There are many features of a kitchen that come together to create a cohesive, functional space, from the cabinetry to the countertops to the appliances. One element you do not want to overlook, however, is the kitchen flooring.
Many homeowners don’t realize how much of an impact kitchen flooring has on their kitchen’s overall appearance, as well as its functionality, value, and level of maintenance. If you are planning to remodel, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the flooring. Here are some of the most important features to consider:
- Water Resistance – The kitchen may not be as moisture-prone as a bathroom, but it’s still subject to more moisture than the average room in your house. Spills are bound to happen, water can splash onto the floor while you wash dishes, and high humidity is a given if you cook a lot. You don’t need waterproof floors, but you will want them to be water resistant.
- Maintenance – Some types of kitchen flooring are more low-maintenance than others. For instance, vinyl and laminate are the easier types to keep clean. Tile isn’t difficult to clean on a day-to-day basis, but it may require some deep cleaning from time to time, perhaps by a professional, to clean the grout lines well.
- Durability – Kitchens are high-traffic areas, so your kitchen flooring should be able to hold up well against high foot traffic and spills.
- Appearance – Don’t forget: your kitchen flooring should be aesthetically pleasing and complement the rest of your kitchen. It’s something like a canvas for the rest of the room, so when you like how your kitchen flooring looks, the rest of your kitchen will shine brighter.