What Flooring Should I Use in My Kitchen?

We get this question often from our homeowners, specifically regarding the use of laminate wood flooring in this part of the home.  The answer is yes, it can be used, but NO we do not recommend that you use laminate in the wet areas such as: the kitchen, bathrooms, and the utility room. Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring provide the look of wood, but at a more affordable price. 

Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: 

Laminate is water resistant, but not water proof; therefore, it would not be recommended to lay down in areas that have a chance of getting wet. Excessive amounts of water have the potential to warp or permanently damage this type of flooring. Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood core with a decorative and protective layer on top to give it the finished look. The protective top coat is durable and helps resist scratches and wear and tear, which is a benefit when using it in high traffic areas such as the entryway, the living room and bedrooms. Laminate flooring is also easy to clean. Tips on cleaning laminate flooring:

• Vacuum to pick up dirt, rocks, and grime
• Dust the floor
• A recommended cleaner for laminate flooring is Bona
• Use a microfiber cloth when cleaning laminate floors

When our homeowners want to have the same floor throughout, luxury vinyl flooring is a great option to achieve this look. Vinyl flooring can be used in places that you would not normally put laminate flooring, such as a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom. Depending on the type, vinyl floor is durable, water resistant and many styles are completely waterproof, therefore if you have a leak in the kitchen, your floor will not get damaged. 

Tips on cleaning luxury vinyl flooring:

• Use a soft bristle broom to remove loose dirt
• Damp mop as needed with clean water and a non-abrasive floor cleaner, like Bona

-Written by our Design Coordinator, Lisa Keeter