6 Trends in Kitchen Flooring That Really Cook!

Countless TV shows - even entire TV Stations - are dedicated to finding the perfect house, flipping a run down house, or renovating tired and outdated layouts and interior decor. Without fail, the kitchen receives the highest adoration or scrutiny for its design and functionality. Here are 6 trending materials and looks available in kitchen flooring, each bringing its own unique design element to the central hub of family living:

Water-Proof Vinyl: Often referred to as “luxury vinyl,” this type has recently made a comeback in popularity because of its qualities of being water-proof, durable and low maintenance.  Easy installation makes it a win-win for consumers and installers alike. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including the popular distressed wood-planking look.

Tile: Tile has been around forever as the material of choice and the go-to product for kitchens for years, and with good reason. It is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.  Tiles are no longer just the square solid-colored style.  Today, they are also designed to resemble stone or hard-wood planks. They can be made to have a distressed or farmhouse look, grooved or hand-scraped, or even with the look of a nail head.  There are multiple variations in length and width. Tiles provide flexibility with floor patterns as well, and some can extend up a focus wall for added dramatic effect.

Engineered Materials: Engineered flooring is a popular option homeowners might choose instead of real hard wood, which is often difficult to maintain and costly to install.  Engineered flooring is solid wood covered in a veneer, adding durability and texture to the manufactured plank. In addition, the veneer adds to the longevity of the floor by making it water resistant, and it is relatively simple to install.

Laminate: Laminate flooring has come a long way from the days of old. It is so much more than the old–school linoleum that is often thought of when mentioning laminate. Laminate of today comes in a variety of patterns, but the most popular one is, once again, the trending wood look. Laminate with the look of hand-scraped, distressed or solid color planking is often selected based on price, since it’s an inexpensive option to get that wood-look for less.

Hardwood: Real hardwood flooring is gorgeous, but not always the most practical option, especially in a kitchen or busy house with children. It’s susceptible to damage from water, scratches, and wear and tear.  Real hardwood flooring that is often found in older homes is quite beautiful if it has been maintained. It can often be restored to its former splendor with a little refinishing and extra care.

Cork: Cork flooring is a growing trend as a renewable resource that has become popular with green builders. It is versatile, and can be dyed or stained with a variety of colors. It usually comes in square tiles that are easy to install. Many times a project can be completed in one day. Easy on the feet, this option provides a unique and practical look to any kitchen.

Once the decision on the type of kitchen flooring has been made, it’s important to remember it’s one of the most highly used areas of the home, and these beautiful flooring installations couldn’t be functional without a solid subfloor. The best subfloor is made with a combination of high quality materials that are installed with the right tools. SCRAIL® SubLoc® PRO is a combination fastener that installs with the speed of a nail but has the durability and adjustability of a screw. They won’t loosen over time, reducing the likelihood of damage to your tiles, planks or any type of flooring through the life of your installation.