Countertop Options

Your countertops are a significant focal point of your kitchen so take time to consider your options. Choosing a material that can withstand daily use, spills, heat, and occasional impacts is crucial. Here are a few of the most durable countertop options to consider for a high-traffic kitchen.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are incredibly hard and durable as they are engineered from crushed quartz stone mixed with resin. They are a non-porous surface so they resist staining and don’t require additional sealing. Quartz is available in an almost endless range of colors and patterns which makes it easy to find a style that complements your kitchen.

Granite

Granite is an extremely durable natural stone. Each individual slab is unique which provides a one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen. Granite is heat and scratch-resistant, and when properly sealed, can also resist stains. Even though granite requires sealing from time to time, it is a popular choice for high-traffic kitchens due to its robust nature.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are made from a blend of acrylic and polyester. These countertops are resistant to stains and easy to clean since they are non-porous. These materials can be seamlessly integrated with sinks and backsplashes which reduces the risk of trapped dirt and grime. They are, however, more prone to scratches or heat damage compared to quartz and granite.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are a unique and customizable option for your kitchen remodel. They can be tailored to your preferred color and texture and have proven to be highly durable. Concrete can be sealed to help prevent staining and water absorption. It is important to regularly perform maintenance however to preserve their appearance. Their industrial look could be the perfect addition to a modern kitchen design.

Flooring Choices

In high-traffic kitchens, your flooring needs to withstand nearly constant foot traffic, spills, and the potential impact of dropped items. Here are a few flooring choices that not only durable but also stylish.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain has been proven to be one of the most durable flooring options available. It is denser and harder than ceramic so it is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Porcelain comes in a large variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Some styles even mimic natural stone or wood to make porcelain an option in pretty much any kitchen design. It is ideal for high-traffic kitchens because of its longevity and low maintenance.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring has become more and more popular due to its durability and versatility. It is made to mimic the appearance of hardwood or stone but it is much more resilient. LVP is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and very comfortable underfoot. It is also relatively easy to install which makes it a cost-effective choice for kitchen remodels.

Natural Stone

Natural stone flooring includes slate, granite, or travertine and it offers unparalleled durability and timeless beauty. They are naturally resistant to stains or scratches but they may require extra sealing for protection against moisture. Natural stone can be a little pricey, but if you are looking for a luxurious and elegant feel, your high-traffic kitchen will thank you for making the investment.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood mimics the look of traditional hardwood but adds a level of durability that real wood cannot offer. Its top layer of a real wood veneer over a plywood or high-density fiberboard core makes it more stable and resistant to moisture. Engineered hardwood can withstand heavy traffic and use and can be refinished again and again to refresh its appearance.

Finding the balance between durability and aesthetics is the main goal when choosing the materials for your kitchen remodel. If you choose robust countertops like quartz or granite and opt for resilient flooring like porcelain tile or LVP, you can be sure to design a kitchen that not only looks incredible but also withstands the demands of daily life. Choosing to invest in durable materials will ensure that your kitchen remains both functional and beautiful for years to come. If you are still curious about your options or don’t know where to start on your kitchen remodel design, your local Kitchen Solvers team is here to help every step of the way. Starting with a free in-home consultation that is only a phone call away from being scheduled.

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Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a classic, timeless choice because it never truly goes out of style. Wood flooring adds a warm, natural, charming appearance to the kitchen and can really elevate your space. Wood flooring is durable and long-lasting which makes it a great option for such a busy, high-traffic part of the home. With hardwood flooring, it is important to uphold proper maintenance. You can do this by promptly wiping up spills and regularly sealing the floors to protect them against moisture damage.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring that does not compromise on aesthetics. Modern laminate options simulate the look of natural wood or stone so you are sure to find a color and design that suits your style. Laminate is highly resistant to scratches and easy to clean which makes it a great choice for families with young children or pets. Laminate can be professionally installed or if you aren’t afraid of a little DIY, there are options that are fairly easy to install yourself.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring comes in a variety of materials such as ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone making it a very versatile option for your kitchen. Not only do tiles come in multiple materials, but they are also available in numerous colors, patterns, and sizes. This allows for ultimate creativity as a homeowner because you can create unique designs that match your style preference. Tile is highly durable and resistant to moisture as well so it is an ideal choice for kitchens.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is not what it used to be. Although it has had a bad rap in the past, it has come a long way in recent years and is now one of the top choices amongst homeowners. It is extremely budget-friendly, simple to install on your own, and incredibly water-resistant. Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles, or planks and it can mimic the look of any other type of flooring like wood, stone, or tile. It is soft and comfortable underfoot which can reduce fatigue during those long cooking or baking sessions in the kitchen.

Concrete Flooring

If you are looking for a more industrial or contemporary design, concrete flooring might be a good choice for you. It is extremely durable, easy to clean, and can be stained or polished to achieve an assortment of aesthetic effects. Concrete floors can be sealed to resist staining and moisture damage so it is a practical and efficient choice for a kitchen.

Ultimately, the best choice for your kitchen depends on your unique preferences, lifestyle, budget, and style. Every type of flooring has its own set of advantages so it is important to consider all the factors like durability, maintenance, and upkeep. If you carefully evaluate these factors, you can be sure to make an informed decision and choose a flooring that works best for you. If you still aren’t sure which type of flooring fits your style and kitchen design, the experts at your local Kitchen Solvers are eager to help you decide and are available for all your other kitchen design questions as well. Call today to set up a free in-home consultation to start making your dream kitchen a reality.

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• Project Location: Winona, MN
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Manhattan
• Remodel style: Traditional
• Color: Cashew for perimeter and Rocky River for island and dry bar
• Door Material: Alder and Maple
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Torquay for perimeter and Berwyn for island
• Backsplash: Porcelain tile with split-face stone on hood arch

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Blog.

Find a location near you.

The post Kitchen of the Month Winner for New Cabinets for December appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Columbus’ Gallery page.

• Project Location: Waunakee, WI
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Butter
• Door Material: Maple

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Madison’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Madison, WI
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Pearl
• Door Material: Maple

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Madison’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Madison, WI
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Pearl White for upper cabinets and island and Sundown grey for base cabinets
• Door Material: Maple

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Madison’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Baden, PA
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Haze Super Matte
• Backsplash: Grey Ceramic Tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Pittsburgh’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Weston, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker and Acrylic
• Remodel style: Contemporary
• Color: Old Cherry for lowers and White Acrylic for uppers

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Clearwater, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Antique White for uppers and Midnight Super Matte for lowers
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Lyra
• Backsplash: Mixed Blue Ceramic Subway Tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

The post Spotlight Kitchens of July – Cabinet Refacing appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

• Project Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Glossy White
• Countertop: Porcelain
• Countertop color: Blue Lago Como
• Backsplash: Porcelain Blue Lago Como

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Eau Claire, WI
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Mission
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Cashew for uppers and Koala for lowers
• Door Material: Maple
• Countertop: Corian
• Countertop Color: Grande Latte
• Backsplash: Beveled 3×6 Cream subway tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Eau Claire’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Mishawaka, IN
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: White for upper cabinets, Slate for lower cabinets
• Door Material: Maple
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Muse
• Backsplash: Gray Subway Tile

 For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of South Bend’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Clearwater, FL
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Raised Panel
• Remodel style: Traditional
• Color: Nutmeg
• Door Material: Maple
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop Color: Bradshaw
• Backsplash: Entity life mosaic

 For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Oklahoma City, OK
• Remodel type: New Cabinetry
• Type of door style: Catalina
• Remodel style: Traditional
• Color: Pebble Grey
• Door Material: Birch
• Countertop: Laminate
• Countertop Color: Cararra Bianco
• Backsplash: White subway tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Oklahoma City’s Gallery page.

The post Spotlight Kitchens of December – New Cabinetry appeared first on Kitchen Solvers.

• Project Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Satin White
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Pure white and Berwyn
• Backsplash: Quartz

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale’s Gallery page.

• Project Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: White and Cobalt Blue
• Countertop: Porcelain
• Countertop color: Lake Como Blue
• Backsplash: Porcelain Lake Como Blue

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale’s Gallery page.

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Porcelain

Porcelain floors are a timeless classic in kitchens, and they can be matched with either a rustic look or a modern look when implemented correctly. You can opt for glazed or unglazed porcelain based on your preference. Glazed tiles can come in a variety of colors, so it may be easier to match them to the rest of your decor. Unglazed tiles, on the other hand, always come in the color of the original material they’re made from.

When you opt for porcelain tile floors, you can enjoy a level of durability that alternative materials simply can’t match. These tiles are tough to crack, resistant to stains and resistant to moisture, so it’s OK if you have accidents. You can also opt for slip-resistant tiles for increased safety.

Hardwood

Classic hardwood flooring is a popular option that combines durability and style with an overall unifying theme. If you already have hardwood flooring throughout your home, hardwood kitchen flooring is a good choice, and it makes your home a bit more cohesive overall. Hardwood flooring has also been a sign of refinement for years, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. That means you can easily get a return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Practically speaking, hardwood flooring is one of the best materials available. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to opt for prefinished hardwood if you want moisture resistance. The wood itself is significantly long-lasting, but it can warp in response to drastic temperature and humidity changes. Fortunately, engineered wood planks, as opposed to solid wood strips, can help mitigate this issue.

Vinyl

If you’re looking for a budget solution for your kitchen flooring that’s still reliable, vinyl is your best bet. Not only can vinyl last in a kitchen for a long time, but it’s also quite diverse. You can opt for a variety of different colors and patterns, making it easy to match the rest of your decor. Some thicker vinyl flooring tiles can even appear as if they’re stone or ceramic if you’re looking for a more rustic feel.

One of the most important aspects of vinyl flooring is its cushioned feel. Walking and standing on vinyl is considerably more comfortable compared with other options like hardwood, which can help reduce muscle fatigue if you cook frequently. This does come with a downside, however, as vinyl is harder to bond to the floor. While bonding isn’t a problem near the center, the edged seams of vinyl can have openings that can let dirt and debris get into the subfloor. You’ll have to check the edges often to ensure that the floor is staying bonded.

Find Your Kitchen Flooring With Kitchen Solvers

Now that you know how to choose the best kitchen flooring, it’s time to take your kitchen to the next level. With Kitchen Solvers, you can work alongside an elite design team that can help you craft the kitchen of your dreams. Contact us today to get started!

Also be sure to check out our blogs, What You Should Know Before Upgrading Your Kitchen Floors and A Complete Guide to Kitchen Flooring for more information on how to choose the right kitchen floor for your kitchen.

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