Kitchen Flooring 101: Find Your Material Match

Natural Stone

Whether they're made from limestone, slate, granite or travertine, natural stone floors have one major asset: their variation. No two pieces of stone have exactly the same color, pattern or texture, and the differences create a visual depth that's hard to replicate. Stone also creates an elegant, gracious look that instantly makes a kitchen feel more upscale.

Pros: Stone floors have been around for centuries, so it doesn't get more classic than this. Like tile and concrete, they're cool underfoot, a boon in hot climates. They're durable and require little day-to-day maintenance. And did we mention the natural beauty?

Cons: Stone is expensive and not for the DIY-minded. The tiny crannies in its surface can trap dirt. Scratches and chips can be an issue with softer stone, such as travertine; slate's layers have been known to peel over time. Porous stone will need protective sealing at regular intervals.

Cost: About $15 to $30 per square foot, uninstalled. How to Find the Right Stone Tile

Solid Wood

Nature is a terrific artisan — it's tough to match the warmth and charm of solid wood. Even in a space with a lot of moisture and heavy foot traffic, wood can last indefinitely if it's properly treated and cared for. It's a perennial classic, and it develops a rich patina with time and use.

Pros: Whether you want thin strips of pale maple or wide planks of pine, there's a wood that will look just right in your kitchen. Wood never goes out of style, so you won't have to worry about updating it as your home evolves. It can be sanded and refinished to keep it looking its best.

Cons: You'll have to stay on top of spills; liquids can cause damage if they're not wiped up right away. Wood dents and scratches easily, so it will need periodic refinishing. Although it's not as unyielding as concrete or tile, it also isn't as comfortable as cork or vinyl.

Cost: About $4 to $12 per square foot, uninstalled.

Introduction to Solid Plank Floors

Cork

Sustainably harvested and all natural, cork has grown in popularity in recent years. While its distinctive look isn't for everyone, people who love it appreciate its strong patterns and texture, its warm look and its ecofriendliness.

Pros: Resilient and flexible, cork provides a great deal of comfort underfoot, and it can absorb the shock from a dropped plate or cup (translation: less chance of breakage). It holds warmth and absorbs sound, lending a cozy feel. And it's rich in suberin, a natural substance that guards against mold, mildew, rot and pests.

Cons: Cork holds up well, but not without a little TLC. Because dirt and grit can scar it, you'll need to stay on top of sweeping and vacuuming, and you will also need to reseal it regularly with polyurethane or wax. Small dings, such as from a dropped knife, will "heal" on their own, but major scars are harder to fix. Cork also can fade over time.

Cost: About $2 to $12 per square foot, uninstalled. Cork Flooring 101

Concrete

Concrete flooring has come a long way from the days when it was relegated to basements or hidden under carpeting. Its star has risen in the design world because of its edginess and industrial-chic look. No longer does a concrete floor mean a dull swath of gray; today, it can be stained, stamped, scored or acid etched for visual panache.

Pros: Concrete stays cool even in the hottest weather, so it's ideal for warm climates. It's virtually indestructible, no matter what you spill on it or drag across it. And if you get tired of the look, you'll have a ready-made subfloor for carpeting, tile or another surface.

Cons: Concrete is difficult to work with, so you'll almost certainly need professional installation. As with tile and stone, concrete can be unforgiving on feet. It's porous, so sealing is a must to ward off stains — especially in a high-traffic area such as a kitchen. And some folks find it just plain cold.

Cost: Having a basic concrete floor poured from scratch can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the space and other variables. Concrete finishing treatments, such as staining, stamping or etching, range from about $2 per square foot to $15 or more per square foot.

Bamboo

Although bamboo looks like wood, it's actually a grass. So you might be surprised at how durable bamboo flooring can be. Its density allows it to stand up to busy spaces and active lifestyles. It has become popular in recent years not only for its sturdiness, but also for its affordability relative to hardwood and for its subtle, variegated appearance.

Pros: Bamboo grows so quickly that it's considered a sustainable choice for green building. It's low maintenance, requiring no special care, and springier underfoot than wood. And it lends a touch of worldly style without the expense of a tropical or other exotic hardwood.

Cons: The range of color choices is narrower than with traditional woods. It isn't as moisture resistant as many other materials — in high-humidity climates or spaces, it can warp. Much of the bamboo on the market is imported from countries that may have less stringent quality regulations than in the United States, so it's important to research sources.

Cost: About $4 to $9 per square foot, uninstalled.

More: 5 Innovative Wood Floors
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An Introduction to Solid Plank Wood Floors
When to Use Engineered Wood Floors
Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less
Zebra, Tiger and Teak Wood, Oh, My!