Possibly the most important material you need to think about when doing an upgrade or remodel in any room is the floor. The kitchen most likely is the hub of your home, it’s where you cook family meals and gather for parties. The floor in this busy spot must withstand heavy foot traffic, dropped dishes, and spills galore. But in each room it is important to indulge your craving for style. How do you choose with so many options? Get started with these considerations. You want a floor, especially in the kitchen, that is resistant to humidity, moisture, and heat, but don’t forget to consider standing for long cooking sessions, laying on living or family room floor to watch a movie or stepping out of bed to soft comfort. Remember to check the feel of the floor as well as the look.

Your floor, besides being practical and durable, should be a major design statement. The floor you choose affects every other element of your design and with the variety of materials, colors and textures available today, your choices are nearly endless. It is important to consider:

Lifestyle

At home, you're the star of your own cooking show—and chances are sauce gets spilled, silverware gets dropped, and spouses, kids, and pets check in often. It's important to choose floors that stand up to this type of wear and tear. And if you have young children you may want to consider a nonslip floor for safety.

Your Style Sense

Choose floors that complement each room in your home, whether it's rustic and country-style or cutting-edge contemporary. Consider the size, as well as existing colors, textures, and patterns. Should the surface underfoot serve as a neutral backdrop or a vivid focal point?

Comfort

If you spend hours on your feet slicing, dicing, and stirring, consider floors with a bit of softness and resilience. Tile floors in a kitchen, for instance, can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. Wood is better for reducing leg fatigue. And resilient floors, with their elasticity, are the most comfortable for feet. Whatever you choose, a soft mat or rug can add comfort as well.

Ease of Cleaning

Between spills, tracked-in dirt and your favorite pet, floors can get pretty dirty. To minimize time spent on maintenance, choose a material that's easy to clean, water resistant, and not prone to staining.

Cost

If you're planning a remodel, your budget especially in the kitchen and bathroom is probably divided among countertops, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, and more. Where does flooring fit in the plan? Once you've determined your flooring budget, measure the room to get an idea of square footage. Remember that additional costs may apply, including underlayment, delivery, installation, and removal and disposal of your previous floor.

Wondering which type of floor you should pick? Check out the options to discover the pros, cons and best uses for each floor type available.