Deciding on the right kind of flooring for your kitchen can be a challenge. Flooring, after all, can take up a significant chunk of your kitchen remodeling budget. Getting the look you want in your kitchen is important, but there are other factors to consider if your are going to be happy with your kitchen flooring for the long haul. You will also need to consider whether a specific flooring option will be comfortable, quiet, durable, affordable, water resistant and easy to maintain before you decide if it will be suitable for your kitchen.

Wood flooring has long been a popular choice for kitchens. Many love the look of wood and appreciate that hardwood is not too cold for the feet or too hard on the legs. It is also one of the more quiet flooring options.

Professionally installed hardwood with a tough finish will be durable and easy to clean. Hardwood flooring can also be sanded and refinished as needed, thus extending its life span.

With laminates looking more and more realistic, this flooring option is very appealing to those who like the look of wood at a cheaper price. Laminate floors are quite durable and easy to clean. They should not, of course, be wet-mopped.

Poorly installed laminate can really make this product look cheap. Laminates are not ideal for where there could be a lot of moisture or water damage, like in a kitchen. Additionally, many find that laminate flooring is noisy. Laminate flooring has a quick contractor installation time.

Vinyl plank flooring is a relatively new product on the market that is perfect for use in kitchens and other high moisture rooms. The product is waterproof, extremely durable and looks like real hardwood flooring, only it's vinyl.

It is quiet underfoot and provides a warmer comfort than tile. Vinyl Plank flooring is available at Home Depot in an American Walnut Finish and has a 25 year residential warranty. It is sold by the box, each covering 24 square feet.

Cork flooring is a green flooring option for the kitchen. It is an environmentally responsible product that muffles sound because of its insulative and acoustical properties. It is also soft, warm and easy to stand on.

Additionally, it is very forgiving if you drop things on it. Cork is water resistant and resilient making it terrific for use in kitchens and high traffic areas. A well installed, good quality cork floor will last for decades when it is properly maintained. Keeping a cork floor clean isn't hard either. Just vacuum regularly and mop with damp mop and 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water or with wood floor soap.

Slate and other natural stone can add a dramatic rich look to your kitchen. These tile flooring options are also more expensive than other flooring, but they are extremely hard-wearing and durable. Slate is shaley and needs to be sealed regularly. Slate flooring is easy to mop clean.

Natural stone tile is hard and cool underfoot can be noisy. This tile should be laid by a professional tile flooring contractor to ensure proper installation. Skilful leveling is required as stone tiles can vary in thickness.

Ceramic flooring is strong, wears well and comes in endless design options to go with any kitchen. While some find tile to be cold underfoot, it is a great flooring to install along with in-floor heating. Because ceramic is hard it can be unforgiving when you drop breakable dishes and a bit tough on the legs.

Tile flooring makes cleaning with a mop easy. Grout lines can be sealed. However, light colored grout lines, even sealed, are hard to maintain in a kitchen. We recommend using are darker grout color in kitchens so that the lines won't look dirty. We're not talking black grout with white tile either, just pick a darker grout from the range of shades that blend with your tile.

Vinyl flooring provides a cushiony floor that is easy on the feet and legs. It comes in countless designs and colors. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl peel-and-stick tiles are easy to install, but they too tend to curl up around the corners after a few years from cleaning and regular wear and tear. Vinyl also has great sound absorbency. Additionally, vinyl is not as costly as other flooring options making it great for a low-budget kitchen remodel.

While linoleum flooring was made popular in the 50's, it is now having a revival. It is even considered to be a green or an environmentally friendly flooring option. Part of the green appeal comes from how linoleum is made. It is made from tree resins, wood flour, ground limestone, cork dust, linseed oil and pigments. Easy to clean and stand on, linoleum is another great option for your kitchen floor.

What ever flooring product ends up suiting your kitchen design, budget and taste, get skilled flooring professionals to install your kitchen floor! We have flooring pros for hardwood floors, cork flooring, ceramic tile flooring, state and stone, vinyl, linoleum and laminate. Compare free quotes for your flooring project today!