them to last upwards of 40 years. They are easy to maintain and are environmentally friendly. A big downside to this material comes if an appliance begins to leak or a pipe suddenly bursts. If the linoleum is affected by such incidents, the entire installation can be ruined, necessitating ripping it all out and re-flooring the entire area.
Photo by Green Building Supply
New kitchen flooring customers should definitely remember that the kitchen floor, more than any other floor in the house, is more susceptible to water and other messes. Careful consideration should go into which flooring material is best for everything that goes on in your kitchen.
