High end vinyl faux wood, or faux wood tile.

Definitely hardwood. Laminate doesn't hold up against water overtime.

@Sense of Space, be careful how you quote different materials durability. While many laminate floors are not completely waterproof, they are water resistant, to much the same degree or better than certain hardwoods. The level of value and construction has a lot to due with a materials durability, and consequently typically the price. Attached is a link to one type of laminate that describes itself as waterproof. A simple web search will reveal more choices.

@dmees, when looking at flooring choices, it's best to talk to dealer or showroom expert to get all the pros and cons of the individual flooring choices you are considering, and weigh those options against one another.

http://www.dumaplast.be/

@Twisted Minds Custom Designs, a certain product may claim itself to be anything but if you consider the construction of the material (i.e. laminate flooring) you will see that even if this laminate is waterproof at first, it will let water in overtime and after that, it's caput. Hardwood is homogenous, so it can let the water get in and evaporate without too much damage to itself. Of course, the only real waterproof material is resilient sheet flooring :)

@SoS, did you read their claim of being made with resins as opposed to wood fibers which make their product 100% waterproof? And I am well aware of woods properties, it is also these properties that compel wood to swell, twist, vane, split, etc. etc. I am in no way in favor of laminate over wood. I much prefer wood, I was just commenting on the fact that it is dangerous to make blanket statements about materials without knowing every manufacturers qualities, especially with the advancements being made everyday in their construction. (I'm positive you will find other flooring supplies that will claim being waterproof, I know some cork flooring suppliers that will jump at the chance to tell you about their products benefits). Not looking to start an argument, just commenting to help the original posters decision making.

Thank-you for your input. I will definitely do my research on both types of flooring to ensure that they are indeed durable. I will heed your warnings. thank-you. I do think that some of the "new" engineered floorings are extremely durable....just need to make sure we are buying a quality product.

Have you looked into concrete flooring

They are very durable,virtually maintain free,and offers a wide range of options color, style ,and patterns..
With concrete flooring you will be the only one with that floor pattern color etc..you may see something similar but not exact. .just a option

we bought a house a couple months ago that has damaged laminate flooring in the kitchen (it's a fixer-upper we got on the cheap). The kitchen faucet leaked and there was a leak at one point in the fridge's water dispenser. Now all the laminate flooring is peeling and buckling and at some points chipping in the corners. Real hardwood will be better able to withstand some minor damage but either way, you'll need to know that any spills have to be wiped up right away. If you have small children who spill liquids often or maybe a dog who drips water after drinking at his bowl, maybe go vinyl faux wood, or something else completely that won't be damaged by water. You don't want to have to replace the flooring for many many years! :)

In a word? No.

No to what? Haze or concrete flooring as an.option

I would also look at, as the first response mentioned, a faux wood tile. The tile manufacturers are doing such a great job with these! I'm planning on using them in my house. Porcelain tile is incredibly durable and will last a long time if installed correctly.

N.Fl. Concrete Flooring and Staining...no to laminate...my thread showed zero comments..until I posted...then everything else popped up...dunno why! Lightweight concrete can be an option, even on conventional framing...just need engineering to verify it.

hardwood please

Concrete overlays can be placed over properly prepared wood sub-floors and are in line with cost of other products like wood and tile. If you may like a concrete floor, contact a local pro to explore their options and costs compared to other flooring choices. And the overlay systems are in line or lighter than a tile installation.

Concrete is pretty but, if you cook a lot, it's hard on your legs and feet. The same holds true for ceramic tile.

Most surfaces are hard to stand on for long periods of time. With most any flooring, use of throw rugs or foam pads made for leg support, help with fatigue. In my own kitchen, I have one placed in front of sink, and one in front of cooktop. Helps out a lot.

Great point..

Also with concrete flooring if you seller the home or later decide on other flooring options there is nothing to remove cutting down on labor cost..

Cork. I have had it in my kitchen for two years and it is awesome. It's very durable, inexpensive, attractive, easy to install and comfortable to stand on. The only drawback I have encountered is a puppy who snuffles up anything he smells. He clawed at a spot and left some marks. Nothing a good colored sharpie fill in couldn't take care of. Only I know the scratches are there.

joozgrdn, I agree! I totally forgot about Cork. I have installed it in several kitchens, and I grew up with it in Europe. So YES, THAT IS A WONDERFUL CHOICE.