Wood-Look Flooring for Kitchens
Kitchens are the gathering spaces of the home, which means they’re also high-traffic areas that receive a lot of wear and tear, not to mention spills. For this reason, you want flooring material that can withstand everything that happens in the kitchen. While hardwood is beautiful and successfully used in many residential kitchens, it may not be the best option because it can be easily damaged from exposure to moisture. Fortunately, you can get the stunning look of hardwood, but with a material more suited to the kitchen environment. Here are wood flooring alternatives to complete your kitchen:
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring mimics the luxurious texture and coloring of hardwood, but with characteristics that make it a better choice for kitchens. This material is typically made from compressed layers of fiberboard that give it its many features. For instance, thanks to its construction, laminate flooring has the following attributes:
- It feels more comfortable under your feet than harder flooring options like tile.
- It’s stain resistant and won’t discolor from exposure to sunlight.
- It resists abrasion, which is important in high-traffic areas like your kitchen.
- It’s easy to clean.
- It doesn’t hold onto debris, such as animal hair, making it a popular flooring choice for pet owners.
- It’s cost effective both because of how it’s made and because it’s easier to install.
Laminate flooring can be designed to replicate just about any type of wood, so whether you want the look of white wash oak or handscraped hickory, your can find a product that matches your tastes and kitchen design. What’s more, durable and stylish laminate will continue to provide many benefits for years to come.
Laminate flooring offers the look of hardwood in an easy to install format.Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is a luxury vinyl product sold in boards, much like hardwood is. This format gives vinyl a structure that’s similar to hardwood. What’s more, it’s designed with hyper-realistic wood grain patterns. Aside from quality and a beautiful appearance, what features does vinyl plank flooring offer that make it a good choice for your kitchen? Here are some you’re sure to love:
- Advanced moisture resistance – This is a great feature to have in kitchens, where spills are usually an everyday occurrence.
- Comfortable feel for when you’re standing to prepare food or wash dishes.
- Easy to install – You can lay it right over your existing floors.
- Affordable.
- Easy to clean – Just wet mop it to get that like-new look.
- Durable – An important characteristic in high-traffic areas.
Vinyl plank flooring is an overall easy material. It cleans up fast, is great for DIY installation and doesn’t require much maintenance. Best of all, it comes in a variety of wood looks to fit your interior design.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles aren’t just for bathrooms and backsplashes; they make stunning kitchen floors. Modern designs even include wood-look patterns and colors, giving you the appearance of hardwood without the maintenance and moisture concerns. Built for long-term performance, these tiles are an excellent choice. Here are other features that define porcelain and ceramic tiles:
- Water resistance – most porcelain tiles are considered waterproof.
- Hygienic – these tiles don’t easily retain dust, antigens or allergens
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Versatile in terms of color, texture and size.
- Cost-effective.
Hardwood flooring offers a timeless, classic look for interior spaces, but it doesn’t handle moisture well. To get the wood-look in wetter environments like kitchens, stylish alternatives are available. Laminate, vinyl and tile flooring all come in wood looks, letting you design the kitchen of your dreams while including beneficial features that ensure the flooring lasts.
Is wood-look flooring the right fit for your kitchen design?
Browse our selection of top quality flooring here.
Jimmie Sue Johnson
I have a small Kitchen, with porcelain tile ,I am very unhappy with it.
My question is! Can you install a Vinyle in the wood plank look over the tile?? I need a softer sur face to stand on since I have a bad back problems, Thanks for a response. Ms. Jimmie Sue Johnson.
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hello,
Thank you for getting in touch! You can install a floating vinyl plank flooring over top of your tile as long as it is clean, dry, flat and level. I would suggest checking how level the floor is before because if the levelness of the floor varies larger than 1/8″ over an 8 foot span the floating vinyl floor will not stay stable. If you are wanting a softer surface you should also consider adding an underlay with some extra cushioning beneath the vinyl. Cork may also be a good option for you as it is a great option to help with joint pain and absorb extra impact when walking on the floor. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help out with!
Nancy
I have a small home and love the armstrong seaside pine, laminate…..do you think it would be ok to put in my kitchen? I want all the same flooring through the first floor.
Thank you,
Nancy
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for getting in touch! We don’t usually suggest putting laminate in kitchens or wet areas because it is not a water resistant product. That being said, I have seen it done. If you would like to install it in the kitchen you would need to make sure you had mats in front of your sink, fridge, dishwasher and stove. This will help ensure any water that drips or falls won’t wreck the flooring. If there are any spills you would need to make sure they were cleaned up right away as well. Please let us know if you have any other questions!