The kitchen floor is typically put through a lot. Between the heat and dropped utensils, spills and drips, and the constant plod of feet, the kitchen flooring has to be able to handle various hazards and still look good while doing it.

Not every flooring option is well suited for this location. There are some materials that will last longer, requiring less maintenance than others. Balancing function, style, and comfort is the key to making the right choice. That being said, let's check in more detail some good flooring kitchen options.

If you are looking for high-quality and durable floor tiles for the kitchen, the most popular option is definitely vinyl. This man-made manufactured material is impervious to damage, stains, and water issues. The cleaning is pretty easy. It requires only sweeping, vacuuming, and regular mopping.

Vinyl tiles can be found in two different forms - luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and vinyl composition tiles (VCT). Both forms are comfortable underfoot, reduce noise, and are pretty easy to install and maintain. The difference between them is the thickness (LVT being somewhat thicker than VCT) and the material they're made of. To be more precise, LVT is 100% vinyl, while VCT is made up of vinyl mixed with limestone and other fillers. In addition, aside from tiles, vinyl is also available in sheet and planks.

Vinyl kitchen flooring is the most versatile kitchen flooring solution. The most popular variant of vinyl is the wood look. Generally, vinyl is designed to mimic solid hardwoods. Aside from wood looks, there are also stone vinyl looks. Both styles feature a foam or cork backing to soften the floor underfoot and deaden sound. The vinyl layer is a prominent feature of these floors, thus showing numerous colours and patterns. They're topped with a wear layer for added protection from spills and scrapes.

How long does vinyl flooring last, you ask? Well, some manufacturers offer warranties on this material that run for up to 20 years. And this is more or less the truth. However, after about 10 years of active use in the kitchen, it usually begins to wear and fade. All in all, vinyl is among the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly flooring materials. So, it is a great choice for kitchens, especially those that see a lot of family use.

Hardwood is by nature a pretty durable flooring material. Plus, it offers a great look and timeless appeal in the kitchen. Hardwood feels a bit softer underfoot than tilework. If it becomes slightly worn, it can be refinished. However, it's worth knowing that generally, hardwood isn't as water-resistant as tile, but the upkeep is minimal. You just have to keep a gentle hardwood cleaner nearby so you can clean up the spills quickly.

All in all, these days, hardwood flooring is undergoing something of a renaissance as a kitchen flooring material, thanks to polyurethane finished and modern sealers that make it much more durable and long-lasting.

It is safe to say that bamboo is a renewable resource, which means that it can be used as an eco-friendly flooring option. Made of grasses, it is layered to create a moisture-resistant surface. The natural colour of bamboo flooring is a dark yellow or light brown, with a grain similar to popular hardwoods. Even though it is actually grass, it functions like hardwood in terms of flooring. It is susceptible to scratches, but it can be refinished. However, refinishing will usually require the assistance of a professional. The manufacturing process of bamboo, also makes it more resistant to moisture and water damage.

Even though this material might conjure visions of your grandma's retro kitchen, linoleum flooring has been picking up in popularity. Linoleum is made from natural materials, so this is another eco-friendly option. It is made of linseed oil and powdered cork, consisting of no volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). This material provides a springiness that makes standing on it pretty comfortable. However, it can be dented and discoloured over time.

Linoleum comes in a sheet that is quite easy to install. It is also fairly water-resistant, but it is still likely to fall apart during a flood. The linoleum floor is easy to clean and maintain. With proper care, it can last for upwards of 40 years.

Ceramic tile is a material made from natural clay which is shaped, glazed, and fired under heat. This is one of the most durable flooring materials available on the market. It's very hard and impervious to stains and water. Plus, it is resistant to heat and breakage.

Ceramic offers the widest variety of all the flooring materials and it's available in numerous colours, shapes, and faux natural patterns. These tiles can also be customized to fit any space.

Wondering how long do ceramic floor tiles last? Well, having in mind all the positive features ceramic provides, it is safe to say that under normal conditions, ceramic floor tiles can last indefinitely with little change to their appearance or function over time.

The only downside of ceramic tiles is that they can be somewhat cold underfoot. However, this can be remedied with a radiant heating system that would be installed beneath the tiles.