Lerse.com -- Home and Family Tips

Flooring is the foundation for any successful home improvement project, and particularly for kitchen renovations.  After all, what good is a new countertop, shiny faucets or a handy island if the floor is dull and dingy?

A kitchen renovation is a major undertaking, and it's hard to know where to start.  Do you begin by installing new countertops or repainting the cabinets?  Or, maybe all that's really needed is some new stainless steel appliances?

The key to a great kitchen renovation begins at ground level.  Flooring is undoubtedly the best starting point when you set out to improve your kitchen.  It's important that the flooring material you choose matches the other elements of the kitchen, like the cabinets and counter tops, but don't forget that it needs to be durable and easy to maintain.

Understanding the different types of flooring will help you to improve your kitchen from the ground up:

Linoleum
This type of flooring is inexpensive, easy to care for and easy on your feet.  Most modern linoleum is stain resistant, although not terribly durable.  Unlike vinyl flooring, linoleum is not available in a wide array of color choices, and it's not always the best option for those seeking a designer's touch. 

Vinyl
Like its cousin linoleum, vinyl flooring is easy on the feet and the pocketbook.  Spills wipe up with ease, and decorators are delighted at the rainbow of colors and designs available.  The big drawback to vinyl flooring is its tendency to peel over time.  It's just not as durable as other materials.  If you're looking for a long-lasting investment, vinyl flooring is probably not your best choice.

Stone
The big trend in kitchen renovations today is stone flooring.  These natural materials offer lasting appeal, natural beauty and radiant heat.  Stone does need special sealants to prevent stains but is extremely durable.  On the other hand, stone surfaces can be very slippery, especially when wet, making them dubious choices for kitchens.  Stone is also less comfortable for cooks who spend long periods on their feet.  Still, many decorators choose stone flooring for the kitchen, even extending it beyond the kitchen perimeter to create a more open, airy feeling in the room.

Wood
Decorators are starting to return to the roots of design, and many are once again appreciating the beauty of wood flooring.  While wood is hard on the feet, it provides an all-natural look to the cooking area.  Special coatings are required to protect wood floors from damage by water, stains and humidity.  Wood flooring is durable, making it even more appealing to those seeking a long-lasting investment.  Modern designers choose all types of wood and finishes, from pine planks to ultra-contemporary dark woods like cherry and mahogany.  Laminates are very popular choices that combine the beauty of wood with easy installation and upkeep.

Carpet
In the 1970s, carpet was a popular choice of kitchen flooring material, but it is rarely used today.  While nothing beats the comfort of carpet under the feet, it is almost impossible to keep clean in a kitchen.  Even the most durable carpet is not match for bacon grease and tomato sauce.  If you love the comfort and warmth of carpet in the kitchen, consider buying an inexpensive area rug.  These can be easily replaced when they become worn or stained, or when it's simply time to redecorate.

Visit a decorating store or search online for more kitchen flooring options.  Know the advantages and the disadvantages of each type of flooring before you make the investment.  The right flooring can bring your whole decorating theme together, but it must be comfortable and functional. 

Shop around, and you'll see how many ways there are to improve your kitchen from the ground up.