Choosing flooring for your kitchen is an important, hard decision. There are so many options to choose from, it may feel overwhelming. LaFata Cabinets breaks down the three main flooring options: hardwood flooring, tile flooring, and vinyl flooring. We highlight the appearance, maintenance, and affordability of each type to make your decision a little easier!
HARDWOOD FLOORING TILE FLOORING VINYL FLOORING
Appearance
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is truly a timeless option when it comes to appearance. It adds natural beauty and a bit of warmth to any kitchen. There are a variety of plank sizes and colors to choose from, that makes it easier to style with other kitchen details. Hardwood flooring has the ability to make your kitchen look larger as well. Especially if you have hardwood flooring in the surrounding rooms, it allows the space to blend flawlessly throughout the home.
Tiles
When it comes to tiles in the kitchen, the first thing we think of is versatility. The amount of color and style options available is truly endless. Whether you are looking for a vinyl, ceramic, or wood-style flooring look, you can get any of these options with tile. You can mix and match with colors, sizes, and styles to create your own unique custom look.
Vinyl Flooring
There is also a wide variety of options when it comes to vinyl flooring. What’s unique about vinyl flooring, is that you can get the look of stone or wood, without all of the work and maintenance that comes with it. There are a ton of patters and colors to choose from, along with textures that add visual depth. You can get any aesthetic you are looking for from other materials, while keeping the vinyl flooring long-lasting benefits.
Durability & Maintenance
Hardwood Flooring
Of the three flooring options, hardwood flooring is definitely the option that does require the most up keep. Although, it is fairly easy to clean as it does not accumulate dust, dirt, and debris. As long as you have a weekly routine of vacuuming and mopping your hardwood floors, it should keep them in great condition. One thing you do need to be careful of with hardwood floors, is spills or using a large amount of water without proper drying. Prompt clean up of spills is essential to avoid stains and damaging of the hardwood.
Tiles
Tiles do not require quite as much awareness and up keep as wood-flooring. Although with tiles, you have to remember that cleaning the tiles as up keep is one part, and also being aware of cleaning the grout is another. Tiles are very easy to clean as you do not have to worry about scratches or stains. Tiles also are easy to replace and repair if need be. The tricky part with tiles is the grout. Grout can become discolored overtime and can also absorb stains and dirt. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a grout sealant after installation, and re-applying every couple years.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is one of the must durable options when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. They have the ability to expand and contract, so they are perfect for high traffic areas in the home. Vinyl floors are pretty resistant to scratches and dents, making them look new for plenty of years. Vinyl floors are 100% waterproof, giving you the look of wood, with no worry of water damage. Vacuuming and mopping regularly is the only up keep needed to keep your vinyl floors in top condition.
Affordability
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is definitely not a cheap option when choosing floors. Although, the price can vary greatly depending on what type of wood you choose. Some wood types are more expensive than others, so depending on your budget and aesthetic, you would need to choose accordingly. You also need to remember installation and sanding are both additional costs when it comes to your wood floors.
Tiles
There is great variation when it comes to the cost of tiles. With so many different shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, the price can change drastically. Depending on the tile, the prep work can also differ as well, which is why there is less of a “standard” when it comes to tile flooring.
Vinyl
Just like any other flooring, the price of vinyl can also vary from high to low. Although, you can keep in mind, that with vinyl flooring, you are getting more a long-lasting product. Sheet vinyl tends to be cheaper, and the price increases as you choose vinyl that resembles more of the wood or stone. You also need to keep in mind installation pricing when it comes to your budget.