There are lots of different types of kitchen flooring to consider when you are putting in a new kitchen. Kitchen floors go through a lot. Most see lots of spills and dropped utensils, as well as a lot of traffic from the family. Balancing style, function, and comfort is the key to making the right choice. Some floorings are not suitable for the kitchen even though they might look good.

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is very durable but traditionally it hasn’t been that good in the kitchen. It is susceptible to moisture and lots of spills don’t go well with wood. Recently wood as a kitchen flooring has seen a comeback. This is due to modern sealants and polyurethane finishes that protect it and make it more moisture-proof and long-lasting.

Even with a sealant, a hardwood floor will see some degradation and wearing over time. There will be stains which you cannot remove without sanding it back and retreating. However, a hardwood floor can give a kitchen that traditional feel and some minor defects can look good.

Bamboo

A bamboo kitchen floor is similar in look and feel to a hardwood floor. It’s manufacturing process makes It more moisture-resistant and lessens the chance of water damage. It is becoming increasingly popular for kitchen flooring.

Bamboo flooring is expensive and it can’t be simply sanded back to remove stains. It can be refinished but it will need to be done by a professional rather than doing it yourself.

Concrete

If your kitchen is on the ground floor then concrete can be a great flooring choice. It is durable and inexpensive. Concrete can be stained, polished and treated to make it an attractive flooring for your kitchen. You might even have a concrete slab floor under your current kitchen flooring.

A concrete floor looks great with modern kitchens. It can be cold underfoot and some people might not like the look of concrete. It is really down to personal taste.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are a really durable flooring which works very well in a kitchen. They are hard, stain-resistant and impervious to water.

A ceramic floor will last a long time and will look good as new after several years. There is a huge choice of colours and patterns available.

A downside to ceramic tiles is that they can be cold underfoot. You can always install underfloor heating if that will be an issue.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is easy to lay in the kitchen and is water and stain-resistant. It is easy to keep clean. A vinyl floor will last around 10 years before it starts to de-grade. It is one of the most inexpensive kitchen floorings and can be laid by yourself, without a professional.

Vinyl flooring is family friendly and warm underfoot. There are lots of colours and patterns to suit every style of kitchen. You can get it in a wood or stone look finish.

Vinyl flooring is available in planks or tiles that snap together for a great finish.

Natural Stone

Natural stone flooring is very durable and long-lasting in the kitchen. You can choose from lots of different options including granite, slate, marble, sandstone and limestone.

A natural stone floor shouts luxury and it works well with both traditional and modern kitchens. Stone can stain easily if it isn’t treated regularly with a sealant.

Each type of stone has different properties with regard to scratch resistance and durability. If it is sealed properly then it can last for decades.

Lino

Lino, or its correct name linoleum, is a material that was very popular in kitchens in the 1950s and 1960s. It is gradually making a comeback due to it being easy to clean and maintain. Lino is also environmentally friendly and it’s popularity is increasing as more become aware of environmental issues. If it is looked after, lino can last for many years, even decades.

If you decide to choose lino for your kitchen you should select the best you can afford. Cheap lino won’t last and will curl up with use.