Best Kitchen Flooring
Monday, April 20th, 2009The kitchen can be a challenging area to provide flooring for. On one hand, the kitchen flooring must be comfortable enough to stand on for long durations. On the other hand, however, the flooring must keep out water and food to maintain its appearance. The best flooring looks great for years without a lot of maintenance. 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 install the right kind of flooring to begin with.
Wood flooring has traditionally been seen in kitchen flooring, but it has a tendency to suffer under harsh kitchen conditions. Wood aborbs moisture, causing it to warp and crack over time. When a wood floor absorbs too much moisture it can begin to bow up or down in the middle, producing an unsightly and uneven surface. The only solution to this problem is to sand down the bowing section, or to rip out the entire floor and start over. 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 not be as susceptible to these issues, wood flooring is certainly more prone to suffer from them.
More reliable options include slate and ceramic tile. Tile and slate do not suffer from water exposure, and do not suffer from warping or cracking. As fairly tough materials, they undergo little expansion or contraction.
Slate and ceramic flooring can be found in a multitude of styles. Slate and ceramic flooring are very resistant to slipping, 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 great alternative. Laminate flooring is easy to install, affordable, and very resistant to both water damage and 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.