JFK Design Build logo pictured along with a picture of a luxury home and the text "A Homeowner's Guide to Building the Luxury Home of Your Dreams"
Whether you’re planning a major remodeling project or a brand-new home build, you’ve got to start at the beginning—the floor! Choosing the right material for your kitchen flooring the first time is crucial. For example, the best flooring for kitchen spaces not only looks fabulous, but it must be able to stand up to the wear-and-tear of daily hustle and bustle through the busiest room in the house. You want to avoid incurring the significant expense of tearing out a poor choice and starting again, and you don’t want to live with an option that doesn’t meet your needs in your dream home. When selecting flooring material for your new kitchen, keeping these six key factors in mind can help you make a great decision. 

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring for Kitchen Spaces

  1. Durability Matters

    Kitchens are high-traffic areas where spills, drops, and heavy foot traffic are common occurrences. Therefore, durability should be at the top of your list when choosing kitchen flooring. Some of the best options for durability include porcelain or ceramic tiles. They are resistant to stains, water, and scratches and are easy to clean. Alternatively, luxury vinyl flooring and natural stone are also durable choices.

  2. Maintenance and Cleaning Needs

    Because kitchens are prone to the aforementioned spills, messes, and traffic, ease of maintenance is another crucial consideration. Porous materials like unsealed hardwood or natural stone can look fantastic but can also absorb stains.

    Sealed hardwood is a natural material that’s both durable and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl flooring is a budget-friendly option and a snap to clean and maintain. Limestone flooring is durable and gorgeous if you’re set on natural stone. If you opt for limestone, however, staying on top of regular sealing is essential to ensure it remains safe from staining.

  3. Family Use

    Consider who will be using your kitchen. Do you have young children? Rowdy teenagers? Multiple four-legged friends? It is important to keep in mind factors like durability, materials, and color when balancing the needs of your household family members. 

    Durability is crucial as pets, particularly dogs, can be hard on floors with their claws and general activity. More porous materials might harbor allergens or bacteria from pet dander or accidents, and if you have young children crawling on these surfaces, you want to assure they can be cleaned completely. In addition, consider non-slip surfaces, which can prevent pet injuries or other falls.

    Finally, consider a floor that doesn’t show pet hair or scratches too easily for aesthetics. Continually, you may want to steer clear of white or light-colored flooring if you have pets or small children, as messes, spills, and general use will be more noticeable.

  4. Style for Days

    Durability and ease of maintenance are important, but so are style and aesthetics. The best flooring for kitchen and dining spaces in your new home will complement your home’s overall design and décor.

    For a timeless and classic look, hardwood flooring is an excellent choice. It adds warmth and elegance to the kitchen.

    Consider concrete or large-format porcelain tiles if you prefer a more modern and sleek appearance; they offer a clean and contemporary feel. To create a cohesive design, remember to coordinate the flooring with your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.

  5. Budget

    It’s inevitable; your budget will play a significant role in the kitchen flooring material you choose. New builds and large-scale remodels are big projects and can become more expensive than expected very quickly if you’re not keeping your budget in mind every step of the way. It’s essential to strike a balance between your desired aesthetics and what you can afford. While hardwood floors are stunning, they can be costly. Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring offer budget-friendly alternatives that mimic the look of hardwood or natural stone. 

  6. Comfort

    The comfort level of kitchen flooring is often overlooked but should be considered. You’ll spend a lot of time standing and cooking in your kitchen, so choosing a flooring material that provides some cushioning and relief to your feet is wise.

    Cork flooring is an excellent option as it’s soft underfoot and offers some resilience. It’s also eco-friendly. If you prefer a harder surface, consider using area rugs or gel mats in high-traffic areas to boost the comfort factor.

How to Be Sure You’re Choosing the Best Flooring for Kitchen Remodels and New Builds

Choosing the best flooring for your kitchen requires careful consideration of all these factors: from looks and feel to upfront costs and maintenance requirements. The fact that there are so many options available also feels like a mixed blessing. There’s something for every budget and style but finding the one for your home can feel like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. 

JFK Design Build provides full-service new home building and custom remodeling services with a singular goal: helping you make your dream home a reality. Expert artisans and design professionals work closely with you to provide the perfect solutions to conundrums like these. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling on a home building or remodeling project, JFK Design Build can help.