Kitchen floors take a lot of beatings from everyday life. From dropping plates and glasses to spills from the stove, kitchen floors must have a high endurance. Because of this, not every type of flooring is well-suited to being a kitchen floor. Homeowners who are looking for new flooring for their kitchen need to thoroughly consider the materials they can choose from. Whether price or aesthetic is the most important deciding factor, there is a flooring material out there best for each individual household. Here are some of the best flooring types for kitchens and what makes them each great choices.

Tile Flooring

Tile is one of the most popular flooring options for kitchens due to how incredibly durable it is. It stands up to damage even other durable flooring types would be scarred by, plus it’s extremely versatile. Tile can come in nearly any color, pattern, and size, so homeowners can choose a style that fits perfectly into their kitchen. Tile can be more expensive than other options due to how tough it is, but if it’s taken care of properly, it can easily last 50 years or longer.  If a tile does crack or break, repairing or replacing it can be quite expensive, but the chances of that happening are fairly low.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a timeless option, and many people consider them to be one of the best flooring types. Hardwood floors are easy to clean, durable, and if they do get damaged, they can be refinished to look brand new. If properly taken care of, hardwood floors can last decades without needing to be replaced. One of the best things about hardwood floors, especially for homeowners who plan to move out of the home at some point, is adding hardwood floors to a home can potentially increase its value.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is one of the most popular general flooring types because it’s durable and affordable. Its durability makes it a great match for kitchens. Vinyl flooring typically last 10-20 years. It comes in nearly any color and pattern, and homeowners can even buy vinyl floors that look like more expensive flooring materials, such as hardwood. Vinyl floors are also softer than tile or hardwood floors, so they can be better for people with arthritis to walk on. However, they aren’t as soft as carpet, and vinyl floors don’t have any loose fibers, so it’s also good for people with allergies.

Bamboo Flooring

Hardwood floors can be expensive and inaccessible for some homeowners, and to get the look of hardwood without the price, bamboo can be the answer. Bamboo isn’t as hard as traditional hardwood floors, so it dents and scratches a bit easier. However, it can still be refinished like traditional hardwood floors, and  it provides the same aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. And if bamboo is taken care of properly, it can last just as long as hardwood floors can—25 years or longer.

When Apple Valley homeowners are choosing a new material for a kitchen floor, it’s important to consider a lot of factors. Durability and lifespan are some of the most important, but price shouldn’t be overlooked, either. For more information on these and other great kitchen flooring options, be sure to ask an expert at a local hardware store for advice.