Need suggestions for flooring update

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

We are thinking about diving into the realm of kitchen renovations. We will be speaking with a designer once we decide to pull the trigger, but want to get a really idea of what we want to do first. Basically looking to do:

- Light neutral color walls

- Taller cabinets, full face shaker panels

- Medium grey Solid Surface countertops

- Farmhouse sink

- Range hood over stove, cabinets above

- Additional cabinets above fridge

- Likely removing the ceiling tiles and drywalling (No reason for the grid, we've checked, likely the plaster was pulled out and ceiling grid was cheap.

The one thing that we have no idea what to do is the floor. The vinyl is worn, scratched and stained, but it extends down the hall to the front and down steps to the side doors. We don't know what to do to compliment the original floor in the rest of the house, which we are not interested in removing/covering over. Attached are the best photos I have at the moment.

So any suggestions to compliment both the original hardwood, and the new white cabinets?

EDIT:

We've thought about trying to match the original 1920s floor, but as the hall/kitchen is the high traffic area of the house, I'm not comfortable with wood flooring to match the original.

We live in a snowy area, so the snow/salt/mud that gets tracked in for typically 6 months of the year is too much for hardwood. We'd be looking to do something that can with stand the weather and traffic. That's why I said compliment, not match the existing floor. I'll add this to the original post for others too.

Featured Answer

Pam A

7 years ago

One option is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) which comes in tile, stone, and wood looks. It is waterproof when it's attached to a plastic core. The challenge is that 90% of the options are some kind of wood-look and you'd probably want a tile or stone look. The faux-wood-look isn't bad until you put it next to real wood, and then it usually looks not great.

There are also glue-down vinyl solutions as well, Mannington Adura's glue down vinyl tile had really nice texture and it's made domestically - my floor isn't smooth or flat enough for glue down so that wasn't an option for me but it was tempting.

You might hear an overwhelming chorus here to put wood in the kitchen regardless, but LVT is a decent option if you want the repairability and waterproof qualities but don't want a hard floor like ceramic/porcelain would be.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
7 years ago
What about running hardwood into the spaces with the vinyl? It should be easy to match the stain and species of the original wood. Any good flooring company can match the new to old so that it looks seamless. It will also go well with the new changes.
unraveled_wi
7 years ago
Looks like oak - why not just continue it into the kitchen?
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samohtep
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, I should have mentioned this originally. As best as I can tell, the original flooring is Yellow Pine or Heart Pine (house built in 1925)

We've thought about this, but as the hall/kitchen is the high traffic area of the house, I'm not comfortable with wood flooring to match the original.

We live in a snowy area, so the snow/salt/mud that gets tracked in for typically 6 months of the year is too much for hardwood. We'd be looking to do something that can with stand the weather and traffic. That's why I said compliment, not match the existing floor. I'll add this to the original post for others too.
PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
7 years ago
Living in Canada with the snow/ice/salt issues I still put wood all in my home. It does hold up well and the beauty is real wood can be refinished.

However, if thats not an option you want to explore that is fine. Based on your climate tile probably would be too cold as well. LVP/LVT is a solid option. Since you have real wood though, don't consider any faux wood products. Real and faux wood never mix well together. Look for a stone look LVT. I would wait to select it until after you have the countertop nailed down though.
samohtep thanked Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
PRO
Hardwoods of WNY
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The original floor looks like a red oak that has changed over time - you would be surprised at the durability of UV cured prefinished hardwood - Kitchens and entry ways are some of our most popular request on new build installation, yes standing water is always an issue with wood, but a little bit of water that can evaporate isn't an issue- But since you seem dead set against hardwood - they do offer a vinyl wood plank flooring - you could get a color that contrasts well with the original and you could most likely have it installed directly over the existing vinyl if there are no warpping issues. I also suggest clients go much darker or lighter when butting up against an existing floor, just because coming too close with out a perfect match will be very obvious.
samohtep thanked Hardwoods of WNY
chocolatebunny123
7 years ago
Do you know hold old your vinyl floor is? I'm concerned that it may contain asbestos if it's that old and you may have to take removal and abatement into consideration before you decide what kind of new floors to get.
samohtep thanked chocolatebunny123
Kaylie
7 years ago
I'm about to renovate a kitchen in an older home and stumbled upon this photo of a cork floor. After reading more about it, I'm sold. Plus I love the look.
samohtep thanked Kaylie
samohtep
Original Author
7 years ago
Sina / Hardwoods - I know that hardwood can be done. Most of my in-laws and family have wood in their kitchens, just not appealing to me at this point, until I can get a visual for it.

Chocolatebunny - I'm guessing vinyl is 30-40 years old, possibly less. There are rolled scraps for patching saved in the basement