The Best Kitchen Flooring Options for New Homeowners

Chris Campbell • May 19, 2023

Most people looking to buy a house in Austin want the kitchen to be the focal point of their home. This guide to the best kitchen flooring options will help you create your ideal kitchen that serves a daily purpose and impresses your friends and family. 


Learn about the various materials and design options that will best suit you as a new homeowner. Trust the #1 flooring company in Austin, TX, to bring your dream to life with a wide selection of kitchen flooring options. 


Vinyl


Many homes in Austin feature vinyl flooring in the kitchen, and for good reason. Vinyl is relatively softer than other materials with more spring beneath it. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, engineered vinyl offers good support for your feet and can handle plenty of foot traffic. 


The main advantage of vinyl flooring is its design features. You can order vinyl panels or tiles that look exactly like natural stone or hardwood without the cost. This is one of the best kitchen flooring options because of its design versatility, fairly affordable price, and it is completely waterproof. 


Vinyl flooring does tend to scratch and dent much easier than other materials. If you prefer something sturdier, there are plenty more options you can choose from. 


Natural Stone Tile


Your kitchen will have a superior, clean look to it with natural stone tile flooring. This is a great option because it gives you the freedom to choose among various designs, all of which promote luxury. Popular stones you may select for your kitchen include granite, travertine, slate, and sandstone. 


If you struggle to stay cool during Austin's brutal heat waves, you can especially benefit from stone tile flooring, which is known for its heat resistance. Keep in mind that you will need to apply a protective sealant to your kitchen floor since stone is porous and can absorb any spilled liquid.


Ceramic Tile 


Ceramic tile is a traditional choice for kitchen floors because of its durability and extensive design options. If you have concerns about water staining your flooring, you should consider ceramic tile. This material seamlessly resists water and heat and is one of the longest-lasting flooring options on the market. 


You can easily transform the aesthetic of your kitchen by choosing ceramic tile for your flooring. Pick from a wide range of colors and designs to create the space of your dreams. 


Remember that tile uses grout underneath, which can collect dirt, dust, and grime. You will need to commit to regular cleaning in order to keep your floors in top condition. 


Hardwood


A classic favorite among homeowners is hardwood. This is one of the best kitchen flooring options because of its clean, polished look that can fit any aesthetic. You can change up the design and finish of hardwood floors to suit your preferences with ease.


However, you should consider the wear and tear that your kitchen flooring will take. Quite a bit of care goes into hardwood flooring maintenance, including keeping the surface dry to avoid water damage. If you are prone to spilling water and drinks in your kitchen and don't immediately wipe them up, a hardwood floor won't last as long as other materials. 


Laminate


Do you want the look of hardwood without the steep cost? Laminate flooring is the best choice for you. This popular material looks like hardwood in the same way that vinyl does and is fairly easy to install. 


Although waterproof laminate is available, it is not a universal design. Determine if you prefer a waterproof flooring option, and be sure to ask your flooring retailer if your laminate selection meets your needs.


Bamboo


Another great option that presents the look of hardwood is bamboo. This is one of the best kitchen flooring options if you like the style of hardwood and laminate but want a floor that is waterproof. Bamboo is extremely moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. 


You can choose from engineered bamboo, solid bamboo, or the popular strand woven bamboo. Each of these options will give your kitchen a sleek yet homey look. However, various bamboo flooring will look different depending on the grain, pattern, and color of the material. 


Linoleum


Most mid-century modern homes feature linoleum floors, given their popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s. After a dip in interest, linoleum is now once again one of the top flooring options for anyone remodeling their kitchen. 


It's one of the most environmentally friendly materials on this list since it comes from all-natural linseed oil. In addition, linoleum is inexpensive, low-maintenance, and available in a variety of designs. 


The major downside of this material is that it's easily susceptible to water damage. The edges of the flooring may curl upward if water seeps in. You may need to replace this flooring more frequently than others. 


Concrete


When you think of concrete flooring, you might picture an abrasive material that doesn't add any charm or character. However, recent advancements make concrete one of the best kitchen flooring options for new homeowners in Austin. It is sturdy, waterproof, and less expensive than other materials. 


Contractors can stain your concrete floors a certain way to create the illusion of classic tile or hardwood, so you don't have to compromise on design and style either. You can't beat the price and durability of concrete. 


Cork


If you need a flooring option that can withstand a lot of noise and foot traffic, cork flooring is a simple and sustainable solution. The springy nature of the material adds a softness to your floors and also helps absorb sound throughout your kitchen. Best of all, it's a cost-effective material that you can easily install on your own. 


Turn to Hill Country Flooring and Construction to view the best kitchen flooring options, including all the latest flooring trends in Austin, TX. Our experts are happy to guide you through your flooring project and want to leave you with a kitchen floor you'll love for many years to come. Call 512-595-9031 to get started with a free consultation.

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