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Kitchen flooring in the form of small square stone tiles

1. How do you spend your time in the kitchen?

If you spend a long time standing up, you will want the flooring to be comfortable for your feet. For that purpose, use softer materials, such as vinyl, laminate, linoleum or cork.

You can use a carpet as well, but it isn’t usually very appropriate for the kitchen, where you need durable and stain-resistant floorings. However, there is no problem if you wish to use hard materials such as ceramic tiles, stone or concrete. Just put kitchen rugs on the places where you spend most of your time; around the sink or the range for example. With rugs you will also remove cold and noise, which can be a problem when using these hard materials.

2. Do you often spill liquids on the floor?

If so, choose kitchen flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, such as vinyl, laminate, glazed ceramic tiles or linoleum. No matter how stain-resistant these materials are, you should always clean up spills immediately.

You will probably need to take extra care of floorings such as concrete, matte ceramic tiles or stone (e.g., resealing them periodically). They have a tendency to stain.

3. Do you often drop objects on the floor?

If so, choose such materials for your kitchen flooring as vinyl, cork or laminate. Using these materials will reduce the likelihood that dropped objects, such as glasses and plates, will break, because they soften the shock.

4. Do many people use the kitchen?

If the traffic in your kitchen is high, choose a durable kitchen flooring, such as concrete, stone or ceramic tiles. Some kinds of wood and laminate may also be durable, but you have to take care not to allow them to absorb water, because they may spoil.

A good property of wood is that you can renovate it after a number of years. With other floorings, you will have to replace them completely after they wear out.

5. Do elderly people or children use your kitchen?

If so, it will be better to avoid slippery kitchen floorings, such as glazed ceramic tiles, some kinds of stone (for example, marble) and waxed wood. Choose a textured flooring, but take care not to choose a flooring with too much texture, because that will be difficult to clean.

6. Do you intend to install a radiant heat system under the kitchen flooring?

Not every flooring is appropriate for such a heating system. You will need to use non-combustible materials, such as stone, ceramic tiles or concrete.

7. Do you prefer natural or artificial material?

Natural materials for kitchen flooring are stone, ceramic tiles, wood, linoleum and cork. Artificial materials are vinyl, laminate and carpet.

8. Is there any moisture in your kitchen?

If so, choose moisture-resistant materials for the flooring, such as ceramic tiles or stone. You should be aware that it is not just cooking and washing that causes moisture in your kitchen. The location of your kitchen itself is also a factor. If it is at, or beneath, ground level, it is more likely that there will be moisture.

9. Does your kitchen have an exterior entrance?

If so, your kitchen flooring will become dirty more quickly. Hence, choose from the easy to clean floorings mentioned above.

10. Does anyone in your home have allergies?

If so, choose hard materials such as ceramic tiles, stone, concrete or wood; they gather less dust. Although they are softer, you can also choose cork and linoleum, because they also do not attract dust.

11. How much sunlight enters your kitchen?

If sunlight reaches the floor of your kitchen, it may cause some materials to fade, such as vinyl, wood and cork.

12. Is the price of your kitchen flooring a factor for you?

The price depends on the material and the complexity of your flooring installation (it may also vary according to manufacturer, retailer and region). As far as the material is concerned, you can purchase comparatively a good one fairly inexpensively. It is priced by the square foot.

Less expensive materials for kitchen flooring are vinyl, linoleum, laminate and ceramic tiles. Some more expensive ones are concrete and stone.

When you go to the store for materials, take a plan with the measurements of your kitchen. This will enable the store assistants to tell you approximate price. Also tell the assistants about the location of the kitchen in your home.

13. How do you want your kitchen flooring to be installed?

The way you install your flooring determines, to a great extent, how it will react with the years…

• if it will be pervious to water.
• if it will bend.
• if it will come unstuck.

Even if the installation of your kitchen flooring looks easy, I recommend that you use the services of a professional. He will tell you:

a) Whether your actual substrate in the kitchen where the flooring will lie is appropriate for the purpose (the flooring and the substrate must be compatible). This substrate can be plywood, cement or concrete.

b) If the substrate is not appropriate, he will know how best to prepare it.

c) If you replace old kitchen flooring with a new one, he will remove the old flooring properly (some floorings are more difficult to remove than others). He will also tell you if it is possible simply to install the new one on top of it. This is possible if your new flooring is laminate or wood.

d) He will tell you how much the level of your kitchen will rise after the installation of the flooring. This has a bearing on…

• the passage to the adjoining rooms.
• the height of the kitchen cabinets.
• eventual shortening of the kitchen doors (if they are interior).

If the level of your kitchen had, until now, been different from that of the adjoining rooms, now is the right time to even it.

14. What design do you want your kitchen flooring to have?

a) Shape

You can lay your flooring in the shape of tiles, sheets or planks. If you want tiles, choose large ones. There will then be fewer gaps between tiles, thus making it easier to clean your floor.

The grout that fills the gaps between the tiles gathers filth. On the plus side, the darker the grout is, the more difficult it is to see the dirt that will gather.

b) Color

When you choose your flooring, think about how to combine it with the color of the furnishings in your kitchen…

• the cabinets.
• the countertops.
• the walls…

For example, if your countertop or the walls in the kitchen are light brown, you can choose a darker shade of brown for the flooring.

If your kitchen is small you can choose flooring with a large pattern. This will visually widen your room.

If it is spacious, it will be better to avoid single-color flooring with a bright color, because everything may become too bright.

If you want your kitchen to be lighter, choose a light color for the flooring, because light tones and shiny surfaces reflect the light well.

If you want to create a more intimate atmosphere in the kitchen, choose a darker color for the flooring.

If you want a variety of colors, patterns or textures, choose such materials as vinyl, laminate, ceramic tiles or concrete. The first two materials may imitate stone, ceramic tiles or wood, which means that you can have the same appealing effect at a lower price.

15. How to get the best price on a kitchen flooring?

Amazon, BuildDirect and Flooring Select appear to be some of the best places to buy the kitchen flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

This beautiful mixture originated in Italy a long time ago and has gone through enough changes to make it as good a choice now as then.

Light terrazzo flooring in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Tampa Real Estate Blog.

Benefits of terrazzo flooring

• Terrazzo flooring is very strong and easily resists damage. It resists fire and nearly always is non-slip. This is a great choice for a kitchen where wear and tear is common.
• One of the significant pluses is that terrazzo floor is very low maintenance. After the designated sealer has been applied and dried, this mosaic floor is also waterproof. Cleaning calls for merely a broom and a swish of a mop.
• Versatility is always appealing and terrazzo fits the bill. There are numerous versions of color, texture and finish and designs. Terrazzo flooring gives you the freedom to create intricate and multicolored designs such as graphics and a myriad of geometric shapes. It would be impossible for any two terrazzo floors to look identical.
• Terrazzo flooring is especially appealing due to its being “green”. Its material components are all natural, there are no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in terrazzo and it has a great deal of recycled material. This will only become more appealing as time goes by.
• This product is perfect for people with environmental allergies. Because terrazzo flooring is so hard and dense, no mold or allergens can penetrate it. It is also good for pet owners.

Limitations of terrazzo flooring

• Something to keep in mind is that if you have terrazzo flooring in your kitchen and you spend a lot of time on your feet, you might want to lay rugs down in key areas of the room to soften it up for your feet and knees.
• Due to the nature of the product, terrazzo flooring is very heavy. It would behoove you to get a professional to assess your home to see if its structure can withstand such substantial flooring.
• Temperature can be both a problem and a blessing. During the hot months, terrazzo floor is refreshingly cool. When the weather cools it also holds the temperature. Installing radiant floor heating would make the environment perfect.

Price of terrazzo flooring

Uniqueness usually means higher costs, and this is no exception. If you decide to hire a terrazzo artisan, you will be paying for his skill, attention to detail and creativity. If you are diligent in finding a talented artist, your terrazzo floor will be a showpiece and it will give you a high return should you decide to sell your house.

If you need to stick to a budget and an artist doesn’t fit into it, there are always the less expensive pre-made terrazzo tiles. The one thing you give up is the lack of design choices.

Buying tips for terrazzo flooring

You have likely been thinking often about your new terrazzo floor and you know what you like, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for references and pictures of completed projects. You also might read architecture books and interior design literature to see if anything probes your imagination.

Keep in mind that large designs make your kitchen look more spacious. Your design should keep in tune with the size of the room. On the other hand, a detailed design might get lost in a lofty room.

Terrazzo flooring installation

Installing terrazzo flooring is a serious project. Not only is it labor intensive, it is bulky, heavy and requires skilled professionals to do it properly. Make certain that you check out everything about the process before you sign anything. If you must see more finished products before proceeding, then do so – it is your right and good sense.

Terrazzo flooring maintenance

Make certain that the workmen explain exactly how you are to care for your terrazzo floor.

A standby that always works well is re-sealing. It keeps the pores tightly closed so no liquid can seep through and discolor the terrazzo flooring. Once the sealing is complete, all that you will need to do is sweep when necessary and run a mop over it once.

If you should unfortunately need a repair, consult a professional. This is not for the do-it-yourself method.

If the terrazzo floor is in the kitchen, be aware of spilling acidic foods on the floor. If they are left there for any length of time, the acid in them can etch the floor.

How-To Videos

How to Install a Terrazzo Floor

Light porcelain flooring in the form of large square tiles

The many benefits of porcelain flooring

• Porcelain tile flooring can be lovely in many rooms, but it is in the kitchen that it is really put to the test. Its density keeps liquid on the surface so it won’t stain, and it resists scratches.
• Despite what we know about the fragility of porcelain, it is a practical choice for your floors, as well as being cost-effective. A porcelain floor is easy to clean and it’s hygienic. It is also more chip-resistant than ceramic floor due to the higher density.
• A special plus of porcelain flooring is that it can mimic other beautiful options. Wood, glass, metal, marble, slate and granite all can be visually recreated with porcelain at a lower cost, which will keep you within your budget.
• There are a wide variety of porcelain floorings available. It comes in many colors, sizes, patterns and finishes. Out of all of the visual options, a porcelain floor can probably be close or just the exact same as you wanted your floor to be.
• Porcelain floor is great if you own pets.

Limitations of porcelain flooring

• Again, all that density and hardness can be tough on your feet and legs if you stand and cook a lot in your kitchen. That does not mean that porcelain flooring is not a good choice, but you might want to cushion yourself with a variety of rugs placed strategically in high traffic areas.

Porcelain flooring price

As a rule, porcelain floor is a bit more expensive than ceramic floor. You can expect it to be about $3.00/square foot plus installation costs. Different brands of porcelain are superior to others. Look for high quality strength and a reliable manufacturer with the size and design that’s appropriate for your home.

Buying tips for porcelain flooring

1. A rule of thumb with any floor covering is to buy extra. You never know when you might have an accident that needs repairing. Having porcelain tiles from the same batch will assure you get an identical color and texture.

2. The PEI rating of porcelain tile flooring is important to note. This refers to the tile’s hardness and durability. In general, PEI III and PEI IV are good for kitchen floors.

3. You probably are clear about what you want in most aspects of your life. For something unique and very attractive, you could buy different colors and shapes of porcelain tiles. Lighter porcelain tiles will make the kitchen look bigger too.

4. If your countertops or backsplashes are made of porcelain, you could choose porcelain floor tiles of the same color and pattern. This will bring in a uniform look.

5. Porcelain flooring also comes in various finishes. Polished porcelain is easier to clean and it looks clean longer than a matte finish. It can, however, be a bit more slippery.

6. Big porcelain tiles mean that you will need less grout. Grout also comes in a variety of colors and you can choose one that matches your porcelain floor. To keep your grout looking clean and nice, it would be best to buy a darker color.

Porcelain flooring installation

Laying porcelain flooring is really a job for the professional. It is not for a do-it-yourselfer. It’s heavy and awkward, and wrong handling may cause breakage before installation or even after installation. The professional worker will make the surface smooth, flat and packed. He will lay the tiles down, leaving a small, even space between the tiles for the grout. Once each tile is where it ought to be, it is leveled and the spaces are filled with grout. He then will likely apply sealant. It takes a great deal of practice to get those grout lines even.

Arranging the porcelain tiles also takes a professional. By laying the tiles down, he can see how different patterns will look and can then decide where the best place to begin laying the tiles will be.

Porcelain flooring maintenance

Read the literature that you get with your porcelain flooring. It will give you the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. And make sure that you follow these instructions to the tee.

With regards to unglazed porcelain tiles, resealing remains a part of the job. It helps in keeping things beautiful and free of detrimental liquids that may get through and damage your porcelain floor.

The same goes for grout. It too needs protection occasionally.

The rest of the time, you just need your broom and mop for when it’s necessary and that’s it. No fancy wax or other products, and especially NO abrasives.

Try hard not to drop heavy items on the porcelain floor. It can lead to cracking, which would be very upsetting.

How to get the best price on a porcelain flooring

BuildDirect and Flooring Select appear to be some of the best places to buy the porcelain flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

How-To Videos

How to Install a Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Floor

How to Repair a Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Floor

Travertine is commonly found in Turkey, Italy, Mexico and Peru. This stone forms from geothermal springs. In its natural form, often algae, macrophytes, and other organisms can be found living on the service, which is what also causes the holes or “porosity” of the rock (don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of the “hole”-like appearance, installers will often fill these with grout. You will find travertine in “filled” and “unfilled” forms).

Travertine flooring in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Handyman.

Advantages of travertine flooring

• Travertine is a sedimentary rock by nature and has been formed by years of deposition. Therefore travertine flooring is extremely tough, and can last for generations even under rugged and moist conditions such as those in kitchens.
• Travertine flooring comes in various earthy colors that include beige, walnut, gold, cream and ivory, and can give your kitchen a classy look. These natural colors are the result of the addition of various minerals during its formation. Red travertine is due to the iron content and can give your kitchen floor an exclusive look.
• Due to the inconsistencies in coloring and texture, every travertine floor looks different. Travertine is nature’s work of art, and will add value to your home.

Disadvantages of travertine flooring

• Travertine flooring, though comfortable during summers, can get uncomfortably cold during winters. Under floor heating systems could keep the floor at a soothing temperature during winters.
• Travertine flooring, being hard, does not absorb impact of walking around during long cooking hours and can tend to get uncomfortable. A few floor rugs placed at certain areas such as around sinks and countertops could give a more comfortable working experience.

Cost of travertine flooring

It would cost you anything from $2 to $3 or more to buy travertine floor tiles. Installation charges would add to the total cost. Every tile contractor sets a different price depending on where the stone was imported from. Larger and thicker tiles would obviously cost more. The richer the color variations, the higher would the cost be. Remember that your cost would also depend on the total area of your kitchen floor.

Good grade travertine flooring is always worth the investment, since apart from serving you for many years it will give your kitchen a richer feel.

Tips for buying travertine floor tiles

1. Since travertine could break during installation and later, it is recommended to buy a few extra boxes of tiles. Tiles that are bought separately at a later time could look out of place and will definitely be more expensive to buy.

2. Travertine can come filled or unfilled. Some prefer it unfilled as it looks rustic and distinct. However, filled travertine flooring, even though on the expensive side, will require less maintenance than unfilled one.

3. You will also have to decide on whether you want your travertine flooring polished or honed; brushed or tumbled. Polished or honed travertine exudes a modern look, whereas brushed or tumbled one gives a more rugged appearance. While polished travertine is easier to clean, bear in mind that a polished floor can be very slippery.

4. Choose travertine floor tiles in keeping with the type of tiling used on your countertops and backsplashes. Your travertine floor tiles must also blend with the rest of your kitchen décor. If you cannot find the same type of tiles, you can buy tiles with similar shades that complement each other and bring in a uniform look.

5. If your kitchen is small, you can give it a spacious look by installing lighter and larger travertine floor tiles. This would also mean less grouting and more hygiene.

Installation of travertine flooring

Besides proper preparation of the surface, travertine flooring also requires careful sealing, and therefore doing it all by yourself could lead to a lot of breaking and a shabby finish. For travertine to look its best, it needs to be installed by a professional installer.

Along with proper fixing of the tiles, an experienced and licensed contractor will also take care of the aesthetics. They know how to make the required markings and run the travertine floor tiles along walls and corners. They also know how to use tiles from different boxes, rather than just from one box, to prevent color climaxing in a particular place. After aligning and leveling the tiles with minimum gaps in between, a professional installer will fill in the grout and apply a sealant to the entire travertine surface.

Maintenance of travertine flooring

In order to keep your travertine flooring in good condition, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on the box.

With time, the sealant and grout can get eroded, leaving your travertine flooring vulnerable to seepage and discoloration. You would therefore have to redo the grouting and sealing every once in a while to protect your travertine tiles.

Citric juices and corrosive cleaning agents must be avoided as they can eat into the sealing and grout lines.

Never scrub your travertine tile flooring. Gentle sweeping or vacuuming followed by damp mopping is all that is required to keep it clean.

How to get the best price on a travertine flooring

Amazon and BuildDirect appear to be some of the best places to buy the travertine flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

Checkerboard granite flooring in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Lazydays96.

Advantages of granite flooring

• Granite is very hard as it is formed when volcanic magma solidifies naturally. Therefore it is also highly durable and best suited for areas such as kitchen floors, where there is high action and humidity.
• Granite flooring is easy to maintain, and with a little maintenance will last till the next generation.
• Granite is not as porous as marble and other natural stones. Hence it does not get corroded, stained or scratched easily. It can also withstand high kitchen temperatures and does not get cracked. If sealed properly, granite does not require resealing as often as other natural stones.
• Granite flooring is usually dark colored, and therefore looks grand. It can therefore change the ambience of your home and fetch a higher resale value.
• Since the colors and patterns on granite floor tiles are formed naturally, every granite piece will look different and yet blend so well with other pieces, that together they can increase the aesthetics of your kitchen floor. Also the color variations are so many that granite floor tiles can fit into just any interior design style.
• Due to its almost non porous surface, granite flooring does not accumulate bacteria, mold and allergens, thus keeping your kitchen in top hygienic condition.
• In order to further blend with your kitchen interior design and furnishings, granite tile flooring comes in various man made finishes. You can have a high gloss finish, in which the granite crystals can be clearly seen, or you can go in for a matte finish, which is also known as the honed finish. A satin finish or leather finish is an intermediate between high gloss and honed finish. Then there is also the flamed and brushed finish.

Disadvantages of granite flooring

• Granite flooring gets cold and uncomfortable during winter. This limitation can be dealt with by using modern home heating systems.
• Due to the hardness of granite flooring, it does not absorb the impact of walking, like wood. Therefore standing for long hours in the kitchen can be rather uncomfortable. Rugs can be placed on these action areas, especially around countertops and sinks, in order to dampen the impact and provide comfort to the soles of feet and joints.

Cost of granite flooring

Granite flooring comes in the price range of $3 to $4 plus for a square foot. You will have to pay separately for installation. There are certain factors upon which the price depends, such as the manufacturing company and the country from which it originates. Other obvious factors include size of the tiles, thickness, color, natural patterns and the square footage of your kitchen floor.

Granite flooring could be an expensive deal. However it is a onetime investment that can last a lifetime.

Tips for buying granite floor tiles

1. It’s a good idea to purchase some extra boxes of tiles for replacing broken tiles in the future. You may never find the same design and pattern at a later time. Even if you do, they may be comparatively expensive.

2. Good grade granite flooring is beveled and calibrated at the workshop to give it a sophisticated and elegant look.

3. If you have installed a granite countertop or a granite backsplash in your kitchen, you can choose the same type of granite floor tile to maintain uniformity.

4. No matter how beautiful your granite floor tiles may be, if you do not match them well with the rest of your kitchen interior design, they may look odd. An experienced interior designer can use granite pieces of different shapes and colors to form a unique pattern that stands out.

5. You can also use the color and size of your granite floor tiles to give your kitchen a spacious look. For this you will have to choose a lighter color shade and a tile size that is slightly larger.

6. If you ever go in for the polished finish, you must understand that a wet floor may lead to accidents due to slipping, especially if you have young children around the house. If you are concerned about this, you can always go in for honed finished granite flooring.

7. If you want to reduce the seams and grout lines, you should go in for tiles of a larger size. This will also make the granite floor easier to clean.

Installation of granite flooring

Installing granite flooring is a lot of hard and dirty work. As a do-it-yourself project, it may take a long time and not bring in the best results. Therefore let a professional installer do the job for you. Professionals will not only do the job accurately, they also know how many tiles will be required and how to fit the tiles along walls and cabinets in an aesthetic manner. They know how to prepare the floor surface with the right underlayment in order to keep the tiles leveled and aligned. Since your granite flooring will represent your style for a long time, it is best to let a skilled person do the job.

A skilled person knows how to make the required markings and arrange the various patterned tiles uniformly. By using pallets from different boxes rather than from one box, an experienced installer can avoid odd spots in the granite flooring.

Maintenance of granite flooring

The most relevant maintenance instructions will be provided by the manufacturer. So you must follow those instructions.

Over the years, your granite flooring may have to endure spillage of beverages and food products. This could lead to staining. In addition, corrosive cleaning liquids may dissolve the grout lines, making them look dark and prominent. You therefore may have to arrange for regular resealing, depending on the level of work conducted.

As a daily cleaning measure you may sweep the granite floor or vacuum clean it. Thereafter using a damp soapy mop will be sufficient. Never use phenyls or corrosive cleaning agents. They may eat into the sealant and expose grout lines.

Although granite is very solid, do not take any chances. If at all there is a spillage of acidic organic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar or tomato juice, wipe it off immediately to prevent etching.

How to get the best price on a granite flooring

Amazon and BuildDirect appear to be some of the best places to buy the granite flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

Polished marble flooring in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Marble Colors Restoration.

Advantages of marble flooring

• Marble is a metamorphic rock that is dense and hard. It is therefore known for its extreme durability, and can serve you for a lifetime.
• Marble flooring brings to your kitchen a beautiful and luxurious feel that nature has to offer. It is one of the most aesthetically appealing natural stones available for flooring.
• Marble is associated with affluence and prestige, and will create a great impression if you ever need to sell your home.
• Marble offers a solid surface through which crystal grains are visible along with colored veins that run into unique pattern of white, green, gold, pink, purple, blue, brown and black. Marble flooring can therefore blend with any color scheme and kitchen interior design and style.
• Marble flooring offers a unique mix of crystal grains intermingled with colored veins that run in distinct patterns. Therefore your marble floor will look different from any other floor.
• Marble flooring can be finished to suit your desires and designs. You could either polish it like glass so that the crystals are clearly visible, or you could have it honed to a matte finish.
• Good quality marble can be polished to an almost non porous surface leaving no room for bacteria and allergens to collect. This makes the marble floor hygienic, especially for children, and also easy to clean.

Disadvantages of marble flooring

• Standing barefoot on marble flooring during winter could be very uncomfortable, as marble gets really cold. However, with proper heating arrangement, this limitation can be overcome.
• Marble flooring, being hard, does not absorb impact. It could therefore be uncomfortable on your soles and joints if you have to work for long hours in the kitchen. In such a case it is advisable to place a few floor rugs for a comfortable working spell.
• It is important to keep the marble floor clear off tomatoes, vinegar, lemon juice and other such acidic foods, as they can leave mark on the surface.

Cost of marble flooring

Marble floor tiles would cost you anywhere from $3 to $4 and upwards for a square foot, similar to granite. While preparing your budget, remember that your installation cost will add up to the total cost. Every manufacturer charges a different rate, as rates could depend on the overhead costs and the cost of importing the marble. Other factors include the size of the tile, its thickness and its color. Tiles with veins that appear more dramatic would cost higher. Remember that your cost would also depend on the total area of your kitchen floor.

Marble flooring is, no doubt, a costly affair. However, it is worth the cost, as it could be a “once in a lifetime” investment.

Tips for buying marble floor tiles

1. Since marble could break during installation and later, it is recommended to buy a few extra boxes of marble tiles. Tiles that are bought separately at a later time could look out of place and will definitely be more expensive to buy.

2. Good grade marble flooring is beveled and calibrated at the workshop to give it a sophisticated and elegant look.

3. Never choose colors that are in contrast to your kitchen color scheme. Rather see to it that your marble tiles blend well with your kitchen interiors. Only an experienced interior designer knows how to use contrasting colors to create a unique visual effect.

4. Always maintain uniformity by choosing the same type of marble as your countertop and backsplash.

5. Look at marble floor tiles with different finishes and decide which ones would suit your kitchen floor best. Polished marble could look almost glassy, but tends to get slippery, especially in wet kitchen areas.

6. You can give your kitchen a spacious look by buying larger and light colored marble tiles. This would also mean less grouting and more hygiene.

Installation of marble flooring

Unless you are experienced in flooring installations, do not attempt to install your marble flooring yourself to save on the cost. You could end up with a number of broken tiles and an uneven floor surface. Also, your marble floor can get cracked at a later time.

A skilled installer knows how to place the underlayment. They also know how much pressure to apply on each tile, and how to level and align it so that there are minimum gaps between two tiles. They can also fill in the grout and sealant in such a way that there is a seamless appearance.

It must be noted that the tiles are not factory manufactured, and therefore each tile naturally looks different. An experienced installer knows how to make the required markings and lay tile after tile patiently to form a uniform pattern across the floor.

Maintenance of marble flooring

Always follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions printed by the manufacturer on the box.

Marble may have some soft spots that can get easily etched, corroded or stained with organic juices such as lime juice or with commercial cleaning liquids. The corrosive liquids can eat into the veins and create rough spots on your marble flooring. It is therefore recommended that you reseal your marble flooring regularly.

As a daily cleaning measure, sweeping or vacuuming is fine. Mopping your marble floor tiles with warm sudsy water would be sufficient to keep it sparkling clean.

Although marble is hard, it is not as hard as granite and can be scratched. Therefore do not drag heavy objects across its surface.

How to get the best price on a marble flooring

Amazon and BuildDirect appear to be some of the best places to buy the marble flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

Slate flooring in the form of square tiles with different patterns

Advantages of slate flooring

• Slate is a natural stone that is formed under great pressure under the ocean floor. Therefore it is very tough and long lasting, and is well suited for daily kitchen activities.
• Slate flooring can endure harsh kitchen temperatures, spillage and humidity. Therefore it does not absorb liquids and does not get stained easily.
• Slate flooring is preferred over other natural stones because it is slip resistant and ideal for wet kitchen areas.
• Slate flooring offers a unique pattern of color shades, texture variations and spots that can make your kitchen appealing to look at.
• It comes in a wide range of natural color shades which include grays, blues, greens and browns. Slate flooring can therefore fit into any interior design style and color scheme. Slate floor tiles of one or more colors can be used to create an interesting mosaic across the kitchen floor.
• Due to the unique patterns and textures found on slate floor tiles, no two slate floors will look the same. This can give your home a unique look and increase its resale value.

Disadvantages of slate flooring

• Slate flooring reflects the surrounding temperatures. Therefore in winter it can get very cold, making barefoot walking very uncomfortable. However, with a proper heating system, this limitation can be eliminated.
• As in the case of any natural stone flooring, slate flooring can be a bit hard on your knee and ankle joints due to its hardness. If you have to spend long hours cooking, you can create soft standing spots by placing rugs in key areas.
• Also, do not leave acidic foods on the surface at any time. Foods such as tomatoes, lemon juice or vinegar if left on the surface can spoil the surface.

Cost of slate flooring

Slate is quarried in places such as Vermont in the US and is also imported from Asian countries. Therefore every manufacturer will place a different price tag on slate floor tiles. On average, slate flooring will be available for about $2 to $3 or more for each square foot, apart from installation charges. Prices can rise as you go in for larger or thicker tiles. Colors and patterns that give a dramatic effect will cost higher; however they are worth the investment. The total price will be directly proportional to your kitchen area.

Tips for buying slate floor tiles

1. Slate has a natural cleavage along its grains, and therefore it is prone to breaking during installation. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a few extra boxes of tiles. They can always come handy for future repairs when finding similar tiles would be nearly impossible.

2. Check out if factory treated tiles are in your budget. These types of tiles are calibrated and beveled to change their appearance from rustic to sophisticated.

3. Whichever type of slate floor tiles you choose, see to it that they suit your current kitchen interior décor and style. If not, they may look out of place. An experienced interior designer can use a combination of different colored slate tiles to form a unique pattern across the kitchen floor.

4. If your kitchen countertop and backsplash are made of slate you must choose slate floor tiles of the same color and pattern. This will bring in a uniform look.

5. You can give your kitchen a spacious look by buying larger and light colored slate tiles. This would also mean less grouting and more hygiene.

6. Slate flooring that is polished is easy to clean. However it can be slippery, especially when walking over a wet floor with certain footwear.

Installation of slate flooring

It is worth spending extra for getting professional installers to install your slate flooring. This is because slate has the tendency to crack, and therefore the tiles must be fixed on a solid substrate. Improper installation may also lead to cracking of the tiles in the future. A professional installer will see to it that the slate tiles are properly leveled, aligned and grouted at the edges, and the entire flooring is properly sealed.

A professional installer will also ensure that the color is uniform and does not climax in a particular corner. Before installing the tiles, proper markings are to be made to ensure proper tiling along the walls and cabinet edges.

Maintenance of slate flooring

Always follow the instructions printed by the manufacturer in order to keep your slate flooring in optimum condition.

As time passes, you may notice the grout lines getting darker. You may also notice some porosity at certain areas. This may result in staining and corrosion due to the action of acidic substances such as tomatoes or lemon juice. Daily cleaning action may also wear the sealing off. In such a case you may have to do some grouting and sealing to restore the original sheen of your slate flooring.

Never use corrosive cleaning liquids on your slate flooring. For daily cleaning, you can sweep or vacuum away the dust and thereafter swab your slate flooring with a mop dipped in mild soapy water.

How to get the best price on a slate flooring

Amazon appears to be the best place to buy the slate flooring from. Besides the best prices, Amazon’s customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

Beige ceramic flooring in a kitchen. Photo courtesy of Tile-With-Us.

Advantages of ceramic flooring

• Ceramic flooring is affordable and best suited for modern kitchen environments.
• Ceramic flooring looks aesthetically appealing and can blend with any interior design and style.
• Ceramic floor tiles are easy to clean and maintain.
• Ceramic floor tiles are strong and long lasting, as they are baked under high temperatures.
• They can withstand very high temperatures and are unaffected by the action of corrosive and acidic substances.
• Ceramic flooring is well suited for rugged kitchen environments and cannot be easily scratched (even by pets).
• Ceramic floor tiles are versatile and come in various shapes, colors, patterns and textures to create a desired interior design style or to complement an existing one.
• Ceramic flooring can come in various finishes that can be made to look like expensive marble flooring or travertine flooring, giving your home a high-class feel at a much lower cost.
• Ceramic floor tiles can be polished to a non porous surface leaving no room for bacteria and allergens to collect. This makes the surface hygienic, especially for children.

Disadvantages of ceramic flooring

• If not properly installed, ceramic floor tiles can develop cracks in a couple of years since the tiles are brittle.
• Unless you install a modern heating system, ceramic floor tiles can get quite cold and uncomfortable during winter.
• Ceramic tiles are hard, and therefore they feel very rigid under the feet, especially if you are working in the kitchen for long hours. In order to lessen the impact, you may put a few rugs in the action areas.

Cost of ceramic flooring

Apart from the installation cost, you can buy ceramic floor tiles for about $3 per square foot and upwards. The price varies depending on a number of factors such as size of the tile, color and design. Prices also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Ceramic flooring can come in customized designs, but these are comparatively very expensive.

Tips for buying ceramic floor tiles

1. Always keep some extra tiles handy, as you will need them if your ceramic floor tiles crack or break as a result of daily wear and tear. If you do not have some extra tiles, you will find it difficult to get tiles with the same color and design.

2. Always check the PEI rating of the ceramic floor tile. The PEI rating denotes the tile hardness, its ability to stand up to wear and the percentage of water absorbed. PEI III and PEI IV are good for kitchen floors. Although there are other factors, if you get a good PEI rating, you can be rest assured that your ceramic flooring will last longer.

3. Always buy ceramic floor tiles that match up to your existing color scheme and design. If not, your new and beautiful tiles will look out of place.

4. If your kitchen countertop and backsplash are made of ceramic tiles you must choose ceramic floor tiles of the same color and pattern. This will bring in a uniform look.

5. You can also create an entirely different scheme by using various colors and sizes to make your kitchen look bigger and warmer. You can do this by using lighter colored and larger tiles to give your kitchen a wider look.

6. You can choose from various designs from simple to rustic to classic, and patterns from terracotta to checkerboard to mosaic.

7. Ceramic flooring that is glazed is easy to clean. However it can be slippery, especially when walking over a wet floor with certain footwear.

8. If you want to reduce the seams and grout lines, you should go in for tiles of a larger size. This will also make the ceramic floor easier to clean.

Installation of ceramic flooring

If you have installed floor tiles before, installing ceramic flooring could be a DIY job for you. However, most people would require an experienced mason or a professional installer. You must know that a professional knows how to do the underlayment and also how to lay the tiles so that they are properly leveled and aligned. Improper underlayment would result in the tiles getting cracked at a later time. A professional will also do the grout work and sealing in such a way that it is least visible.

In order to get an idea of how your new ceramic floor tiles would look once installed, you can lay them across the floor beforehand. Notice how they fit along walls and cabinets. A professional installer will see to it that the most visible parts of your floor will receive full tiles without cutting.

Maintenance of ceramic flooring

Always adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Unglazed or Quarry ceramic tiles are usually porous, since they are made from a mixture of unglazed clays. These types of tiles may get stained if kept unsealed. Once sealed, the sealing would have to be repeated on a regular basis depending on how ruggedly the tiles are being used. It is also a good idea to seal grout lines, since they get corroded with time and collect dirt and germs. Furthermore they make your entire kitchen flooring look shabby.

Although ceramic flooring is hardened in the kiln and can withstand corrosive cleaning liquids, it is better not to take a chance. Abrasive substances can dissolve the grout, thus marring the appearance of your beautiful ceramic tile flooring. So you may first sweep or vacuum your ceramic floor and then mop it with warm sudsy water. That’s all that is required to keep it clean.

Dragging heavy furniture along your ceramic flooring will not only make it crack, but may also leave dark unsightly marks on the glazed surface. So, instruct your movers about this beforehand.

How to get the best price on a ceramic flooring

BuildDirect and Flooring Select appear to be some of the best places to buy the ceramic flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

How-To Videos

How to Install a Ceramic Tile Floor

How to Repair a Ceramic Tile Floor

Due to its strength and durability, plank flooring has been the age old choice for areas of high foot traffic and moisture such as kitchens. Plank floors offer both extremes: sturdiness and comfort to the feet.

Wide plank flooring in a kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Photo courtesy of Wilson Woodworks.

Wide plank flooring

Wide plank flooring is a preferred type of flooring that uses planks that are up to a foot wide. This type of flooring dates back to the medieval ages when wood flooring was used for functional purposes and not decorative purposes. However, wide plank flooring has character and unmatched beauty because these planks are milled from older trees that have taken years to develop and gain girth.

Due to a high demand for the rustic features of wide plank flooring, recycled wide planks are mostly used. This is because there aren’t enough wide girthed trees around to provide the timber for wide plank flooring. Also, cutting down the available trees goes against the environment. Apart from its resilience, wide plank flooring is extremely bio friendly and biodegradable. Therefore it does not put any load on the environment and is considered to be absolutely “green”.

The natural texture, the whorls and knots, the large grains and the worm runs are appreciated by old timers, as they are reminiscent of the countryside. These rough characteristics are also sought after by modern home owners. No wonder even nail ridden planks become something to show off.

Wide plank flooring symbolizes antiquity and cannot be successfully replicated by the modern hardwood flooring industry. It therefore remains unrivaled by modern flooring designs.

Cost of plank flooring

No matter what your budget is, you can always satisfactorily fit in a decent plank flooring of your choice. Prices are dictated by the type of wood, the grade of timber, the finish, the width, and the thickness of the planks. Pricing also differs depending on whether you choose natural or engineered material. Manufacturing and recycling costs also play an important role in the pricing.

Tips for buying plank flooring

1. Since kitchens call for high activity, high temperatures and humidity, hardwood such as oak, Brazilian cherry, teak, maple or hickory are very suitable for plank flooring. Avoid pine and other softwoods as they will get easily dented and scratched.

2. First grade material has fewer or no whorls or knots, and is suitable for modern city kitchens. However, if you want a more natural look or are low on your budget, you can go in for a lesser grade of wood.

3. It is an obvious fact that thicker planks will give more sturdiness to your kitchen plank floor. So buy the thickest material you can afford.

4. Choose larger planks if your kitchen is larger and vice versa. Larger planks will give a seamless appearance to your plank flooring.

5. Keep your kitchen color scheme and theme in mind while choosing the color and pattern of your plank floor. Well installed plank flooring will not only stand out but will also blend well with rest of your kitchen décor without looking too loud.

6. You can choose between unfinished and pre-finished plank flooring. Unfinished flooring, although cheaper, will require to be finished at home with oil, stains or lacquer. Prefinished plank floor comes readily finished at the factory and is more resistant to spillage, scratching, moisture and the harmful effects of direct sunlight. Furthermore it carries a better warranty than an unfinished one.

7. For extra durability you can choose engineered plank flooring. This is a special type of prefinished flooring that is reinforced by adding an extra layer of plywood underneath the actual wood plank. Engineered plank floor is suitable for ground level kitchens where moisture is at the maximum.

Installation of plank flooring

The type of installation you choose will determine the cost of installation. So you will have to decide on whether you want your plank flooring to be floating, glued, stapled or nailed. Floating plank flooring is the quickest to install as each plank has a tongue that fits into a groove of the consecutive plank.

Installing your plank flooring may not produce the best results and may affect the durability of the flooring in the long run. Therefore always hire an experienced and licensed hardwood contractor to get the job done. A qualified contractor will see to it that your plank floor stays in shape despite changes in humidity and temperatures that it will obviously be subjected to.

Maintenance of plank flooring

Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for care and maintenance of your plank flooring.

For best cleaning results, you can vacuum and swab your plank floor with a moist mop. Do not use harsh liquid cleaners as they can mar the finish.

In areas of high foot traffic and areas where there is a possibility of spillage, you can place area rugs to lessen seepage and wear and tear.

Do not let spilled liquid sit on your plank flooring, but immediately wipe it off. This will prevent the liquid from seeping into the gaps between the planks and causing them to swell.

With time, the surface of your plank flooring may show signs of wearing. As with any hardwood floor, you can refinish your plank floor and bring back the original shine.

How to get the best price on a plank flooring

BuildDirect and Flooring Select appear to be some of the best places to buy the plank flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.

How-To Videos

How To Install Hardwood Floors

How To Install A Locking Hardwood Floor

How to Install a Glue-Down Engineered Hardwood Floor

Wood Floor Repair – How to Sand and Save a Wood Floor

Herringbone parquet flooring. Photo courtesy of Simply Floor Sanding.

Besides its aesthetics, parquet flooring is tough, resistant to moisture and easy to maintain, making it ideal for kitchen flooring. The small wooden pieces are arranged in various directions thus reducing cross gain expansion, making the entire arrangement more stable and breath taking.

Parquet flooring brings in a feeling of novelty and vibrancy, adding value to your home and leading to a quicker and beneficial resale deal.

Cost of parquet flooring

No matter what your budget is, the cost of parquet flooring can be flexible enough to meet it. You can get a good deal for $3 per square foot to begin with. The cost will depend on whether you choose natural or engineered parquet. Other factors affecting the pricing are the type of wood, design, quality grade, thickness and finish. Prices differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Medallion parquet floor is a piece of art and requires special effort. Therefore it is more expensive.

Tips for buying parquet flooring

1. Although softwood can be used for parquet flooring, kitchen areas call for hardwood such as oak, hickory, mahogany, maple, beech, teak or Brazilian cherry.

2. For darker parquet flooring, mahogany is suitable whereas oak can be used for lighter shades.

3. Always buy more boxes of parquet wood tiles than you need at the moment. These will come handy in the future for minor repair work which can be done without disturbing the entire flooring.

4. Always buy first grade material. By doing this you will ensure that the wood is of uniform color and do not contain knots. Some people prefer to buy lesser grade material simply because they are more close to nature and are also comparatively cheaper.

5. Buy the thickest parquet flooring material you can afford. This will bring solidity to your floor and prevent incidences of warping in the future.

6. Keep your kitchen color scheme and theme in mind while choosing the color and pattern of your parquet floor. Well installed parquet flooring will not only stand out but will also blend well with rest of your kitchen décor without looking too loud.

7. You can choose between unfinished and pre-finished parquet floor. Unfinished flooring, although cheaper, will require to be finished at home with oil, stains or lacquer. Prefinished parquet floor comes readily finished at the factory and is more resistant to spillage, scratching, moisture and the harmful effects of direct sunlight. Furthermore it carries a better warranty than an unfinished one.

8. For extra durability you can choose engineered parquet flooring. This is a special type of prefinished flooring that is reinforced by adding an extra layer of plywood underneath the actual parquet tiles. Engineered parquet floor is suitable for ground level kitchens where moisture is at the maximum.

Installation of parquet flooring

Installing parquet flooring takes a lot of skill, patience and hard work. Therefore it may not be a DIY project. It is best that you hire an experienced and licensed hardwood contractor because a well installed parquet floor will last longer and call for less maintenance and repairs.

You can have your parquet flooring installed on both, concrete or wooden sub floors after applying an adhesive. Another type of parquet flooring is floated. It is made up of wood tiles that lock into each other as the edges contain tongues and grooves. In this type of method, no adhesives are used and the floor rests on a rigid foam underlayment.

After installation, see to it that there aren’t any large gaps in the surface, or else moisture may get in there and lead to warping.

Maintenance of parquet flooring

Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for care and maintenance of your parquet flooring.

For best cleaning results, you can vacuum and swab your parquet floor with a moist mop. Do not use harsh liquid cleaners.

Place area rugs in those areas in the kitchen that are frequented most – such as near the sink. By placing rugs at such spots, it prevents the regular wear and tear which is pretty obvious after a couple of years.

Do not let spilled liquid sit on the parquet flooring, but immediately wipe it off. This will prevent the liquid from seeping into the gaps between the wooden pieces and causing them to warp.

Although parquet floors last for a long time, they may show signs of wearing with time. Occasionally a few wood tiles may require replacing. As with any hardwood floor, you can refinish your parquet floor and bring back the original shine.

How to get the best price on a parquet flooring

Flooring Select appears to be one of the best places to buy the parquet flooring from. Besides the best prices, their customer friendly policies make buying from them a pleasure.