Renovating a kitchen is no mean feat. From plumbing to electrical connections to design and décor, you have to keep everything in its best shape to ensure high performance. You replace old appliances to leverage innovative technology or do minor changes here and there to beautify this space. You can be comfortable with this process because of the excellent outcomes it produces for a lower budget. Adding indoor plants, wall arts, high-end dining plates, and others may not be a headache at all. Did you enjoy their decorative effects? It can be fun to introduce new things occasionally.
You can do a lot more in this single corner of the house. Think of equipping this corner with a modern sink, such as a kitchen stainless sink from Kraus USA or another brand. If you get a new faucet also, the whole sink area can feel redefined. These transformations benefit you practically and aesthetically. But sometimes, you have to look beyond these things to give your kitchen a complete makeover. In this, the choice of flooring can play a critical role. Since it tends to be an expensive endeavor, you cannot pursue this requirement frivolously. You have to consider a lot of factors while shopping for the material. These include your lifestyle, household demands, cleaning and maintenance, and budget.
Kitchen flooring materials
Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tile
A stylish kitchen would need a matching flooring tile to do justice to its uniform décor. There is no shortage of options. If you buy ceramic tiles, these can cost around USD $1 per square foot. Porcelain tiles with decorative designs can be available for USD $25 to USD $30 per square foot. The price of the slate and travertine tiles can vary from USD $3-5 per square foot. Granite and marble flooring usually fall in the range of USD $7 per square foot, while the most expensive limestone tile can be available for USD $20 per square foot.
Solid, engineered, and reclaimed wood
A wood-look can never become outdated. Hence, an evergreen kitchen design can trust wooden flooring to help it stay relevant forever. In this, solid hardwood can be the economical choice with USD $4 per square foot. With a slightly more budget, you can get better quality for around USD $8 per sq ft. Those who choose timber pay USD $20 per square foot to make their kitchen more appealing. You can focus on engineering wood floors if you wish for durability and sturdiness for a slightly lower price range. It can be available for USD $2.50 to USD $16 per square foot. Other than this, reclaimed wood also deserves your attention, with its price ranging from USD $8 -20 per square foot.
Sheet vinyl and vinyl tile
You can depend on these materials to mimic the charm of the wood or natural stone flooring. And the best thing is they require much less care. If you want something great for a small cost, vinyl plank and tile options can be alluring. These look comfortable and can have a long life. You can shop for sheet vinyl for USD $0.50 to 3 per square foot and vinyl tile for around USD $2.50 to 5 per square foot.
Linoleum and cork
These are eco-friendly flooring options for your kitchen. People who love organic charm invest in these materials. You can also follow them if you desire to bask in the beauty of the natural materials. Linoleum flooring usually comes at USD $3.50 to USD $5 per square foot and cork around USD $3 to more than USD $12 per square foot. Cork flooring with textures can be pricier.
Laminate and polished concrete
As a DIYer, you can feel naturally attracted to laminate for its easy installation. You can use this material to replicate wooden appeal for around USD $1.50 to USD $3 per square foot. On the other hand, polished concrete is not a DIY thing. You can select it for its contemporary vibe. Generally, it charges USD $3 to 15 per square foot. Still, it is cost-effective compared to many others.
The decision about the affordable flooring material
For someone on a budget, luxury vinyl tile can seem to be the most appropriate choice. Since it comes with intricate designs due to modern techniques, the tile looks as good as any expensive natural stone or wood material. So you can expect to create the same luxurious vibe in your cooking zone without spending much. But be careful while using sharp objects with this type of tile. If you drop a knife on it, the floor can quickly get damaged. Also, it contains PVC. You may want to avoid it if you are eco-conscious. Still, you don’t have to regret it.
In the inexpensive range, ceramic tiles can be the winner. They come in many colors and designs, along with the promise of easy maintenance and durability. However, laminate can also make more sense for those looking to control their expenses. It carries the charm of wood and natural stone.
Some experts feel porcelain can be unbeatable when it comes to value for money. A busy place like a kitchen has to deal with spills and stains regularly. Since you have other works also, you may not give proper attention to floor maintenance. In such a scenario, porcelain tile can feel more dependable. You don’t have to put in too much effort to keep it clean. Wear resistance, and no sealing demands make it more appealing.
These kitchen upgrade decisions can never be easy. You have to consider multiple aspects before finalizing anything. Hence, it will be better not to jump at any option. Assess their utility, strengths, and weaknesses. At the same time, what you pick should fit into your budget. You cannot decide anything randomly as it can have a lot of repercussions in terms of design, décor, and practical applications. So, please take a tour of all the options by their price tags. Be sure about your working style in the kitchen and figure out if it can match your habits. When you find something satisfactory from every aspect, you can safely commit to the choice.