The kitchen floor is a unique place--a spot where high glamour is appreciated, but high function is needed. After all, this is the most frequently used room in the house. Consider these common kitchen flooring questions when deciding which material to buy.

Is It Advisable to Use Hardwood Flooring in the Kitchen?

This is a common question, as kitchen floors take plenty of abuse from spills and heavy traffic. However, hardwood flooring is very resilient and can add a stunning look to any kitchen design.

Among the popular hardwood flooring options are:

• Maple
• Cherry
• Brazilian cherry
• Knotty pine

Remember that wood and water don't mix and can lead to warping. Hardwood flooring also can scratch, so ask your flooring contractor about adding an extra layer of polyurethane to help protect your new hardwood floor.

How Can I Decide Between Ceramic Tile and Hardwood Flooring?

There are positive characteristics of each, but the answer often comes down to personal preference. Some people like the look of ceramic tile, which is available in hundreds of colors and patterns. Others prefer the rich, natural look of hardwood flooring.

Try ceramic tile if you:

• Like a hard surface with a pattern
• Want flooring you can clean with a damp mop
• Want to coordinate the floor with wall tile

Consider hardwood flooring if you:

• Have an old house with hardwood flooring in other rooms
• Want a slightly softer floor for standing
• Want to blend the flooring with cabinet woods

I Like Natural Stone, but Can't Afford the Cost--What Are My Options?

There are many ceramic and porcelain tile patterns that imitate slate, marble, travertine, and other natural stones. These flooring tiles offer a good value for the price--in fact, they can cost 50 percent less than natural stone. Another option is vinyl flooring, which is sold in squares or sheets. Vinyl also is economical and sold in many stone-like patterns.

Tile and vinyl flooring:

• Are easier to clean than stone, since they're not porous like some natural stones
• Have the same pattern throughout, unlike stone, which has natural random differences between each stone

What Are the Most Popular Flooring Colors and Patterns?

The hot colors today are earth tones, such as camel, sage, and taupe. These colors add warmth to a kitchen and can blend with any décor. Popular patterns combine earth tones with a natural stone look.

Sources

• Ceramic Tile Distributors Association
• National Wood Flooring Association

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.