Porcelain tile is one of the most durable and affordable materials for any kitchen. If you’re looking to invest in your floor for years, then this material is a great option. While it’s not the most affordable, hardwood floors are still a contender they’re praised for their durability and beauty. The most important consideration when it comes to durability is the material it’s made of.
Any wood type will provide durability, but some are better than others. Hardwood floors like oak, maple, and cherry are some of the most popular choices because they’re durable and they look great over time. Pine flooring is also good, but because it’s softer, it may not hold up as well over time.
8 Most Durable Floors for a Kitchen
There are several options available when it comes to durable floors, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one is an important decision that requires some careful thought because the flooring that you choose can affect your entire home and its value. Here are some of the most popular options:
Porcelain Tiles
One of the most commonly used flooring options, porcelain tile is a unique type of hard stone that can be varied in color and pattern. The tiles are manufactured in a wide range of sizes, making them great for both small spaces and particularly large rooms. They’re easy to care for and offer an affordable option with very few drawbacks.
Pros
- Porcelain tiles are durable
- Easy to clean
- They’re also very affordable compared to other options.
Cons
- They are not the most flexible option, which is why they’re not always the right choice when it comes to a tiled floor in your kitchen.
- They can be slippery.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are made of natural wood, and they’re usually durable in most cases. Oak, maple, and cherry wood types are the most commonly chosen for this type of flooring. These are some of the most durable options for a kitchen’s flooring because they’re beautiful and they offer a lot of benefits. They’re also popular because you can replace them easily when damaged.
Pros
- They look good
- They’re very durable
- They also cost less than other options.
Cons
- They’re not always the right choice for a kitchen because their loss of color can be an issue.
- Getting the perfect matching color can be difficult.
Vinyl Tiles
If you’re looking for a cheap floor, then this may be the best option for you. Vinyl tiles are also one of the most popular options and they’re easy to install. Their biggest advantage is that they don’t need much maintenance and they can last a lifetime if you take care of them. They can also withstand unusually high amounts of traffic and weight loads.
Pros
- They’re often considered to be the most affordable option for a tiled floor in any kitchen.
- They also come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns. You can choose the ones that will blend with your kitchen and your other furniture.
- The fact that they’re made of flexible material is another advantage because this makes them easier to move around and replace when necessary.
Cons
- They are not as attractive as other options when it comes to the appearance of your kitchen and they’re usually the most problematic option.
- They may also be slippery.
Engineered wood
This wood is made through a process of combining different wood types. It’s known as a strong material, which means that it’s easy to install and maintain. You can use engineered wood for your kitchen floor.
Pros
- They’re very affordable when compared to other options and they can be very durable when maintained correctly. They also come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns, so you can choose the ones that will complement your overall home décor.
Cons
- Engineered woods can be slippery, they may not be as durable as other options and they are usually more expensive than other options.
Ceramic tiles
These are one of the most durable floorings you can get and they are good for any kitchen. They’re usually made of clay, which is known to be a very hard material and it is considered to be an affordable option for your kitchen.
Pros
- They are durable if installed properly.
- They also come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns that you can choose from to suit your home décor.
Cons
- Their hardness can be uncomfortable for people to stand on. Additionally, it’s impractical to stand on them for an extended period.
Laminate floors
Laminate floors are made from natural wood and they may require the use of a professional for installation. They’re usually very easy to maintain, so they’re great in any home with lots of traffic. Laminate floors also have an attractive appearance, and this makes them a good choice for kitchens.
Pros
- They look very attractive. They’re also very durable because the glue that holds them together is a special type of material. This makes them more resistant to stains and scratches than other options.
Cons
- They may be slippery and may be seen as unattractive to some people
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles are another great flooring choice, especially if you’re looking for something that’s going to last a long time. Bona marble and granite are the most durable options. If you can’t decide between these two materials, then try taking a look at some of the other varieties like travertine, marble, or quartzite.
Pros
- They’re extremely durable which means that they don’t require much maintenance.
- They also look good, and this can make them suitable for a kitchen as well.
- They also have a natural stone appearance and they’re easy to maintain.
Cons
- Their prices can be very high
Bamboo Tiles
Bamboo flooring is a good option if you’re looking for something that is both durable and environmentally friendly. It may be more expensive than other kitchen tile options, but it can add a lot of character to any kitchen.
Pros
- They can offer warmth and provide a rustic feel to your kitchen, which is appealing to many homeowners.
- They’re also very durable and they can stand up to the weight of heavy items being dropped on them as well as spills and traffic.
- The fact that they’re lightweight could also be an advantage if you have a busy active family, such as one with young children.
- They’re also very easy to maintain
Cons:
- They can be too expensive for some people when compared to other options.
- If you choose to use them for design purposes, then you should make sure that they are seamless as it is difficult to remove the imperfections from this type of flooring.
Conclusion
Kitchen flooring can make the difference between a kitchen that looks amazing and one that is simply mediocre. Making the right choice can add resale value to your home, too. When choosing the floor, one of the key factors to consider is durability. The type of floor you choose should withstand heavy traffic and be long-lasting.
If you are remodeling an existing kitchen or if you are designing a new one, then contact us today. Our professional kitchen designers can help you create the perfect kitchen for your home, and our award-winning team can handle all of the kitchen renovation work. Contact us today to get started.