Examples of different flooring types
To conclude our flooring guide, below are additional types of flooring with both advantages and disadvantages. Our first post included information on wood, tile, vinyl and stone flooring. Now we look at laminate, linoleum and cork.
These are just some of the most common flooring options and each has its own distinctive features and qualities, as well as downsides. Use this as a guide in choosing the right flooring material for your kitchen, bath or laundry room…we think there’s a flooring option to fit every unique need!
For another good source information on flooring options, we like Home & Garden Television’s Kitchen Flooring Essentials.
Laminate Flooring
If you want the look of wood or stone, but prefer the easy maintenance and lower cost of vinyl, you might want to consider laminate.
Advantages
- Durability
- Typically no stains or fading for at least 10 years
- Less expensive than many wood or stone flooring it imitates
- Moisture, in most cases, will not damage the floor
- Requires less maintenance and cost compared to wood
- Softer on feet than real wood or stone
- Simple clean up with a broom and mop
Disadvantages
- Can leave dents and mark
- Surface is not as smooth or even as wood
Linoleum Flooring
Often associated with more traditional kitchens, linoleum is an environmentally friendly product that has recently come back into the spotlight. It comes in plain or decorative designs and is often confused with plastic vinyl because they both come in sheet form.
Advantages
- Smooth, quiet and comfortable
- Durable and hard to dent
- Oils, fats, and greases will not damage it
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
- Standing water can damage linoleum
- Has fewer choices of colors and designs than vinyl
Cork Flooring
Advantages
- Natural insulating properties, great sound damper
- Abrasion resistant
- Anti-allergic and insect resistant
- Easy to maintain
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
- Standing water can damage cork
- Heavier furniture can leave permanent dents
Check out Part I of this blog post sequence for information on additional flooring types.
Tags: cork flooring, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Flooring, laminate flooring, linoleum flooring, merillat, merillat cabinets