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kitchen photos above and below: Armstrong flooringI have spoken before on the benefits of giving your kitchen a facelift on a budget. I have three kitchen projects on the go at the moment, and choosing flooring and countertops have been an integral part of the changes these kitchens are undergoing. Aside from deciding whether or not to paint one's kitchen cabinets or leave them be, no decision affects the design outcome of a kitchen more than the right flooring and counter surface.
There are many options available to homeowners today with regards to both decisions. It seems that every decorating show you watch on television shows people pining for granite and little mention is made of the other options that are more easy on the wallet. Again, the classic options include soapstone, marble, granite, Corian (solid surface), butcher block, laminate, concrete and more! There are drawbacks to each however, whether it be price, degree of stain-resistance, durability, longevity, maintenance, and so on. By far, laminate is the most common choice for the average homeowner and has improved dramatically with regards to selection in the last decade. Laminate can mimic higher-end choices and its lower price allows for splurges on other elements such as appliances, fixtures, sinks, and cabinetry. I have laminate in my own home, as my building budget did not allow for my dream counter-top at the time,
but I have found it to be very serviceable; and if I stay in this house long enough (ha ha), there is always the option of upgrading. From a resale perspective, the products you choose should reflect the market value of your home. I have been in high end homes that were on the market, and I can assert that if your home is in the top percentile of asking prices in your area, the discerning buyer will not be satisfied with laminate countertops and vinyl flooring. If you are planning to stay in your home indefinitely, however, then by all means use the materials that you like, and enjoy the money you save by spending it on other things!!(*** above photo: my kitchen counter top... )
Likewise, if you are building a home and are concerned with resale issues, choose tile or wood flooring in your kitchen. Both have come to be expected in newer homes and installing either choice will serve you well when it comes to return on investment. Again, if you are doing a 
renovation for your own benefit and/or are simply replacing your flooring, then vinyl can be a good choice as it should not involve laying a subfloor or Ditra system as tile does, and it can be done in a matter of a couple of days. Again, there have been advancements in the quality and design choices of vinyl flooring. I have actually found myself entertaining the notion of installing a vintage style vinyl (that mimics the look of the linoleums of yesteryear) in the laundry room or bathrooms of my next home. Take your time and really have a good look around. You may be dizzy with choices with regards to flooring and countertops, but the end result will be a beautiful facelift for your kitchen...without the upheaval of a full-scale renovation.
renovation for your own benefit and/or are simply replacing your flooring, then vinyl can be a good choice as it should not involve laying a subfloor or Ditra system as tile does, and it can be done in a matter of a couple of days. Again, there have been advancements in the quality and design choices of vinyl flooring. I have actually found myself entertaining the notion of installing a vintage style vinyl (that mimics the look of the linoleums of yesteryear) in the laundry room or bathrooms of my next home. Take your time and really have a good look around. You may be dizzy with choices with regards to flooring and countertops, but the end result will be a beautiful facelift for your kitchen...without the upheaval of a full-scale renovation. Happy shopping!!!
