| Flooring can be utilized to provide a strong | | | | linoleum kitchen floors. The linoleum patterns of |
| element of style in any room, and the kitchen is | | | | today can give an up-to-date, stylish look with a |
| no exception. In fact, there is a wider range of | | | | low cost and require no maintenance other than |
| flooring options available for the kitchen than for | | | | cleaning. However, linoleum is not as able as tile or |
| other rooms in the house! | | | | wood to give an upscale look. |
| One of the most popular kitchen flooring trends is | | | | Less traditional materials are increasingly being |
| tile. Many new houses are being built with tile | | | | used in eco-friendly kitchen floors, and 'green' |
| kitchen floors. This option has a very clean, | | | | flooring is one of the fastest-growing trends. Of |
| contemporary look and is easy to mop. However, | | | | these, the two most popular are bamboo and |
| it is often selected on basis of looks alone, so it is | | | | cork. Bamboo provides a look similar to wood, but |
| important to be aware ahead of time about any | | | | the rapid growth of bamboo makes it a greener |
| practical inconveniences. The major drawbacks of | | | | option which is similarly easy to care for as a |
| tile are that it can be expensive, the grout will | | | | wood floor. Cork flooring has the advantages of |
| require some maintenance, and the tile feels very | | | | being soft underfoot and quiet. A sealed cork |
| hard on the feet and legs. | | | | floor is easy to care for, can be mopped and will |
| Finished wood is another hot flooring trend. This | | | | resist mildew and mold. For those who prefer an |
| floor can give a warm look to the room and | | | | eco-friendly kitchen floor but want a more |
| there are many different types of wood that | | | | traditional look, reclaimed wood is the way to go. |
| may be used depending on desired look and | | | | However, a reclaimed wood floor is one of the |
| durability. There are no big drawbacks (aside from | | | | most expensive types of flooring. |
| its relatively high cost), although it is important | | | | In summary, there is no one type of kitchen |
| when mopping to use a floor cleaner specifically | | | | flooring that works for all situations. Instead, |
| designed for wood floors. | | | | factors like style/decor, durability, price and |
| Many houses are still being constructed with | | | | maintenance all need to be taken into account. |