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Flooring options for your kitchen- hardwood and vinyl.

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If you are thinking of installing new flooring in your kitchen, you have a lot of options in terms of the material you can use for the floors. This is a discussion of hardwood and vinyl. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and this article will discuss some of the more popular flooring options for your kitchen.

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a good aesthetic choice. Hardwood is classic and modern at the same time and it will never look dated in your kitchen. In fact, most wood will weather beautifully over time and can look better with age. Hardwood flooring is also very durable and can last for several decades. Hardwood is best used in kitchens with an open floor plan to give it a nice warm and cozy feel and look.

You can also get pre-finished hardwood which is very resistant to moisture and can take spills very easily. In general, hardwood flooring requires very little maintenance. You also have the option between engineered wood planks and solid wood strips. Engineered wood planks, with their veneer of real wood and plywood at the bottom is a better choice because of its stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes that will be common in the kitchen.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is best for kitchens which get a lot of use and where a lot of cooking is done. This is because they are the easiest to clean and maintain and is a resilient flooring option. It is also cheaper than most of the other options for kitchen flooring and is soft. This softness if good if you spend a lot of time hurrying around the kitchen as it will be easier on your feet and muscles. You can also have cushioned vinyl floors for even softer floors.

If you have a large kitchen, you will have to use several sheets which will mean that seams will be present and these can collect dirt and moisture.  Vinyl comes in a large number of textures and colors so you can find one that fits your kitchen quite easily. Vinyl flooring will also have a layer that is resistant to wear and can keep scratches and scuff marks off the floor. Linoleum is also a similar product but it is not as soft or durable. However, it offers a more eco-friendly choice of flooring.

Ask your contractor about the best option for you depending on your budget and needs.