Best Kitchen Flooring

May 31st, 2009 | by Rick |

The kitchen can be a challenging area to provide flooring for. On one hand, the kitchen flooring must remain flexible enough to support the legs and back. On the other hand, however, the flooring must be resistant to stains and a high level of foot traffic. The right kitchen flooring requires little maintenance and can keep up with the demands placed on it by a modern kitchen. Spills and accidents will inevitably happen on a fairly frequent basis, putting a strain on any flooring that is installed in the kitchen area. To prevent serious maintenance problems and future expenses, it pays to do the research necessary to find the best flooring.

Wood flooring has traditionally been seen in kitchen flooring, but it can lead to high maintenance costs. Wood aborbs moisture, causing it to warp and crack over time. When a wood floor absorbs too much moisture it can end up crowning or cupping, leading to a surface that must be replaced or sanded down. The only solution to this problem is to sand down the bowing section, or to go the expensive route and replace the floor. Neither of these are very attractive options, and involve many hours as well as thousands of dollars. While a properly constructed and processed wood floor may resist these problems, wood flooring is definitely more likely to break down because of these problems.

Slate and ceramic tile are more reliable. Tile and slate do not absorb moisture, and do not suffer from warping or cracking. As fairly tough materials, they experience little expansion or contraction.
Slate and ceramic flooring can be found in a multitude of styles. Slate and ceramic flooring are also very slip resistant, making them a better surface to use in the kitchen as well. Hardwood flooring may be hazardous when wet, especially if it has been exposed to moisture. When using slate as a kitchen surface, be sure to go with a low gloss or finish for extra slip protection.

Laminate flooring is also another viable option in the kitchen. To achieve that hardwood look without all the associated upkeep problems, laminate flooring can be a wonderful option. Laminate flooring is easy to install, affordable, and very resistant to both absorbing moisture and food stains.
Laminate flooring is also designed to withstand a great deal of foot traffic and pressure. The kitchen is a high stress area for flooring, and should be given flooring that will withstand as much. Choosing the right kind of flooring will result in a lifetime of great quality and low maintenance.

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