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They say that the kitchen is the heart of any home. Most of the memories that families have of their time together are made at the dining table in the kitchen. It is no surprise then that this room holds a special place in the eyes of homeowners.
Families in the U.S. spent more than $470 billion on home renovation projects in 2022, and kitchen remodels were amongst the top tasks they undertook. Upscale states like Florida in general and large cities like Tampa are witnessing a boom in projects that enhance the aesthetics as well as the functionality of a residence. For perspective, 77,000 Tampa residents submitted plans and sought permission for home improvement projects in the past year, collectively spending nearly $4.7 billion on these tasks.
Kitchen remodels rank high on the list of renovations that people carry out. And within the kitchen, flooring is an aspect that holds a powerful presence and role in determining the overall aesthetic of the space. Last year, only 17% of the residents of Tampa took the DIY route during their kitchen remodel project. So whether you are planning a kitchen remodel or just hoping to re-floor the room, it is best to get in touch with professionals. Consult a reputable Tampa kitchen remodeling company for the best advice and results.
That being said, here are the different flooring materials available, along with the pros and cons of each, followed by expert tips on which one would be ideal for your kitchen.
Hardwood
When contemplating kitchen flooring materials, hardwood is one of the more classic options that you can pick. Despite its shortcomings, it gives the entire space a textured feel and warmth. Hardwood floor panels can be placed and aligned in a variety of ways to produce patterns that blend in with the surroundings. Because of these panels, hardwood floors are a fantastic option, even for minor renovations.
Additionally, technological advances have made it possible to create more environmentally friendly and sustainable flooring solutions. The two types of wood available to homeowners are solid and engineered. The latter has a real wood veneer pasted on a layer of plywood to give it strength.
Advantages of Hardwood
Aside from the aesthetic value they bring to the kitchen, wood flooring is very robust. They require little upkeep. Thus, maintaining them is neither expensive nor time-consuming. Professionally installed floors can endure dampness, and engineered wood has even greater resistance to extreme temperatures and humidity. To match the general design of the kitchen, hardwood floors have a variety of customization possibilities and are simple to upgrade.
Disadvantages of Hardwood Floors
Many people find the squeaking of hardwood floors to be uncomfortable. Moreover, the absence of waterproofing is the biggest problem with this material, especially in the kitchen. A spill that is allowed to sit on the floor for too long may soak in, making it moist. Obviously, this outcome can be prevented if the spill is cleaned up right away. While cleaning, you must be careful because the surface can be slippery.
Overall, if hardwood floors are well-maintained, they can be a fantastic flooring option.
Tiles
For rooms that have to deal with a lot of water, including bathrooms and kitchens, tile is a common choice. You can pick between stone, porcelain, and traditional ceramic tile for kitchen flooring. Tiles can be laid up in a variety of patterns to match practically any design theme and can be readily found in an extensive array of sizes and colors.
Due to its durability and the possibility of diverse styles as well as textures, tiles have by far become the most popular flooring option in kitchens. Porcelain and ceramic are the two varieties that are utilized the most. Ceramics are man-made, but because they go through a longer baking process, they are harder.
Advantages of Tiles
First and foremost, they are durable. A tile kitchen floor can go for years without needing maintenance or replacement. They are also reasonably priced. In addition, they provide a wide variety of options for color, tone, and style. If porcelain or ceramic is used, they are stain and spill resistant. However, since they are porous, stone tiles may absorb liquids, but only if you leave spilled liquid on them for several hours.
Disadvantages of Tiles
While tiles, as a kitchen flooring material, have relatively fewer disadvantages, the material that is utilized for padding the spaces can be problematic. It is advisable to leave tile installation to professionals in order to avoid uneven floors and messy grouting.
Additionally, the filler has the propensity to deteriorate in color and absorb liquids spilled on it. This frequently results in your kitchen looking dirty even when it is not.
Marble or Granite
Marble and granite are the greatest natural options for kitchen flooring after hardwood. The cost of marble, granite, and stone tiles is a little higher than that of the other options.
Natural stones are available in a wide range of patterns that can elegantly complement any interior design. For the best fit, they must be expertly placed and precisely cut. These tiles are naturally mined stones that have distinctive textures which synthetic materials cannot match. However, because these stones are porous, if you don’t clean any spilled liquid quickly, it will leave a permanent stain.
Advantages of Marble or Granite
These stones shine in the beauty department because of their innate patterns. Because they are tiles, they are also incredibly resilient and simple to maintain. The surface of natural stone flooring is less slick than that of other materials. If the tiles are professionally and correctly installed the first time, they can last for a very long time.
Disadvantages of Marble or Granite
If you are on a tight budget, natural stone kitchen flooring might not be the greatest option. Depending on which design you go for, the prices can rise exponentially. Marble and granite are also significantly heavier than the alternatives. If you choose marble, the gloss tends to wear off after a while. Additionally, natural stone flooring needs more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to the question of which flooring material is the best. Each of them has its own benefits and drawbacks. As the decision maker and homeowner, the final decision is up to you. Carefully consider your priorities, budget, and needs, and make an informed decision using the tips provided above to choose the right kitchen flooring for your home.
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