It's a floor thing...

Designer: Jackie Glisson

The kitchen renos I have taken on in the last while are still not complete. In each case, it is about finding the right carpenter and getting him to show up when you need him. It is a busy time for contractors, so we have spent the time selecting all the other important components.

Flooring has been a big issue on one of the jobs. As I see it, there are three good choices for kitchen flooring. Ceramic or stone tile (or something equally durable), wood or cork flooring, or vinyl flooring. I know vinyl is not the "hot" choice of the day, but in my opinion, nothing cleans like it, is also durable or goes down as quickly. Speed of installation is a concern for the install I am talking about. The homeowner has kids who are home for the summer, a busy family sports schedule, and needs to have someone in and out with a retrofit that will go smoothly and with the least possible interruption in family routine. The homeowner considered tile, but a sub-floor would need to go down to reduce the likelihood of nail "pops". Also, there is an element of demolition to remove the existing vinyl, and the selection of a new vinyl flooring means a quick, easier, less disruptive renovation with little damage to existing mouldings. While a tile floor can be a "forever floor", do you really want it to be your forever floor?? Do you really think you'll love it forever, and want to stay with the colours you've selected for the kitchen?? You may only lay the tile once, but therein can lie the problem...

We ruled a wood floor out immediately as the cabinets were to retain their medium dark wood finish and it would be too much wood with the installation of wooden floors. In the end, vinyl seemed the most efficient, quick solution...and when the family decides they are ready for their final floor and can stand to have major renovations, perhaps they will install tile. Like I told my client: if there was any chance they'd be selling in the near future, then I definitely would recommend they "bite the bullet" and install the tile. Buyers love tile flooring in kitchens, foyers, and bathrooms. However, as this was not the case, vinyl flooring was a good choice for this family. Flooring installers in and out in record time gives more time to do the fun stuff...like install a new eating counter, new countertops, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, etc. Quick, easy and great results!! I can hardly wait to show you the finished project...Hopefully not long now!!

photo from www.armstrong.com