Popular Kitchen Flooring Options Not Going Out of Style

It can be a challenge to keep up with changing trends in the world of interior design. What seems like a stylish addition to your kitchen, may end up being considered kitsch and passé in a couple of years. But as fast as some trends disappear into the void of démodé interior design, other design choices cement themselves as permanent fixtures of the industry and continue to exist for decades, if not centuries.

This is the case with several types of kitchen flooring which may not be particularly new in concept or design, but are still going strong. You can find a ton of kitchen flooring options, all of which come with their benefits and disadvantages but are just a bit more timeless than the rest.

1. Practical Vinyl Plank Flooring

The Benefits of Vinyl Kitchen Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a big name when it comes to kitchen flooring trends. It is made of complex elements tailored to give the material several advantages over traditional flooring types. Two of the biggest advantages are a waterproof surface and durability that can withstand a lot of punishment, especially the LifeProof flooring variant which is scratch-resistant too. Vinyl is practical, can be very stylish, and is quite easy to install, even if you don’t have much experience in flooring. 

One disadvantage that some homeowners deal with is the limited designs available. While you can find all kinds of interesting colors and vinyl flooring patterns, they may not match your kitchen perfectly and since they are mass-produced, they are very rarely manufactured to the exact specifications of a client. But if the design suits your kitchen (which it often does), vinyl plank flooring is a great choice.

2. Even More Practical Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Tips On Waterproofing Your Kitchen

Living in a humid part of the world brings about several disadvantages, among which is the wear and tear that your flooring goes through as a result of constant exposure to moisture. This is why waterproof flooring is so crucial for many homeowners not only across the country but also across the world. Waterproof vinyl flooring is a great option for anyone worried about getting their floor wet on rainy days or their toddlers on the loose with lid-less liquids in their hands. The clever engineering used to create waterproof vinyl flooring makes it impervious to water and mud, easy to clean, and simple to maintain for years to come. Most homeowners in the United States pay an average of $1,600 for a 200 square foot room but expect to find different prices in your local area.

3. The Rustic Hardwood Floor

Elegant Kitchen Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Hardwood is a classic when it comes to flooring. Modern kitchens don’t utilize hardwood flooring as much as they used to because there are more durable waterproof options out there. But for those looking to turn their kitchen into something more rustic, hardwood flooring is a great choice. The uneven surface of planks, coupled with the natural dark brown hue of the wood makes for a great country-style kitchen and a cozy atmosphere. The dark tones of the hardwood pair especially nicely with white cabinetry for a contrasting design that oozes modern rustic vibes. The one downside to hardwood flooring is that it can be somewhat costly, with the average flooring price from $4,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of the kitchen.

4. Engineered Wood Flooring

Why Homeowners Opt for Engineered Wood Flooring

While its more natural counterpart, hardwood, is made entirely of solid pieces of wood, engineered wood planks are slightly more complex. They are still a natural flooring option, but they are insulated with a plywood core, making them a better option for those looking for a warmer kitchen floor. Engineered wood flooring is also easier to install than hardwood, as the planks go through a more detailed manufacturing process than hardwood. The disadvantage of engineered hardwood flooring is that it is not as durable as hardwood. But considering how much more versatile and easier to work with it is, it may be a risk worth living with.

5. Simple and Effective Laminate Flooring

The Classy Charm of Laminate

If you are looking for something more cost-effective than hardwood and engineered wood, laminate is the perfect alternative. Laminate comes in many designs, usually replicating the appearance of natural wood flooring. But it is far more reasonably priced, easier to install, and is also quite durable. The nationwide average price for laminate flooring is around $2,500 making it a lot more affordable than other options. One big downside to laminate is that once it is installed, it cannot be refurbished or refinished like hardwood flooring. If you wish to change its color or refresh damaged surfaces, you will need to replace the board in its entirety.

6. Natural Stone Tile Kitchen Floors

The Natural Beauty of Stone Kitchen Tiles

While commonly seen as the perfect flooring for outdoor kitchens and other exterior spaces, natural stone tiles are a very attractive option for interiors as well. In the kitchen, natural stone tiles work very well as they come in different styles and colors and can easily complement the surrounding furniture. This means that you can arrange natural stone tiles in patterns of your choice and have them seamlessly match the rest of the room even if you are newly changing your flooring but holding on to everything else. Stone tiles are also very durable and will stay in good shape for decades. The one downside to stone tiles is maintenance. 

Tile flooring has grout lines in between each tile where dirt and stains can build up. If not regularly cleaned, these grout lines can discolor and look very dirty. Natural stone tiles are also quite difficult to install without the help of a handyperson or professional tiler, so you typically wouldn’t want to make it a DIY project. 200 square feet of natural stone tile will cost you around $3,000 on average. This may seem pricey at first, but often a reminder of how luxurious and sleek stone tiles are makes the price start to make a lot more sense.

7. Personalized Ceramic Tile Kitchen Floors

Ceramic Tiles That Complement Classical Kitchen Designs

Next to vinyl and hardwood flooring, ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for flooring material. They are sleek, super durable, invulnerable to water damage, and highly customizable. This is thanks to the way you can install different types of tiles onto the same floor. The thing to look out for with this installation is that it is somewhat harder to get right than other flooring materials such as vinyl planks. One disadvantage of ceramic tiles for the kitchen floor is that they are a bit more expensive than other kitchen floorings, with the average price at around $2,000 for 200 square feet of surface area.

8. Hypnotizing Checkered Tiling

Checkered Tile Patterns We're All Too Familiar With But Still Love

Speaking of tile, one very popular style and pattern of ceramic tiles in the kitchen is the checkered black and white combo. This style of tile kitchen flooring has been around for decades and is still used in many modern kitchens as well. The design is simple, yet just complex enough to be a small feast for the eyes. While the common misconception is that it may be limiting, checkered tiling can actually be coupled with a number of kitchen interiors and colors. As with any other ceramic floor, the main disadvantage of checkered floors is the mildew lines that form in between each tile. But if regularly given a thorough wash, these lines won’t get a chance to get too gruesome.

9. Industrial Concrete Kitchen Floors

Sleek Stone Flooring Any Contemporary Kitchen Could Appreciate

For those who want a more tough and industrial look (and feel), there’s the fun alternative kitchen flooring that is concrete. They are simple, very sturdy, and easy to clean, making them great for a modern minimalist interior design. Concrete floors are typically used outdoors, but if you can find ways of incorporating them into the rest of the interior they can create a very modern atmosphere. This particular kitchen and living room combo uses dark grey walls to accentuate the floors and make a simple minimalist interior that does not overpower the vision and creates a soothing vibe. The one major downside to concrete flooring is that it is very hard to install correctly without professional help. You will need the help of an experienced contractor, mason, or flooring specialist to install concrete flooring that is smooth and solid. But finding one isn’t hard, so you’re actually one step closer to cool new flooring than you thought.

10. Bright Bamboo Flooring

Kitchen Flooring for a Bright Kitchen Interior

Bamboo may not be as popular as traditional hardwood flooring but it is still a very attractive material. Its lighter colors work very well with other elements in the kitchen, especially sleek, modern kitchens that blend the barrier between traditional and contemporary. It makes for a great contributor in muted neutral color schemes to create a calming atmosphere. Coupled with a few organic shapes such as a pedestal lamp above the dining table, bamboo floors can give the space an almost organic vibe. This is especially fitting considering that bamboo is a very eco-friendly material, which is perhaps its strongest selling point. 

11. Linoleum Floors Making a Comeback

Why So Many Homeowners Still Trust Linoleum Floor

As old-fashioned as linoleum may be, it is still a very practical kitchen flooring option and offers several advantages. Linoleum is somewhat similar to vinyl in terms of installation (it also comes in planks) and it is also water-resistant and very durable. The one advantage linoleum has over vinyl is how it’s more environmentally friendly. Linoleum is created out of entirely natural materials, unlike vinyl (which is mostly plastic). The one disadvantage to linoleum is that it is often associated with outdated interior designs. However, when coupled with cabinets and drawers that can speak to or contrast the linoleum flooring, this problem seems to disappear under the visage of rich materials and an inviting atmosphere.

12. Warm Cork Floors In the Kitchen

Flooring Options That Can Insulate Rooms

Cork is a very popular material but is rarely thought of as a great material for flooring. But since cork can easily be protected from spills and damage with a little finish, it makes for excellent flooring material. Cork is naturally a warm material, which means no more late-night cold feet when you go down for a snack. It’s also very durable, easy to clean, and eco-friendly. Consider it the new floor in town, but it’s here to stay as sustainability in home design becomes more of a priority for more and more families.

13. Sunny Limestone Tiles

How Flooring Color Impacts the Atmosphere In Your Kitchen

The muted yellow and gold of limestone floors goes to show just how sunny a vibe it can set in a room. Limestone flooring is a very versatile material and can be arranged in almost any pattern of your choice. While limestone tiles are high maintenance, requiring regular cleaning to keep their golden sheen, they are still a more cost-effective alternative to natural stone and perfect for a bright atmosphere. For around $2,000 you can cover a 200 square foot kitchen with limestone flooring and have a little patch of sun in your interior.