3 Questions To Ask When Choosing New Flooring For Your Kitchen Makeover
If you are planning a new kitchen remodel, chances are you will want to install entirely new and updated flooring. Your options may include hardwood, vinyl, laminate, linoleum, and tile, among others. With such a wide array of options for your new kitchen floor, how can you be sure to choose the best materials and style? Before you make your final decision on what type of kitchen floor to have installed, it's imperative to ponder a few questions:
1. Do You Have Pets or Young Children?
Do you have pets, namely a dog or cat? If so, consider the daily wear and tear your kitchen floor may take from a pet's nails or from tracking in dirt stuck to muddy paws. If you have little children, the floor will also be subject to wear and tear. In addition, you'll want to think about their safety. No-slip flooring will be a must. That said, what type of floors will work best?
A good choice for households with pets and children is laminate. You may buy laminate in strips or tiles, and it's available in various colors. Choose a matte or glossy surface. Laminate is a durable material that is naturally scratch resistant and also resistant to staining. It's easy to install as well.
You will find laminate flooring simulates the natural appearance of hardwood, at a fraction of the cost. It's also easier to maintain. To maintain your laminate floor, simply clean with a damp mop. You should also dust your floor regularly.
Are you concerned that laminate will be too slippery? You can make your laminate floor less slick by applying a solution that will add traction. Inquire about a water-based coating or sealant.
2. Do You Prefer Something Trendy and Extremely Eco-Friendly?
Bamboo flooring has become a trendy choice for kitchen flooring and for good reason. This sustainable material is derived from grass so it is earth-friendly. When roots are cut for harvesting, new shoots will renew to maturity in about seven years, making it a solid choice for the environmentally conscious.
Bamboo floors are generally more durable than most hardwood. You will find bamboo flooring in planks or tiles and in various textures, colors, and patterns. Cleaning your bamboo floor is much like maintaining vinyl. Simply wipe down with a damp mop.
One drawback to bamboo flooring, however, is that it may not be the ideal choice for pet owners. If you own a dog or cat, be sure to keep nails trimmed to avoid scratching your bamboo floor.
3. Do You Spend A Lot Of Time Standing On Your Kitchen Floor?
If you do a lot of cooking, chances are you'll be standing for an extended period of time. If so, you may experience foot fatigue, especially if your floor is hard or uncomfortable. For instance, polished concrete, stone, or porcelain tile can be stressful to joints when standing for a long period of time.
That said, what type of kitchen flooring will be most comfortable? You might want to consider a hardwood floor for comfort, as it is a good choice for reducing foot, ankle, and leg fatigue. Another solid choice for comfort is a cork floor. Cork has a lot of natural cushioning, making it optimal for those who spend much time cooking in the kitchen. Applying some protective polyurethane costing will help resist scratching.
Yet another good choice for comfort would be rubber flooring. It is derived from latex, which is the sap of the rubber tree plant. Rubber flooring will provide natural support and cushioning, thus helping to eliminate stress of your joints. It just might help save your knees, ankles, and back from aches and pains due to standing on a hard and unyielding floor. To get started on your kitchen remodel, contact a company like Sierra Remodeling & Home Builders Inc.