Vinyl Planks
Vinyl planks give the appearance of hardwood floors without the drawbacks. As opposed to hardwood flooring, vinyl is completely waterproof which makes it ideal for kitchens. Vinyl is also available in a wide range of styles that mimic hardwood planks including designs like herringbone and parquet. Vinyl is typically cheaper than hardwood and can save you a lot of money if your kitchen is large.
Waterproof Laminates
Quite new on the market and maybe not so easy to find, but perfect for the kitchen floor, are waterproof laminates. The planks are coated in a water repellent coating which make moisture problems a thing of the past. Even the grooves are invincible to dampness making these laminates highly sought after for kitchen use. The natural wood look and feel of waterproof laminate planks, along with their ease of installation, have made this new innovation very popular.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood planks are more durable than laminate or vinyl floorings. The thin veneer of solid wood on their surface also gives them an authentic look and feel, while being less vulnerable to subfloor moisture that so often adversely affects solid hardwood. Engineered wood is available in a wide range of styles and colours that makes it versatile enough for use in almost any home.
Bamboo
Bamboo has become more popular for use in the kitchen due to its reputation for durability. The fact that it’s also eco friendly, due to its fast growth, has made it popular among new homeowners. That said, bamboo is sensitive to moisture, so you may need to place throw rugs in front of the sink and fridge or wherever else splashed water might be a problem.
Cork
Cork is another material that has become popular as a kitchen flooring material in recent years. Part of this has to do with its eco friendliness, but it’s also very comfortable under the foot. Cork has a unique look and is quite resilient although it is prone to denting and scratching.