Your kitchen is often the heart of the home and there’s no doubt that it gets the most traffic coming in and out. Serving as a social centre where friends and family gather together, kitchen flooring needs to be durable, functional and long-lasting. Whatever your style or budget, flooring can make or break a room. A new floor is often necessary, if you’re planning to change the layout or remove walls during any renovation.

Here are the 6 best flooring options for your next kitchen renovation.

1) Wood

Wood is a classic, warm and long-lasting material that’s always a top contender for flooring throughout the home. Wood flooring offers a high-end look with warm tones that can instantly be adjusted with the stain of the wood. Hardwood floors can be pricey, so if it’s out of your budget, you can consider using reclaimed wood as it will be a more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

Wood in kitchens may require special protection from excess moisture too, so it’s important to avoid wide planks that could warp over time if you live in an area with high humidity.

2) Tile

Another classic flooring solution for your kitchen renovation is tile. Tiles are a wonderful way to add character, while being viable for any budget. Tiles come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, while also being easy to clean. Ceramic and porcelain are two excellent examples of tile, which are made from clay mixture fired at high temperatures. One drawback of tile flooring is that the individual tiles are prone to crack and grouting does require scheduled sealing and cleaning.

3) Concrete

Concrete is a chic and minimalist option for obtaining a stylish contemporary look. It can make a great choice for a low-maintenance kitchen floor and is durable enough to withstand the busiest of kitchens. Concrete is both easy to clean and a brilliant choice for warmer climates, however, it can take its toll on your body if you’re standing for prolonged periods of time.

4) Bamboo

Bamboo is an appealing floor option for homeowners interested in using natural, renewable resources. It has a similar look and feel like hardwood but is stronger. Its unique manufacturing process makes it more resistant to moisture and water damage, and has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen flooring due to its durability.

When compared to hardwood, bamboo is also a slightly more expensive option, and can be harder to refinish, due to the material’s lack of natural grain direction. Refinishing is possible, however, be sure to obtain the assistance of a professional to make sure you don’t damage your flooring.

5) Laminate & Vinyl

Laminate and vinyl floors are available in wood looks that can fool even the most discerning eye. Laminate is typically installed like a wood floor, while vinyl comes in strips, tiles, and large sheets. Both vinyl and laminate are good alternatives to wood, due to their ability to hold up against water, pets, and radiant heat.

Vinyl is plastic and can also be used in wet bathrooms and basements, while laminate can hold up to more water and humidity than wood, but will still get damaged by excessive water. Both options are budget friendly and easy to install but they’re not known for either their durability attributes or beauty. It would be foolish to expect more than 10 years of life from either material, with both being incapable of refinishing.

6) Natural Stone

Natural stone tiles like slate, limestone, marble, granite and travertine come in many sizes and colors. Most natural stone materials have beautiful patterns and textures that could add a touch of luxury to your kitchen renovation. Natural stone is not glazed and is the same color throughout, making chips and scratches can less noticeable than ceramic.

Granite, slate and travertine are denser and less porous than limestone and marble, while stone tile is stronger than ceramic and can last up to hundreds of years. Dense stones like granite and slate, however, can stain and wear. If you want a cleaner, newer looking floor, then plan to reseal at least once every 1-2 years.

There are plenty of options available when it comes to finding the right flooring for your kitchen renovations in Adelaide. Depending on your specific requirements, style and budget, Finch Constructions can help you find the best kitchen flooring solution for you. With more than 40 years of experience working on kitchen installations and renovations in Adelaide, Finch Constructions takes pride in working closely with you to produce renovation results that exceed expectations. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you.