Replacing my 15 year old armstrong vinyl kitchen floor

Question

I have 3 kids at home, a dog, and stools in constant use. Should I get wood, manufactured wood, or cork??

Answer 1

wood will look best.  but may not hold up to the use you have described.  cork would not hold up at all.  a laminate would hold up the best and is inexpensive and easy to install.  it's a formica top layer that usually looks like wood.  that would be my suggestion.

Answer 2

well not many people go for wood in the kitchen ceramic tile would be nice but it is hard on your back and  knees also your feet if standing on it for long time and cold on ur feet if not heated  you can also get vinyl like tiles which are nice  you should look into wood though dont think its for a kitchen

Answer 3

I agree that laminate flooring would be your best bet (Aside from ceramic tile, which is more expensive).

But if you do decide to install laminate flooring yourself, especially over your current vinyl floor, just make sure that your subfloor is sturdy enough. If your subfloor is loose, it will cause the laminate flooring to squeak and possibly crack. I also agree with Andrew that you need to install with glue, especially in a high-traffic area like a kitchen.

Answer 4

  Andrew makes some good valid  points.. Me , like he, has spent many years in flooring so  we have some good advice ( 20 for me) One other thought for you.. You got 15 years out of that other vinyl, consider a good vinyl again until the kids are grown.Then upgrade to wood/ ceramic of your choice you ve earned it after raising the kids.. GL

Answer 5

ceramic tile. oh, that wasnt an option. check it out anyway. it's easy to install, durable, and looks great!

Answer 6

The latest and greatest is a laminate floor.  (I think you mean this when you say manufactured wood)  The have some that looks like ceramic tile, and it is ideal for a kitchen.  It is easier on your feet than ceramic, and cleans better.

Remember: water and wood are not friends.  Even though laminates are now made to click together, in wet areas it is important to glue the pieces together, as the glue forms a seal, which inhibits water from seeping through the planks.  The perimeter should also be caulked, in effect turning the entire floor into a big bowl, to catch spills.

Cork is also a nice floor, but it is very expensive and not particularly doggy friendly.

Solid or Engineered wood floors are difficult to maintain in kitchens, as they scratch easily, and absorb moisture.

NOTE:  The is a huge difference between cheap laminate floors, and good stuff. Avoid the junk.  Middle of the road stuff will cost $6-7 sq. ft installed, and if the budget allows for it, the good stuff is $8-10.  Dont waste your time with the junk.

Also, if you are relatively handy, $3-4 of the above prices are labor, and laminates are a good D-I-Y project.

Laminates can be installed directly over your existing sheet vinyl floor.

Answer 7

I love the laminate wood floors.  I had them in my old kitchen and they were great.  They were easy to install, easy to keep clean and our 75lb lab couldn't have damaged them if he tried.  I have three kids as well and you know what they are capable of - we has a crayon/paint mishap and it cleaned right up.  

If you really like the look of the cork you can even get them in that style.