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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Here are a few of the cost-effective flooring options to consider for your kitchen remodel:

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular choices for high-traffic areas of the home like the kitchen. It is very durable and extremely affordable. It comes in an almost endless variety of colors, styles, and patterns so you’re sure to find one that fits your style and taste. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant so it’s perfect for kitchens where water, oils, crumbs, and all sorts of messes are common. It is also a decently easy flooring to install if you have a basic understanding of home improvement and consider yourself a handy person. Being able to install it yourself will save you even more money as you won’t have to hire a professional to do it.

Laminate Flooring

Another popular option is laminate flooring. Laminate, like vinyl, can mimic the look of hardwoods, tile, or stone so you can choose the style that fits your life. It is also durable and easy to clean, however, it is not guaranteed to be waterproof. As you are shopping, make sure you are paying attention to these details. When choosing flooring for a kitchen, you definitely want to make sure you choose a waterproof option. Spills and messes happen, and unfortunately, appliances may leak or pipes may burst. To prepare for these types of mishaps, it’s good to make sure your flooring can withstand them. Laminate is also easy to install so would be a great DIY project for a weekend if you’re up for it.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is another durable flooring option for the kitchen. It is water-resistant, easy to clean, and even scratch-resistant so it’s perfect for homes with children or pets. Ceramic tiles come in lots of different sizes, shapes, and colors so you can definitely find something that works for you and your personality. You can even get creative with tile and lay a few different colors in a checkerboard or other types of patterns. These types of geometric patterned flooring are becoming more and more popular and can give your space a high-end look. Tile can be cumbersome to install, so if you don’t have tiling experience, it is probably best to hire someone as small mistakes can actually lead to less durability.

Engineered Wood Flooring

If you’re just attached to that wood look and can’t find a laminate or vinyl that quite scratches that itch, you might consider an engineered wood flooring. This flooring is made from layers of wood veneer that are glued together to create strong, stable planks that are then installed just like a real wood floor. It comes in a variety of styles and finishes just like real wood but is a fraction of the cost. It can be installed over concrete or directly over your existing flooring. Although it is not entirely water-resistant, it is more so than real wood so it can be a good choice for a kitchen.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete flooring is becoming more and more popular in homes in recent years. It is clearly very durable and low maintenance. It is very easy to clean and can be stained or painted to create a personal, unique look. Many homeowners are choosing radiant heating to reduce energy costs and concrete flooring is the perfect match for that. Radiant heating also ensures that your concrete flooring is warm and cozy instead of cold and stark as concrete is prone to become in some modern spaces.

As you can see, there are lots of different options for cost-effective flooring for your kitchen remodel. Each one has benefits and drawbacks so do your research and choose a flooring that works for your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. As you embark on your kitchen remodel, we at Kitchen Solvers will talk through these options with you as well and help you choose the flooring that works best for your space. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and dreaming up your perfect kitchen.

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Stick on Vinyl or Tile

Stick on vinyl or craft vinyl is cheap and durable. It comes in lots of different colors or patterns and is easy to install. Best of all, it peels off easily so if you make a mistake or decide you don’t like it, you can change it out. Cut the vinyl yourself and create a pattern like a herringbone, chevron, basketweave, or subway tile. Or if you find a patterned vinyl you like, cut large pieces and simply apply them to your wall.

If you want more of the tile look, there are a lot of peel-and-stick faux tile options on the market. These faux tiles come in sheets with an adhesive back that sticks directly onto your wall. This method cuts out the messy and time-consuming grout work and saves you a significant amount of money as well.

Install beadboard backsplash

Beadboard is an extremely inexpensive material that is easy to find at your local hardware store. It comes in white but can also be painted a different color easily without adding a ton of expense. It can be installed in large pieces and is easy to cut to fit around outlets or other obstacles in the backsplash area. It is super lightweight and can be installed with liquid nails or glue right over your existing backsplash if you’d like as well. If you do choose to paint it, use a durable, easy-to-clean paint so you can easily wipe away spills and splatters.

Pallet wood or shiplap backsplash

If you have more of a rustic style, using recycled pallet wood is very inexpensive and will add a ton of character to your kitchen. Pallet wood is usually pretty easy to find and can be left rough and natural for a rustic look. Or you can sand it all down for a smoother, more polished look. If you lean more farmhouse than rustic, tongue and groove shiplap would make a beautiful backsplash as well. This is also easy to find at your local hardware store. You can install it vertically or horizontally for two totally different looks. Paint it a fun color, or leave it as its raw wood tone for a warm, natural texture.

Paint your existing backsplash

If you already have a backsplash installed, but don’t like the color of it, consider simply painting over it. Tile takes paint pretty well. Just make sure you deep clean it thoroughly and use a primer as a base coat. After that, you can paint it a solid color or use a stencil to create a fun design on it. If you don’t have a tile backsplash already, you can always just paint the drywall a solid color to add a touch of color and pop to your kitchen. Or use paint to create the illusion of a tile backsplash by painting a tile pattern with grout lines—make sure you use painter’s tape to create straight lines—or have a very steady hand!

Garden Stone backsplash

Another fun and unique backsplash idea is to use garden stones or pebbles. These will add a whimsical, fairytale feel to your home and make your kitchen feel like it’s right out of story book. If this look would fit your style, garden stones are typically pretty cheap and no two stones are exactly alike so your backsplash will have lots of texture and variety.

Wallpaper

Finally, wallpaper is always an option for a quick touch of spice to your backsplash. Wallpaper comes in every types of color and pattern so you’re sure to find one that fits your style and personality. A lot of wallpapers come in easy peel-and-stick rolls these days too so it’s a lot easier to install than it used to be. No longer is installing and removing wallpaper the chore and hassle it used to be so it can be a great choice for your DIY backsplash.

Whatever you choose to do for a DIY backsplash, remember that it’s all a learning process. It won’t be perfect, but it is a great temporary solution for your outdated kitchen. When you’re ready to take the leap and have a professional come install a full kitchen remodel, keep your local Kitchen Solvers in mind. We’d love to dream big with you and that all starts with a free in-home consultation. We look forward to hopefully hearing from you soon!

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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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