We spend quite a bit of time talking about the finishes that will make your Chicago kitchen model really stand out. Usually, these finishes are the ones above ground, like the cabinetry, countertops, appliances and lighting fixtures. However, your flooring is also an integral part of your design, and with so many options available, we thought we'd talk a bit about flooring choices trending for kitchen remodeling.
Kitchen Flooring: What's Your Style?
There are so many options for kitchen flooring, from hardwood to cork to porcelain tiles. Our advice is to choose something that is easy to clean and maintain since the kitchen floor is one area in the house you can guarantee there will be spills, splatters and debris no matter how careful you try to be. Here are some of the trending flooring available:
Reclaimed lumber. Sure, FSC certified lumber is considered sustainable, but the most sustainable products of all are those that are able to be refinished or repurposed so there is no new market demand. When you use reclaimed lumber, you benefit from a product that is on its second or third round and looks all the better for it. The planks can be resurfaced and finished for your floors and they look gorgeous.
Cork. Here is another sustainable flooring option that is especially popular for kitchens because its softer nature is easy on the joints when you're spending a great deal of time on your feet. Cork flooring falls into the same price bracket as hardwood, but because cork trees only take nine years to regenerate, it's very sustainable. It's also quiet, which is another benefit for kitchen remodeling since kitchens tend to be a noisier space in the house.
Flagstone tiles. These natural stone tiles come in varying shades, which makes them an attractive choice for kitchen flooring; they add their own visual appeal. You'll often see flagstone tiles labeled as "rustic" or in country kitchen applications although they can also be every bit as stunning in a modern kitchen design. On one hand, they are easy to maintain because they're durable and only require sweeping and a wash with water and detergent. On the other, they are a porous stone, meaning they can absorb spills. If you go this route, we recommend sealing them every year to protect the stone and make cleanups even easier.
Concrete. Concrete is an increasingly popular application for both floors and countertops. Its sustainable, durable (to say the least) and it can be stained any color you want. In most cases, concrete floors are used in transitional or contemporary kitchen designs. It is the opposite of cork, however, when it comes to long-term standing so you'll want to purchase padded mats for your food preparation areas to protect your lower back and joints. Like stone floors, concrete does need to be sealed - and re-sealed annually - in order to maintain its fresh appearance.
Have questions about flooring options for your North Shore kitchen remodeling project? Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited.
