When choosing a floor during your kitchen renovation, you need to consider durability and appearance. Here are some considerations:

Concrete: The words “concrete floor” suggest a dull gray floor in a warehouse, but today concrete isn’t boring and surprisingly versatile. For a while, kitchen designers have been creating attractive concrete countertops. Since you can stain concrete almost any color and texture it with stamps, concrete can resemble tile, hardwood, slate, or marble. It is often more durable and usually less expensive than the original. Since it retains heat well, concrete is also a good choice if you’re considering underfloor radiant heat.

Cork: You can imagine a floor that resembles hundreds of wine corks, but in fact, the cork can have a variety of finishes and colors. Harvested from the bark of the tree without killing the tree, cork is an eco-friendly choice. Many owners appreciate the cushioning underfoot and the way cork mutes sound. It is naturally waterproof and has inherent antibacterial qualities beneficial in a kitchen. The possible negatives are that it is one of the more expensive flooring options and can fade or dent over time.

Wood: Hardwood floors look great and feel good underfoot. During a kitchen renovation, you can install hardwood such as strips, planks, or parquet. Durability varies depending on the type of wood used, but some floors can last the life of your home. However, hardwoods can scratch and stain and require periodic refinishing.

Laminate: Made from man-made materials, laminate flooring uses photos to make it look like hardwood or other materials. They are extremely resistant to scratches, stains and fading. Laminate is durable and much easier and cheaper to install than real hardwood, although some homeowners feel it doesn’t have the same beauty or warmth. It can be difficult to repair if it is damaged.

Linoleum and Vinyl: Both are fairly inexpensive and easy for a DIYer to install. Both come in a variety of colors and textures. Linoleum, believe it or not, is actually an eco-friendly choice as it is made from natural materials like linseed oil, wood dust, and pine resin. Vinyl can come in sheets or tiles and is available in different levels of quality. However, vinyl can curl at its edges, and both linoleum and vinyl tend not to wear as well as other materials.