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The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are a few weeks and months away. There may be a few out there who are looking to give their kitchens a facelift before things get crazy. And one area that is often on the list is that of a new floor.
We at BuildDirect know a thing or two about flooring in kitchens, and in other important areas of the home. But, an outside opinion never hurts.
Luckily, we’ve got a great one today from an expert in the field; Tracy Tesmer, who has over 30 years experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.
Here’s what Tracy has to say about flooring, especially when you’re thinking about adding a new floor surface to a kitchen.
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There are certain types of floors that work best in certain rooms. For example, a kitchen floor that is carpeted may not be so forgiving with spills and stains, the same way a tile floor in your living room may not be as cozy or inviting. Homeowners are faced with many different options when they go to choose a certain type of floor for a kitchen.
Typically, the choices can fall between vinyl, linoleum, tile or hardwood, amongst many others. Each has certain benefits and characteristics that the others may not have. Below are hints and suggestions that will help you decide which is right for your home.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
This is a very durable choice of flooring. Ceramic and porcelain tile is easily mopped and cleaned without damaging the floor. Most ceramic is scratch and dent resistant, in case something was to fall or drop. With a variety of colors, styles and looks, ceramic flooring can be coordinated with other parts of a kitchen.
For the most part, they are inexpensive in comparison to other types of flooring. It is also important to note that if something chips the tile, it can be replaced or fixed without tearing up the floor. Grout lines may discolor over time, but can be prevented if properly sealed and regularly cleaned.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a wood-like product designed for areas that have higher moisture levels that might negatively affect a solid wood floor. Laminates are very easy to clean and maintain. One key advantage is that they are typically stain resistant. Also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, laminate flooring can be picked to your liking.
Unlike wood, laminate flooring will not become easily warped due to minor water spills on its surface in the short-term, yet has a much lower price tag than genuine wood floors.
Vinyl floors
This is an inexpensive way to spruce up the floor of your kitchen. It is easily mopped and cleaned and can be laid by you or with the help of a professional. It is durable and hard to scratch.
Vinyl flooring tends to offer a somewhat soft feel to the floor. A disadvantage would be that an underlayment typically needs to be installed in order to proceed with this option. If you change your mind in years to come, it is easy to remove vinyl.
Linoleum
Linoleum flooring is very easy to clean and is resistant to wear and tear. The life expectancy of it makes it a leader in flooring choices.
It has excellent durability and the color and design options are endless. Light mopping and sweeping can make it easy and quick to clean.
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood floors give a nice, classic feel to a home. Since it’s typically the most expensive and most desired, it can also add value to a home. However, when you think of hardwood in a kitchen, water related incidents, let’s say with the dishwasher, could ruin your hardwood floors or cause them to need pricey repair. Softer hardwood floors can also dent if things are dropped on them.
Hardwood is very beautiful, however, and comes in a wide variety of shades, species, levels of hardness, and styles. With a natural resilience, it makes it easier to stand on without hurting your knees and back.
Kitchen flooring: a range of options
The type of flooring you choose for your kitchen is strictly up to your preference, style and budget. Each has different characteristics that may make it more desirable for your kitchen. It is a very big decision to choose a floor. Plan ahead by asking the right questions. Knowing these things will help you acquire the perfect floor for your family.
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This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, aGainesville, GA residential remodeling company specializing in kitchen renovations.
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