The Pros and Cons of 6 Kitchen Flooring Types

Doing a kitchen remodel requires choosing among a variety of kitchen flooring types. Some of the possibilities are carpet, wood, laminate, vinyl, tile and linoleum. Look at the pros and cons of each type as you make your decision.

Carpet

Pros: Carpeting is soft, and it will be much more comfortable than other kitchen flooring types if you have to stand for long hours in your kitchen. As long as it remains clean, it can be an attractive addition to the kitchen.

Cons: Carpeting absorbs stains, moisture and bacteria. The kitchen is usually not the best place for it because the foods you prepare there can be easily spilled, and they can damage or pollute the carpet. The constant moisture and staining makes the carpeting less durable as well.

Wood

Pros: Wood makes a beautiful floor. If it is kept clean and well-maintained, it can last for decades without showing wear.

Cons: Wood floors are slippery. They absorb stains if you do not clean them up immediately. They also cost more than most other kitchen flooring types.

Laminate

Pros: Laminate is cheaper than wood flooring, yet it is still very attractive. It is durable, fairly stain resistant and easy to clean. It is also easy to install.

Cons: The weakness of laminate is that you will have to replace the entire floor if one section is damaged because you cannot change out one piece.

Vinyl

Pros: Vinyl is nearly as soft as carpet, and comes in a variety of styles and colors. It is fairly stain resistant, as long as you wipe up stains quickly. It is resilient, and it is inexpensive. It is easy to install.

Cons: Vinyl tiles can suffer from water damage, and when vinyl is not cleaned properly it will stain. It is not as long-lasting as some other kitchen flooring types.

Quarry, Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Pros: These tiles offer a wide variety of styles and color to choose. The price range allows for inclusion in nearly any budget. For the most part, these tiles are fairly durable.

Cons: A tile sometimes breaks, although you can buy extra when the floor is put in so that you can replace it when the time comes. Unglazed tiles can stain severely.

Linoleum

Pros: Modern linoleum comes in a wide array of styles and colors. It is inexpensive and easy to install. It cleans up well and is resilient.
Cons: Linoleum is more expensive than vinyl kitchen flooring types.

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements . If you would like more information on Kitchen Flooring Types, visit the Flooring Services section of the Sears Home Services website or call 1-866-238-5142.