If your home is anything like the homes of most families, your kitchen sees quite a bit of action through the course of a given day.
Excessive foot traffic, spilled food and beverages, splashes while washing the dishes, messes from left behind when pets eat and drink from their bowls, and the ever-dreaded leaky dishwasher can wreak serious havoc on a kitchen floor; choosing the wrong type of kitchen flooring could turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare.
Determining which type of flooring you should install in your kitchen is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience.
All flooring has inherent pros and cons. Hardwood flooring, for example, looks great no matter where you have it installed, but it may not be a practical choice if you plan to install it in a moisture-prone area of your home such as the kitchen, the bathroom, or the laundry room.
Since hardwood flooring has a reputation for being susceptible to denting, scratching, and swelling, you probably won’t be a happy camper if your teenager drops a wok full of stir-fry on your beautiful Brazilian cherry floor.
Laminate flooring is another popular kitchen floor option many homeowners choose, but it doesn’t perform well in moisture-rich environments. If you’re dead-set on having the look of hardwood or laminate flooring but want to mitigate the risks, consider going with a luxury vinyl or sheet vinyl product that mimics the appearance of natural hardwood planks.
In some ways, luxury vinyl flooring—whether in plank or tile form—is superior to the products it mimics. You get the look and feel of natural stone or hardwood flooring, but without the worry that an errant spill will destroy your floors.
One of the most popular luxury vinyl products for kitchens is COREtec, a 100% waterproof, dimensionally stable luxury vinyl flooring created by USFloors. COREtec comes with a written guarantee from the manufacturer to give consumers the peace of mind that comes with knowing their flooring can withstand the rigorous demands of a busy family’s lifestyle.
Sheet vinyl has been a go-to choice among savvy builders and budget-conscious homeowners for many, many years. Sheet vinyl resists foot traffic, spills, and moisture, but it does tend to hold indentation marks left behind by heavy furniture and high-heeled shoes. If you’re a stickler about your guests removing their shoes upon entering your home, and you take precautionary measures by placing felt pads under the legs of your tables and chairs, traditional sheet vinyl should work out great for you.
For more information on the best types of flooring to have installed in your kitchen, contact The Carpet Guys at (248) 409-5359 today to schedule a free in-home estimate from one of our design consultants. They’ll bring a vast array of samples from America’s leading flooring manufacturers for you to choose from, and you can count on us to take all the necessary measurements and move your furniture at no additional charge to you.
