Choose the best flooring for your kitchen.

Many consumers are confused when it comes to choosing the right flooring for their kitchen. Unlike the main living areas of a home, where the flooring traffic tends to be lighter, the kitchen offers up a unique set of problems. The flooring product that you choose needs to be durable, water resistant as well as good looking.

Splashes and spills are common place in the kitchen as well as the threat of sinks and dishwashers over flowing. The flooring that you choose will need to be maintained more often than other areas of the home.

Many areas in the home expose a large area of flooring, such as hallways and living spaces, and offer up a great first impression. But this is not usually the case with the kitchen, Often the kitchen floor area is broken up with counters or an island, a dining table and chairs. In addition other elements of the kitchen are vying for attention - appliances, counter tops and cabinets. With this is mind, you may be able to save money on your kitchen floor and splurge on another area of the home.

Laminate and vinyl are the #1 recommended products for kitchens, but consider these important points when making your final decision;

• Number of family members - kids and pets
• Gourmet or casual chef
• Ease of maintenance

Solid Wood Flooring

• Naturally warm
• Can be sanded and refinished many times

But....

• Can discolor and wear quickly
• Dependiing on the finish you choose, may water mark
• Tends to dent
• Hard to install
• Restricted from basements and damp areas

Price - $5 to $12 per sq.ft. installed

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Engineered Wood

• Easier application
• Can be installed floated, nailed, stapled or glued
• Can be refinished once

But....

• Wears quickly and dents
• May be damaged by small spills

Price - $5 to $10 per sq.ft. installed

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Plastic Laminate

• Toughest finish
• Variety of styles
• Easy to install
• Wears as well as wood with less scratches and dents
• Sun resistant

But....

• Can't be refinished
• Damaged by big spills
• Price reflects the quality

Price - $1 to $8 per sq.ft. installed

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Linoleum

• Natural resilient flooring
• Many colors and styles
• Resists dents and moisture
• Resists fading

But....

• Vinyl offers more choices

Price - $4 to $9 per sq.ft. installed

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Ceramic Tile

• Tile resists wear, moisture, scratches, dents and stains

But....

• A hard surface
• Difficult to install

Price - $8 to $15 per sq.ft. installed

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Cork

• Very warm
• Comfortable underfoot - perfect for kitchens
• Wide range of colors and patterns

But....

• Will scratch
• Excess moisture may cause buckling

Price - $10 to $15 per sq.ft. installed

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