By LuAnn Brandsen

1. Wood

   

   Improvements in products and sealers make wood a viable flooring material in kitchens. That’s good news for people with open-floor plans who wish to use the same material in adjoining living areas. Additionally, wood adds a sense of timelessness and warmth that suits any style, from urban loft to cozy cottage to traditional home.

   Photo: Armstrong

2. Cork

   

   This often-overlooked natural material comes in various colors and patterns and is sustainable, warm, and slightly cushioned. Seal it to prevent water damage and clean the same as you would a hardwood floor.

   Photo: Case Design Remodeling, Inc.

3. Ceramic Tile

   

   Choices abound for this category, and most selections are highly durable and fairly inexpensive. Select large pieces if you want a more seamless look with fewer grout lines. The downside? Ceramic can be cold and uncomfortable if you’re standing for long periods of time.

   Photo: Zimbio

4. Linoleum

   

   Easy-to-clean linoleum is available in sheets or tiles in a broad range of colors. Many consumers confuse linoleum with vinyl, but vinyl is a synthetic material with a pattern imprinted on the surface, while linoleum is all-natural with color throughout. 

   Photo: hgtvremodels.com

5. Vinyl

   

   This budget-friendly material (about $10-$13 per square yard) keeps upping its image as new technology helps it more closely imitate the look of stone, wood, tile, and leather. Vinyl is available in 6- or 12-foot wide sheets or as 12- to 18-inch tiles that are ideal for DIYers. Easy to clean, vinyl is also soft underfoot.

   Photo: Armstrong

6. Natural Stone

   

   Durable and easy to clean, stone offers a timeless appearance that is suited to most any kitchen decor. Choose larger pieces to create a more seamless look with fewer grout lines. Cons? There’s no denying the look is impressive, but you’ll likely need a strong subfloor and some big bucks to get the job done.

   Photo: GDC Construction, Inc.

7. Bamboo

   

   Bamboo is an attractive alternative for flooring because of its physical similarities to hardwoods. It is extremely strong and durable and offers built-in resistance to moisture and insects. Since it comes from a highly renewable source of material, bamboo is also an eco-friendly flooring choice. 

   Photo: 4 Architecture

8. Laminate

   

   Laminates have become the “great imitators”, offering realistic wood and stone looks without the care and maintenance associated with natural floor products. Available in a wide range of wood grains and patterns, many also feature textured surfaces imparting further realism.

   Photo: Armstrong