Invest in Durable Kitchen Flooring that Will Last through the Years

If you have pets and children in your home, then you want durable kitchen flooring that can retain its looks in spite of the spills, accidents, and heavy traffic that it’s bound to encounter in a bustling household. Here are our top five recommendations for durable kitchen flooring.

Tile and Stone Flooring

If you want flooring that can hold up to whatever your kids and pets can dish out, then tile and stone are your best options. These floors are water resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean. So, if your new puppy is still being house-trained or your toddler has yet to master keeping food on her plate, then these floors are very forgiving. Tile and stone is also extremely scratch resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s nails or your soccer star’s cleats damaging your floors.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is an excellent choice of flooring for parents and pet owners. It resembles hardwood flooring and has the added benefit of being antimicrobial, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and allergens. That makes your kitchen a healthier environment for everyone.

Another benefit of cork is that it absorbs sound. If you are a dog owner or have small children then you know that anything that can dampen household noise is a good thing.

Cork is also scratch-resistant. However, this doesn’t mean it won’t scratch, so keeping your pet’s nails trimmed and designate your kitchen as a “cleat-free” zone. Choose a lighter shade of cork flooring to minimize the look of scratch marks, and make sure to finish it with a tough, scratch-resistant finishing product.

Bamboo Flooring

Like cork, bamboo flooring is another great option if you want durable kitchen flooring with the look of natural wood. It’s extremely durable and scratch resistant so you can feel at ease as you watch your children and pets play. Bamboo flooring is also easy to maintain. Food and juice spills or pet accidents won’t damage these floors if cleaned up properly. Plus, bamboo is very sustainable and environmentally friendly.

However, keep in mind that not all bamboo is created equal. Choose one that has a high rating for hardness according to the Janka test, which is the industry standard for measuring wood’s resistance to denting and wear. Strand woven bamboo floors hold up the best over other types of bamboo flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring can mimic the look of natural stone tile or hardwood but is more affordable. If you use a good quality product and install it correctly, it can withstand many of the challenges that come along with kids and pets. Luxury vinyl is water resistant so it holds up against spills. And it’s tough. You won’t have to worry about scratches or tears. Perhaps best of all, it’s soft. Your pets, children, and you will feel comfortable walking, standing, and resting on it.

Flooring to Avoid

Now that you know some of the best choices for durable kitchen flooring, we wanted to share 3 flooring options that you should definitely avoid if you have kids and pets.

• Carpet: The first, and probably most obvious of these is carpet. Carpet stains easily. Plus, cats like to claw it and dogs like to chew on it.
• Solid hardwoods: Pet accidents or spills can permanently damage these floors and they scratch easily.
• Laminate: Laminate will easily warp if it gets wet. Plus, it can be slippery, which is troublesome for toddlers just learning to walk and dogs who may be prone to hip injuries.

If you have kids and pets, then you should know that there are plenty of durable kitchen flooring options that will last for years in even the busiest households. If you’re looking for even more kitchen solutions, then contact Special Additions today to discover our customized kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. We’re one of the largest and most reputable cabinetry dealers in the New Jersey/New York Area. We’ve been family owned and operated since we opened our doors in 1978.