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.

With so many flooring choices available, it can be overwhelming to come up with the best fit for your kitchen and your needs. To help you along the way, we have created this handy two-part post describing the advantages (and disadvantages) of various types of flooring on the market today. So take a look and see which floor might work best for you!

Wood Flooring
Popular wood flooring choices include maple, oak, pine, and bamboo. Wood floors are installed before cabinets and often laid out in narrow strips, planks or patterned parquet squares.

Advantages

• Available in a variety of colors, looks and finishes
• Simple to keep clean with broom or vacuum (if the floor is polyurethane-coated)
• Quite durable

Disadvantages

• Fading: must be careful where rugs and mats are laid out.
• Warping and buckling when moisture is contained between boards
• Often expensive
• Needs to be refinished to eliminate major marks and scratches
• Can be slippery

Tile Flooring
Many different styles of tile flooring are available including ceramic, porcelain, mosaic and quarry tile.  These tiles are laid and assembled using grout.

Advantages

• Comes various colors, designs and sizes
• Durability
• Stain resistant (if glazed)
• Suitable for radiant heat

Disadvantages

• Can be hard on the feet
• Slippery and more dangerous to fall on
• Can be pricey
• Individual tiles can crack over time
• Unglazed tile needs to be treated periodically with sealants

Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a good budget-conscious alternative. It is scratch resistant and softer than tile or hardwood, easier on the feet and gives dropped dishes a better chance for survival!

Advantages

• Variety of colors and designs
• Less expensive than alternatives
• Soft on feet and dishes
• Requires very little maintenance
• Scratch, scuff and stain resistant

Disadvantages

• Easily dented by furniture, heels and other objects
• Peeling can occur
• Cheaper look and feel than more expensive alternatives

Stone Flooring
The stones that are often used for kitchen floors include slate, marble and granite. They offer an elegant and durable look, but often come with a hefty price tag.

Advantages

• Very durable
• Can be used over a radiant heat system
• Elegant and high quality look and style

Disadvantages

• More expensive
• Slippery and can be dangerous to fall on
• Stones can chip
• Stains and dirt often show on light colored grout between the stones
• Must apply sealants periodically to prevent stains
• Stone can be cold and uncomfortable on the feet

Check out Part 2 of this series for information on additional flooring types!