Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp areas. There are more than 100,000 types of mold. Mold can thrive in a variety of environments, but the most common type of mold grows in damp, dark areas. This is why basements are common problem areas because they have the perfect combination of moisture and darkness to allow mold to flourish.
What Makes a Good Kitchen Floor?
When deciding on good flooring for your kitchen, you need to keep a few things in mind. How often do you cook or hang out in there? What is your color theme? How much can a certain flooring handle in terms of wet mess? Here are some important hit points to touch on when shopping around:
Types of Kitchen Flooring
Now that you know what goes into a quality kitchen floor, you need to decide what flooring type to go with. There are several different flooring types to choose from and we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best for you.
1. Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are common in old homes and those that want to mimic the style of an older, more “homey” look. There’s a reason so many people choose to tear up carpets and use original hardwood flooring in their homes. This style is extremely durable and can last decades. They come in a variety of colors and wood finishes too.
While hardwood floors are water-resistant, they aren’t completely waterproof so you’ll need to use a sealant over top to protect from moisture. Despite this, they’re a popular choice among homeowners who want a style with lots of options to choose from. Another thing homeowners like about hardwood is that the wooden planks can be set in just about any design imaginable.
This is one of the pricier options of kitchen floors but they are softer on your feet and don’t get as cold as, let’s say, tile or concrete.
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2. Laminate Flooring
For homeowners who love the look of hardwood but aren’t impressed by the price tag, laminate is a good backup to consider. You can purchase laminate in just about any design, including different hardwood finishes. Like hardwood, they’re also a warm floor and they’re water-resistant. It’s worth noting that some manufacturers market a “waterproof laminate,” which is made with a rigid core of waterproof material to avoid warping.
Aside from getting a real hardwood look without the price tag, laminate is also known for its installation flexibility. In most cases, laminate flooring can be clicked together and secured in one of two ways: permanently glued down or floated. Floating is better for surfaces that are uneven.
Despite being flexible, laminate is extremely durable and is a solid choice for anyone on a budget.
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3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is perhaps the most popular kitchen floor option among modern homeowners. It’s significantly less expensive than other floorings, is soft on your feet, and is comically easy to clean too. Vinyl differentiates itself from other options too because it’s a completely waterproof floor and can be installed via “floating” on top of your subfloor.
Because of the way vinyl is made, it dampens sound. This is convenient for when you’re doing a late-night snack time and you don’t want to bother anyone or you accidentally drop a full gallon jug of milk in the morning. Despite being a softer floor, it’s still just as durable as other options on our list.
Vinyl is similar to laminate in that it can also mimic the look of wood. It’s also another warm floor, which means no cold feet in the middle of the night.
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4. Cork Floors
While we may think of cork as simply the object that keeps wine fresh, it’s also a common kitchen floor option too. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. This makes it a much more sustainable flooring option for those who are passionate about the environment. To turn the bark into cork flooring, it’s grounded up and set in sheets with resin to keep it together.
This flooring is the softest of the floors on our list but it isn’t nearly as durable as the others. Because of this, it’s much more susceptible to damage and regular wear with age. It’s a little less expensive than hardwood flooring and it’s much easier to install yourself rather than hiring a professional.
As long as it’s installed correctly, it should be easy to take care of. When you notice it starting to wear down, it can easily be refinished. Cork is a good insulator and is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial too. (Related: Is Cork Flooring Right For Your Home? (Pros, Cons & Everything You Need To Know))
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5. Ceramic Tiling
If you’re looking for a floor solely for its durability, ceramic tiles are going to be your best bet. They’re made of clay and then baked to get the glossy finish we’re familiar with. Ceramic tiles are also available in a plethora of sizes, shapes, and designs. The tiles themselves are easy to clean but it’s important to note that the grout in between each one can get stained with different spills.
Tiling is a common choice because of its waterproof properties as well. Spills are typically very easy to clean up as you just need a wet cloth and then a weekly mop through to maintain them. However, ceramic tiling can be slippery and there isn’t really a way to prevent it unless you put down runners or rugs.
While the other options on our list are comfortable on feet, ceramic tiles are not. Unless you have floor warmers installed, these tiles will be cold on your feet and that can get uncomfortable really quick.
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6. Linoleum
While the first thing I can think of when I hear “linoleum floors” is my grandparents’ home, it’s still a viable floor choice today. Linoleum is a popular choice among homeowners who like a retro look. It comes in a rainbow of colors and is often compared to vinyl in its durability.
Linoleum can be bought in three different styles: Sheets, tiles, or panels and squares. Whichever option you choose will dictate how your kitchen floor will look when you’re done. Linoleum is both eco-friendly and health-conscious which is why it’s been so popular among environmentalists.
Linoleum is also relatively easy to install as it can just be laid right on top of plywood underlayment.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing your kitchen floor is a big decision. Finding a floor that fits your style and budget without turning out to be a total waste of money can be hard. However, we believe that as long as you go with one of the six flooring options laid out here, you’ll find the perfect match for your new kitchen area. (Related: Cost Of Kitchen Flooring: What Is The Right Material For Your Budget?)