Flooring for Kitchens and Baths

Choosing flooring for kitchens and baths can be a little intimidating, largely because both areas are affected by water and moisture. The kitchen is also a significant design area, so choosing a flooring that complements the rest of the home is important. To help you in your selection, we have listed some of the top choices for your kitchen and bathroom flooring below.

1. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile – Tile comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns allowing you to create your own specific look and style. Both types will take a lot of wear and tear, and are great at handling water issues like spills, splashes, and leaks.  Although good for water areas, tile can be cold and hard underfoot, so using rugs or cushioned mats may be necessary to offset the discomfort especially in the kitchen. Since tile can crack as floors settle, make certain the proper sub-flooring is used to reduce the likelihood of cracking.  Choosing a non-slip or textured variety is also important as tile can be quite slippery when wet. 
2. Vinyl – This is a resilient flooring that offers a softer, cushiness underfoot. It is easy to clean, completely waterproof, and stain-proof. Vinyl comes in a large variety of colors and styles to match any decor, including some styles that have the appearance of tile or real stone. Vinyl also has a wear layer making it scratch and scuff resistant. Textured vinyl, in particular, also provides good slip resistance. Keep in mind that if covering a large area you may have seams that can collect dirt and moisture.
3. Cork – If you are looking for eco-friendly choices, then cork may be for you. Made from tree bark that’s harvested every eight to 10 years, cork is a nice sustainable material. It provides a soft, slip-resistant surface that is waterproof, making it great for kitchens or bathrooms.  It’s important to note that cork requires resealing every 3 to 4 years to prevent scratching and moisture getting through the seams.
4. Solid Wood – Although not an option for bathrooms, solid wood flooring is still a favorite for kitchen areas. Wood provides a look that is timeless and creates visual warmth in an area.  If your home has an open floor plan, wood floors throughout can give it a unified look. Solid wood is extremely durable and low-maintenance while on-site-finished hardwoods, rather than factory finished, provide a little more protection against moisture since the finish gets into the seams to help protect the wood underneath.
5. Other Options – While all of the above are great flooring options, there are many other choices for flooring. Laminate, bamboo, concrete, marble, and granite may also be considered.  Based on your design, life-style, and budget, you can create space that works for you, and gives your family a warm and inviting place to live.
6. Heated Floors- check out our post here regarding adding wonderful heated floors for your bathroom!