The Six Best Floors for Your Kitchen Renovation.

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen consider updating the flooring to create a clean and finished look. Whatever your style or budget, flooring can make or break a room. A new floor can be necessary if you plan to change the layout or remove walls and this step should be considered during any renovation. What better time to change the floor then when you’re already having work done?

This job may be a larger undertaking then one might expect. Older homes often have sagging floor joists or haphazard underlayment. Once your contractor removes the existing floor it often makes sense to replace or brace existing structural members. While installing new flooring can run as little as $5000, updating these other items can double that cost. Once the structure is ready, what material is the best option for your kitchen? Lets take a look at the most popular kitchen flooring options:

Wood floors add visual warmth to the kitchen. See more of these herringbone wood floors here.

Wood floors are timeless and classic. We recommend hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry. Softer woods like pine and bamboo can dent from dropped items.

Pros: Wood floors are a softer surface which feels better on your back and knees. Softer floors are also safer for young children. Wood adds a warm look and feel which pairs great with painted cabinets. Wood can be repaired and refinished over time. With proper maintenance wood floors can last hundreds of years.

Cons: Be careful to avoid prolonged exposure to water. Leaks or uncleaned spills can destroy wood floors. Wood can cup and stain if exposed to water or high humidity from above or below. Wood is not a good choice to install over damp crawlspaces or radiant floor heating. Also, pets can scratch the wood finish.

This ceramic tile is glazed to look like terra cotta. Ceramic tile is durable and low maintenance.

Ceramic, porcelain and terra cotta tile are surprisingly similar. All are fired clay, usually with a glaze. Porcelain is high-fired and made from a special clay making it the strongest choice (but harder to work with). Terra Cotta is a clay known for its red orange color. All tiles are porous unless glazed. Glazing is like a baked on glass layer.

Pros: If you want your floors to look the same in ten years as they did on day one, then choose a glazed tile. The glaze is so strong that it cannot stain and you won’t need to reseal it. Ceramic tile can be budget friendly but thicker tiles that will hold up for eighty plus years are more costly. Modern tiles are available in large sizes with thinner grout lines and can be glazed to look like wood, stone, or concrete.

Cons: Tile is easier to damage and harder to fix than other options. Ceramic tile can crack or chip more easily than the other options listed. Ceramic is a different color under the glaze so chips are very noticeable. While the tile may be low maintenance, grout is susceptible to dirt and staining. It should be resealed yearly.

My husband slammed a bag of ice on this slate floor at our housewarming and I gasped in horror, but no slates were cracked!

Natural stone tiles like slate, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite come in many sizes and colors. Most stones have beautiful patterns and textures.

Pros: Natural stone is not glazed and it is the same color throughout. So chips and scratches can happen but are less noticeable than ceramic. Granite, slate and travertine are denser and less porous than limestone and marble. Stone tile is stronger than ceramic and can last hundreds of years.

Cons: Even dense stones like granite and slate can stain. Stains and wear can look fine if you like a patina but if you want a cleaner, newer looking floor then plan to reseal every 1-2 years. Stone can not be sanded or refinished. If you scratch it badly, tiles will have to be replaced. Hard tiles like stone and cement are more likely to break dropped dishes.

Concrete has beautiful character, but it's also porous. See more of this open concept kitchen here.

Cement tiles are made by mixing color pigment with cement and creating a thick ‘wear’ layer, usually from a form. This layer is hydraulically pressed together with one or two more base layers to create a thick and heavy tile.

Pros: Because they have a thick top layer, nicks and chips are less visible. Cement tile is stronger and more durable than ceramic tile but looks and feels softer. Cement tile can last one hundred years.

Cons: Like natural stone, concrete is porous and will need to be sealed every 1-2 years to avoid stains. Concrete can not be sanded or refinished. It is weaker than stone. Hard tiles like cement, stone, and ceramic are harder on your knees, making a rug or mat necessary.

Vinyl looks clean and classic. It’s also budget friendly.

Laminate and Vinyl floors are available in wood looks that can fool even the most discerning eye. Laminate is typically installed like a wood floor while vinyl comes in strips, tiles, and large sheets.

Pros: Both vinyl and laminate are good alternatives to wood because they hold up against water, pets, and radiant heat better. Vinyl is plastic and can be used in wet bathrooms and basements. Laminate can hold up to more water and humidity than wood but will still get damaged by excessive water. Both options are budget friendly and easy to install.

Cons: Vinyl and laminate are not the most durable or beautiful materials. Don’t expect more than ten years out of either material. Neither material can be refinished.

This cork floor kitchen by Maughan Design looks modern and fresh.

Cork flooring is typically installed as an interlocking tile that is glued to the subfloor.

Pros: Cork has many similar qualities to wood but it actually performs better. Cork is softer than hardwood which is great for your knees and your kids. Cork is more water and moisture resistant than wood. Cork also provides greater noise and heat insulation than any other options.

Cons: Because it is softer cork is more susceptible to dents and dings then wood. Cork tiles can not be refinished so it’s lifespan is shorter than wood. Think ten to twenty years. Cork should be resealed every five years for durability and stain control.

The best choice for our environment.

At Airy Kitchens we always think about the environment and how our renovations will effect the future. There are many factors to consider including how materials are made, where they come from, how long they will last, and if they can be recycled. We recommend natural materials like wood, natural stone, and cork, which can all be recycled or will decompose. Choosing a local wood species or local stone can greatly reduce the environmental footprint of your kitchen remodel. Cement tiles are more eco friendly than ceramic because they are not fired in a kiln. However it can be hard to find these tiles made locally. Cork is actually harvested from trees so trees do not need to be killed to use it, but it too is grown overseas. In the end, we think durable floors are worth the cost. Building for longevity is the best way to care for the future.

Brass, Bronze, Chrome and Stainless. Everything You Need To Know About Cabinet Hardware.

Cabinet hardware is available in countless finishes, but looks can be deceiving. Why is one cabinet knob thirty dollars and another three dollars? Here are the basics: Most hardware is made from inexpensive zinc or more expensive copper and brass. Often these base metals have a finish, or plating of a different color adhered to them. Stainless steel and bronze can be plated over these metals, but they can also be solid. Chrome and nickel are always plated over another metal, never solid. Confused yet?  Well, most hardware is actually pretty durable and a cheap price does not always mean it's poorly crafted. Lets look at some of our favorite cabinet hardware finishes to compare the pros and cons of each material. 

Love these counters? Learn more about marble and seven other kitchen counter options.

Polished Brass looks shiny and golden. It pairs great with painted cabinets.

Pros: Polished Brass is sealed with a lacquer coating, so it will not age or tarnish. This common finish is easy to match between brands.

Cons: Polished brass, like most shiny finishes, will show fingerprints and the lacquer can dull over time. 

Unlacquered Brass is a living finish, meaning it will change with time and use.

Pros: You don't have to worry about fingerprints here, unlacquered brass shows wear over time and the spots you touch will stay shiny. This raw brass has a warm, rosy color and you can always polish it back to a shine with brass cleaner.

Cons: If you want a uniform look, unlacquered brass will take more maintenance. We prefer the worn patina on rounded, amorphous shapes. It can look dirty in an edgy, contemporary style kitchen.

Antique Brass offers a patina without the maintenance.

Pros: Antique brass is aged with chemicals and sealed with a low luster finish. This gives you a worn, antique look that will never change or need polishing.

Cons: Chemically aging something never looks the same as a natural patina and the color here is not as warm as unlacquered brass.

Bronze is highly durable and offers many finishes.

Pros: Bronze is corrosion resistant and recommended for use in coastal homes with salty air. Many finishes and colors are available in bronze including the popular 'antique bronze', which looks black with copper highlights.

Cons: Bronze is more porous than brass and can develop shrinkage cavities over time. 

Stainless Steel is the best choice for outdoor kitchens, but make sure it's solid.

Pros: A stainless steel finish is easy to match and will look at home next to your stainless appliances. Solid stainless is corrosion resistant and our recommendation for all outdoor kitchens. Stainless hardware is typically not sealed, so the finish can be polished or even lightly sanded to remove surface scratches

Cons: Solid stainless is more expensive than other options. Plated stainless pieces are a good option indoors, but will not hold up outdoors. Make sure you know what you're buying when dealing with stainless.

Chrome hardware adds drama and reflects light in this bathroom.

Pros: Chrome gives a highly polished and reflective finish that you won't find in other metals. Chrome is corrosion resistant and looks great in polished bathrooms.

Cons: While it won't rust, chrome will dull and develop pits over time. This shiny finish will also show fingerprints and water spots.

Nickel looks soft, but also feels modern with a brushed finish. See more of our kitchens here.

Pros: Nickel is available in brushed and polished finishes. It's color looks close to sterling silver and is warmer and richer than chrome. Polished nickel is easy to match between brands.

Cons: Nickel is pricier than chrome. Unless it is lacquer sealed, this finish will tarnish and need maintaining. 

Matte Black hardware is contemporary, but we think it's a classic. There’s more black hardware in this colorful kitchen.

Pros: Matte black is usually created by powder coating another metal. This process results in a very durable finish that won't show fingerprints. Similar to hand forged iron, we think this  finish works great in older homes.

Cons: Matte black hardware can look dramatic, especially against white cabinets. Use it sparingly and try to mix it with other metal finishes..

Five Elements to Create a Beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen

Considering a farmhouse style kitchen? Lets take a look at the details that make this charming style perfect for Philadelphia homes.

Farm Sink

An easy way to make a big statement, farm sinks have become popular in kitchen design and are a great way to give your kitchen a farm house look. Farm sinks are available in stainless steel, copper, and cast iron, but our favorite is porcelain (sometimes called fireclay). These sinks give a soft look by breaking up square cabinetry with thick rounded corners. Farm sinks feel like a historic family heirloom that can be reused in your grandchildren's kitchens. 

Furniture Pieces

We love to design farm house kitchens with mismatched cabinets that look like furniture. This is a great opportunity to reuse historic built-ins or upcycle a furniture piece like we did here. Farm house style is not about perfection, so don't be afraid to use a few reclaimed pieces. It's okay if counter heights and drawer pulls don't match, it all adds to the charm! 

Bead Board

This simple and inexpensive material is an easy way to add farm house charm to any kitchen. Bead board was once built of multiple interlocking smaller boards with a groove, or 'bead' cut into each one. Today, homeowners can avoid the small pieces and purchase sheets similar to plywood that have this pattern cut into them. Bead board can be used as a backsplash, cabinet door panels, or a wall covering like this kitchen above. This material is a great way to add texture to your kitchen without spending a lot.

Traditional Flooring

Farm house kitchens should feel comfortable, a little vintage, and never fussy. We love to use wood floors in these spaces for a warm feel. Painting a wood floor also works great for this look. While ceramic and stone tile can work, avoid newer styles and shapes of tile that will give a modern feel. Have to repair your wood floor? Don't be afraid to leave seams or patches, they will only emphasize the age and character of your home. 

A Big Country Stove

What could be more farm house than a big vintage stove? A large stove is great for cooking big meals and a vintage style works well with the farm house look. If you are looking for new appliances, there are new stoves still built in this style. Or consider a refurbished antique stove. Even a newer stainless commercial stove will work better than a boring standard kitchen range. It's all about making a statement with a piece that will last a long time. So, even if you don't want a vintage look, purchase something that is built to last.

Farm house style works with the architecture and character of older homes rather than against it. Consider this style to give your Philadelphia kitchen design a comfortable and vintage feel. If you're looking for a kitchen design in the Philadelphia area, fill out our Contact Form.