Finding the Right Flooring: The Pros and Cons of High End Kitchen Flooring Options

Kitchen remodels are full of decisions—everything from lighting installations, appliance upgrades, cabinets, and fixtures… the list goes on and on. But there’s one choice that can tie all the other features together if properly made. We’re talking about the very foundation of your kitchen—the flooring. And, much to the consternation of many a homeowner, there are lots of choices of flooring. Today we’re taking a look at some of the more popular high-end options, weighing the pros and cons, and hopefully making your kitchen flooring decision a little easier.

Ceramic/Porcelain Tile or Natural Stone. When it comes to durability, nothing beats tile. It’s a great call if you have big dogs clattering through your kitchen. Other benefits include ease of cleaning (after your grout is sealed), a wide variety or patterns and choices, and the fact that these floors are gorgeous. On the downside, these are expensive—starting at $20/square foot installed, with the price of natural stone likely drifting well up over $25 per sq. foot. This is hard stuff, too, meaning it’s unforgiving—dropped glasses and plates are usually goners. Homeowners with back problems sometimes find inflexible tile and stone uncomfortable as well. It’s also hard to remove and if the underlayment isn’t properly installed, cracking—despite tile’s durability—can be an issue. In other words, it’s probably best not to install it yourself unless you have some experience.

Natural Wood. Very little classes up a kitchen like raw wood—installed, stained, sanded, and finished. Sounds like a lot of work, sure, but natural wood looks great and is generally about half the price of tile ($10-$12 per square foot). The right finish will make wood almost as durable as tile (but big dogs will likely scratch it). With its greater flexibility, wood’s a bit more forgiving to dropped dishes and tired legs, and it can be sanded and refinished to create a whole new look without having to tear anything out. On the downside, installation and thorough finishing can take several days—with some finishes needing 30 days to achieve maximum durability. And, because we’re talking kitchens, it’s important to note that large water spills or long-term leaks can warp wood flooring.

Pre-Finished Natural Wood. This flooring has been finished in the factory, so you don’t have to wait for anything to dry. The price is about $9-$12 per installed square foot and it can be done in a day. It’s durable, fairly forgiving, and, like natural wood, can be sanded and refinished to renew its looks. Also like natural wood, you’ll have to be wary of water.

Engineered Wood. This looks and feels like pre-finished natural wood, but it’s essentially high grade plywood. It installs quickly and easily, is as durable as pre-finished wood, but is less expensive at $7-$10 installed. There’s a little more flex to this flooring, so some find it easier to stand on than solid wood. Engineered wood can be sanded and refinished, but only once and with more risk than natural wood—if you sand through the decorative top layer, the raw plywood will be exposed. Once again, water can cause problems.

These are all fairly high-end choices—other options include laminates and vinyl flooring, some of which cost as little as $2-$4 per square foot. Cost conscious homeowners may want to research a little further. But if you’re looking for an upgrade, keep in mind that most of the cheaper options do look less impressive. Weigh the pros and cons and take a good look at your budget. Remember, your flooring sets the stage for the rest of your kitchen. Investing in a durable, beautiful floor can help transform any old cooking space into the kitchen of your dreams.