Blog - Page 205 of 224 - Local Handyman USA

Feb 20, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Tips for Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget

Looking for a big upgrade to your kitchen on a little budget? Though the average kitchen remodel costs a startling $25,033, there are ways to achieve the Pinterest-worthy kitchen you’re looking for, for a lot less.

Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help your reinvent your cooking space on limited funds:

7 Smart Tips for Tackling a Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

1. Pick one big, must-have update, and budget around it

Most everyone has at least one must-have item in their dream kitchen. But if yours is eating into your budgeting plans, try to recenter your kitchen remodeling strategy around it – many modern kitchen looks can be achieved for a lot less than you think.

If you are dying for a new set of stainless steel appliances, but don’t have the budget to add a pretty subway tile backsplash behind it, invest in the appliances and try painting or using a tile-mimicking wallpaper to accomplish the sleek, modern look for the time being. Add a few green plants and natural wood decorative accents and you’ll be set.

You can always revisit your updates down the line, while achieving the modern feel you’re looking for right now.

2. Use peel-and-stick backsplashes or wallpaper

If you don’t want to shell out for new paint or real tile, opt for eye-catching peel-and-stick wall accents. There are plenty of options available online – some offer the 3D pop of colored or glass tile, while others convincingly mimic the ever-popular farmhouse shiplap look.

These accents are usually extremely easy to install, and with many options available at less than $1.00 per square foot, you’ll be able to give your kitchen a fresh look for less with ease.

3. Swap out light shades instead of entire fixtures

Switching up the shades on your kitchen lighting is a simple but powerful way to change the look of your cooking space. If you’re going for a warmer look, switch stark white shades for yellow or red ones.

For a modern, open feel, ditch the lampshades altogether and opt simply for decorative Edison-style lightbulbs.

Pro-Tip: When it comes to kitchen island lights, it’s important to pick the right size pendants for your island and overall kitchen space. Once you’ve chosen your pendants, you’ll also want to make sure the wire is at the right height for your ceilings – if you need help adjusting this, call an electrical professional to have it done properly.

4. Upgrade hardware instead of your entire cabinet

To breath life into your old cabinets, install new hardware with a modern finish instead of replacing them. To make sure you’re buying the right size hardware, unscrew a few of your existing knobs or drawer pulls and take them to the hardware store with you.

Don’t want to buy all new hardware? Spray paint your existing hardware for an affordable yet stylish update (black-painted hardware looks stunning on white-painted cabinets).

Pro-Tip: While you’ve got your hardware removed, add a coat of paint to your cabinets to freshen them up – this is much cheaper and easier than refinishing or replacing them. Need help? Call a painting professional for an expert’s touch.

5. Choose a floating floor to install over your existing one

If your existing floor is level and in good shape, but just doesn’t match your style anymore, opt for floating click-lock flooring to save money on flooring removal.

Several kitchen flooring options can be installed over existing, level surfaces, including laminate or luxury vinyl planks (which are both incredibly budget-friendly flooring materials). These planks are designed to simply sit, or float, on top of the existing surface without the use of adhesives or finishing nails.

Pro-Tip: Depending on the condition and material of your existing flooring, this may not be an option for all homes – consult a flooring professional to help gauge whether this can be done in your kitchen.

6. Opt for battery-powered under-cabinet lighting

Remember: no one will ever see your under-cabinet lighting. Ever. So if you want to shed some light on your working kitchen areas without shedding too much cash, opt for stick-on, battery-powered under-cupboard lights to save a little more on your kitchen remodel.

The best part is that you can always remove the lights and install fancier, hardwired options down the line.

7. Don’t DIY major installations

Lastly, while it may be tempting to cut corners on flooring, cabinet or countertop installations, DIY-ing this type of work is an easy way to wind up in the red on your remodeling project.

Improperly installing flooring or other kitchen features can result in a damaged subfloor and ruined materials.

The worst part? If you have not followed your installation instructions to the letter, you can void the manufacturer’s warranty, meaning you’ll have to pay for all of your flooring, cabinet or countertop materials all over again.

Additionally, there are a number of important housing codes to pay attention to when updating your kitchen.

For example, permanent kitchen islands are usually required to have electrical outlets installed within the island – this is to prevent cords on kitchen appliances from being run across walkways, which can be dangerous if pulled down by a pet or child.

If you violate these codes by DIY-ing an installation, it can make it difficult to sell your home down the line, or worse, put your family in danger.

We cannot stress this enough: do not DIY major kitchen installations. You’ll save more money in the long run by hiring a remodeling services professional to do it right the first time.

For help with your kitchen remodel, call the experts at Handyman Connection

While some things can be DIY-ed, being realistic about your handyman skills can be crucial to saving money in the long run. Whether you need help reaching and switching your light shades or want a full flooring installation for your new kitchen, Handyman Connection can help.

With locations across the United States and Canada, we’re your local connection to the top home maintenance, repair and remodeling craftsmen in your area and we’ll help you get the job done right the first time.

The post Tips for Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Feb 20, 2020 admin Uncategorized

First Homes Scheme Will Not Accelerate Affordable Homes, Says Shelter

Affordable homes will not improve under scheme, government warned

Around 96% of average earners in England will still be unable to afford a home under the government’s new First Homes scheme, the charity Shelter reports.

The First Homes scheme, which has been described by housing secretary Robert Jenrick as “genuinely life-changing for people all over the country”, aims to deliver affordable homes for first-time buyers across England.

Successful applicants will be given 30% off new build homes, which could provide a saving of £94,000. The government is prioritising access for military veterans and key workers including nurses, police officers and firefighters.

But Shelter claims that the scheme will actually reduce affordable housing for first-time buyers because the houses will be unaffordable for a vast number of low-income workers.

The charity’s research found that, in most areas across England, someone on an average salary (around £28,000) or lower could not afford one of these homes, which would still require a significant deposit. New-build properties in England cost £314,000, on average.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, wrote in The Observer: “Our analysis shows that in 96% of the country someone on an average salary could not afford to buy one of these new-build homes, even with 30% lopped off the market price, and certainly not the key workers that the government talks about, unless they are at manager level.

“At a time when we desperately need properly affordable housing, policymakers are looking to give a lucky few a 30% discount on what are still going to be incredibly expensive homes. And let’s be clear about who the lucky few are. Not those facing a monthly struggle to afford their rent.”

Affordable Homes Needs to be a Priority

With UK house prices close to an all-time high, the government is under pressure to deliver affordable housing to struggling first-time buyers in the UK.

Following the Conservative Party’s General Election win in December, Boris Johnson pledged to continue striving to build 300,000 homes a year, but a recent consultation on the First Homes scheme did not contain any homebuilding targets.

A consultation into the scheme is currently ongoing and will close at 11:45pm on 3 April, 2020. More details will hopefully be disclosed in due course that assuage experts’ fears about the scheme’s impact on affordable housing.

For many struggling first-time buyers, self build offers an alternative way to create your dream home. Self build can also help aspiring homeowners save up to 30% on market value.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Feb 20, 2020 admin Uncategorized

UK Homes Lose Heat up to Three Times Faster than European Homes

Heating systems in the UK not as efficient as in Europe

UK homes are colder than European homes, even when factoring in outside temperatures, according to research from smart home thermostat company Tado.

The company compared the efficiency of over 80,000 homes between Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 and found that a UK home with an indoor temperature of 20°C and an outside temperature of 0°C lost an average 3°C after five hours. This means that British heating systems have to work harder to maintain the warmth.

Compared with Germany, UK homes lost heat up to three times as fast, and Tado has called for new technology to be widely integrated into new homes to ensure better energy efficiency.

“The UK is a leader in smart technology adoption but is lagging behind Europe when it comes to energy efficient homes”, says Tado co-founder Christian Deilmann.

“The good news is that there are lots of great solutions available and a huge opportunity for energy savings to be made.”

Heating Your Self Build

Choosing a heating system for your self build or renovation project is a key decision, and will depend on your budget. Ultimately though, ensuring your home’s heating is energy efficient will help to save your long-term costs.

Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular option for self builders, and air source heat pumps provide an alternative to gas boilers (which will be banned from new builds from 2025) that are renewable and can make a home more energy efficient.

Home insulation and energy efficiency are also key challenges for the government. New build homes built to cut carbon emissions could have saved over £200 a year on energy bills, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit revealed last year, yet the Committee on Climate Change reports that only 2% of UK homes have top energy efficiency ratings.

Energy efficiency has improved in homes during the last 20 years, according to last month’s English Housing Survey, although the improvement has slowed in recent years.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

The Top 6 Kitchen Shelving Trends in 2020

Creating storage is the best way to improve any space, and that’s especially true for your kitchen. But if you’re not looking to spring for a new set of large, bulky cabinets, shelves are an affordable, space-saving alternative that – when installed correctly – can add style to any kitchen area.

Not sure which shelves to choose for your space? Here are some kitchen shelving trends and ideas to look into:

6 Shelving Trends to Bring Your Kitchen Into The New Decade

1. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are one of the most popular kitchen shelving trends as of late. These are shelves that aren’t attached to anything and instead are mounted to the wall. Floating shelves are also a great way to add a pop of shine or texture to your space, as they come in a variety of styles including traditional wood, brass and even copper.

2. Convert Cabinets to Open Shelving

A cost-effective way to dip your toe into the open shelving movement is to turn your existing cabinets into open shelves. It can open up the space and make it easier for you to grab what you want and go, without drastically changing the space.

Important Note:
Converting cabinets to open shelves involves more than just taking the doors and hinges off. If done incorrectly, you can permanently damage your cabinets, ruining the look of your kitchen and reducing the value of your home. Make sure to do your homework ahead of time, and if you’re not up to the task, call an expert to handle your custom storage needs.

3. High-Perimeter Shelving

Looking for a stylish but functional way to store your most beautiful china? Opt for high shelving all around the perimeter of your kitchen. This kitchen shelving trend is popular in kitchens with tall ceilings, and makes for a great place to store (and show off) delicate glassware like champagne flutes, decorative plates and other unique kitchenware.

4. Above-Sink Storage

The area above the sink is oftentimes an overlooked space. Consider adding a small shelf above the sink – either directly above the sink or hanging over your head – to store soap or other cleaning supplies. If there’s a window in front of your sink, use the ledge to grow your favorite cooking herbs like basil, chives or mint.

5. Hooks or Racks

If you don’t like the idea of adding multiple shelves to your kitchen, look into hooks or racks to hang dishes, pots, pans or other necessary items. This makes them easy to grab and gives the space a more three-dimensional look.

6. Shelf-Drawer Combination

Finally, the shelf-drawer is the perfect option for those who want the best of both open and closed storage. You can keep your bartender set or kitchen organizer on the surface, and store things like cocktail or recipe books, cooking spoons and other smaller kitchen items in the drawers.

Need help with your kitchen remodeling ideas? Call Handyman Connection

Whether you need help hanging a few hooks and racks or need an expert’s touch to install those high-perimeter shelves, give us a call. Handyman Connection offers a variety of home remodeling services, including flooring services, electrical rewiring, shelf installation and more – find a location near you today.

The post The Top 6 Kitchen Shelving Trends in 2020 appeared first on Handyman Connection.

Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Brick That Builds Itself Could Increase Construction of Sustainable Homes

Construction technique could advance sustainable homes

A brick that can build itself has been developed by US scientists which could eventually lead to the construction of more sustainable homes.

Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) have invented a self-replicating brick that pulls carbon dioxide from the air, rather than pumping it back out.

The technology, detailed in the journal Matter, could eventually be harnessed to form a strategy to develop building materials that live and multiply, lowering the carbon footprint in the atmosphere.

“Though this technology is at its beginning, looking forward, living building materials could be used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of building material production and could allow materials to sense and interact with their environment,” said Chelsea Heveran, lead author of the study and former postdoctoral research assistant at CU Boulder, now at Montana State University.

How Does it Work?

The brick is made of a Synechococcus bacteria which, when combined with sand, gelatin and saltwater, photosynthesises and produces a compound called calcium carbonate, the main compound in cement.

The brick is a mix of sand, bacteria and sunlight. When the Synechococcus bacteria combines with the sand, gelatin and saltwater, photosynthesis produces a compound called calcium carbonate, the main compound in cement.

The combination of sand and gelatin creates an environment where the bacteria can inhabit and multiply across. With a few tweaks, the calcium carbonate formed mineralises the gelatin which binds together the sand, creating a brick.

And this brick’s materials can reproduce. When the researchers cut one of the bricks in half, each half was capable of growing into a new brick. They are durable too: roughly 9-14% of bacterial colonies in their materials were still alive after 30 days.

Construction: A New Future?

Because living building materials considerably reduce carbon emissions, the technique is a fascinating development for the future of homebuilding. And the researchers hope it could be used in areas worldwide where materials, energy and money are not always freely available for aspiring homeowners and homebuilders.

There is still some way to go before the technology will be widely utilised within homebuilding, but it further evidences the incredible steps being made to improve the construction industry.

Earlier this year it was announced that the first 3D printed community will be developed in Mexico, enabling low-cost housing to be built, while the world’s first smart fungal building will be built in Bristol, with carbon-free fungi grown inside the building’s structure.

Developments like these are important because in the UK, affordable housing remains a pressing concern. House prices are close to being at an all-time high, and because of the steep deposits required, many choose to self build or custom build their own homes as a way of saving on costs.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Government Warned New Immigration System Could Threaten Construction Industry

Construction workers could be under threat from new UK Immigration system

The government’s new points-based immigration system poses a threat to the construction industry, industry experts have warned.

The new system announced today, which is due to take effect from January 2021, will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions. Visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points.

The Migration Observatory estimates that 9% of workers who come from EU countries currently work in skilled construction and building trades, and this new system could restrict access to the UK for EU construction workers.

Home secretary Priti Patel this morning said that while the government was “no longer going to have a route for low-skilled workers to come to the UK”, she denied this would be the end of European builders arriving in Britain, who will be able to get jobs with construction companies rather than being self-employed.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Today’s announcement that there will no longer be a route for ‘low skill’ workers to come to the UK after next year will hamper the construction industry’s capacity to deliver on key projects.

“We will need general labourers as much as architects or surveyors. They are a core part of the construction industry and it’s simply unrealistic to assume the domestic workforce will fill this gap in the next nine months.”

How Will This Affect Homebuilding?

The homebuilding industry has enjoyed a strong start to 2020, with housing named the best performing area of the construction sector, and 37% of builders predicting higher workloads over the next year.

But this announcement has caused concern that the valuable construction workers needed to build homes could be restricted. Tom Hadley, director of policy at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: “We need access to workers that can help us look after the elderly, build homes and keep the economy strong.

“Jobs the government considers ‘low-skilled’ are vital to wellbeing and business growth. The announcement threatens to shut out the people we need to provide services the public rely on.”

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) also warned that the construction industry, alongside care, hospitality and food and drink companies, could be most affected by the changes.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Flat roof benefits and maintenance to help avoid repairs or damage

Flat roofs are a great choice for either a budget-friendly new roof or as a roof for a new extension. It is a quick and easy option to install, has a great return on value and compliments many decors. In fact, flat roofs are currently popular in home design. Like any roof, though, to retain its value, it must be properly maintained! Flat roofs particularly, can have costly repairs if left uncared for.

Pristine Roofing and Siding in Winnipeg are roofing experts for any repairs, installations or new construction. They share some maintenance tips to help keep your flat roof in top shape:

Flat roof benefits

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a flat roof is that it is an extremely budget-friendly option. Because the materials needed are cheaper, the installation quicker and the labour cost less expensive, it’s overall a very low-cost roof. Plus, another benefit is it can double as additional space. From a second outdoor space, a rooftop garden or an area to install your AC, a flat roof can double in its uses. It’s even an ideal space to install solar panels to save even more money on electricity!

Preventative maintenance is key

As with most maintenance, preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid it getting damaged or needing repairs. With flat roofs, in particular, catching minor issues early on will save plenty of expenses before the problem worsens. The best way to do so is to call in a professional for a routine roof inspection bi-annually. You want your roof winter-ready, as snow has the potential to cause problems, also in the spring as things warm up and melt. Make sure to always get any repairs done, no matter how minor they may seem. Most problems will be obvious, but some issues can be less so. Take a look at these silent signs that there is something wrong with your roof.

Remove snow during the winter

With areas that get lots of snow during the winter, it’s important to keep your flat roof clear. Too much snow build-up will apply pressure to your flat roof that can risk collapse in extreme cases. There is also the risk of snow melting and potentially causing ponding or freeze-thawing. Heavy snow weight on your roof can cause it to bow and result in ponds of water accumulating on the roof. If left alone, this can risk leaks and resulting water damage to your structure.

Freeze-thawing is where the snow melts but then quickly freezes again. As the water freezes, it will expand, and if it gets into any cracks, this causes further damage. Taking care to remove snow regularly from your roof will help avoid such risks occurring. Either clear the snow yourself or hire a professional to help safely remove any snow build-up.

Clear off any debris or dirt

Aside from keeping your roof clean, this is a great way to inspect your roof regularly. Too much debris build-up can add unwanted weight to your roof or invite unwanted pests. Sweep away any leaves or dirt to help keep the area clean, and inspect the roof for any cracks or loose screws. If you have a drainage system in place, make sure that it is also kept clear. A blocked drainage system means your roof won’t be able to drain properly, which invites the risk of water damage.

Roofers in Winnipeg

Pristine Roofing and Siding have over 20 years of service and experience for all roofing needs and problems. They offer roofing repairs, siding services, soffit and fascia and more. Whatever your needs, they have the experience and skills to help. Pristine Roofing and Siding prides themselves in ensuring your home is the safest it can be and at its highest value.

Contact them today for a free estimate and quote!

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Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Major renovation ideas: custom build, infill or renovate

Custom, major renovations are the perfect way to transform your home into your dream home. That being said, if you are looking for a major change in your home, there are also other options. Building a brand-new home or a custom infill are also potentials when it comes to transforming or creating a dream home!

Corefront Custom Homes and Renovations in Calgary are a professional custom renovations company. They offer kitchen, bathroom and full home renovations as well as new build services.

They share some questions to ask when deciding between a major renovation, a new custom build or an infill:

What is the cost comparison and timeframe?

Having a budget is essential if you are considering a custom build. Take a look at the amount of time and money that a major renovation would need and take versus a custom infill or new home. If you have some serious changes planned for your home, then it might be more cost-effective to build a new custom home instead. On the other hand, if your reno plans are within scope, then a major renovation will do just fine. If you love your home and don’t mind the renovation process, then there’s no reason to move. But, if you love the idea of starting from scratch and building up, then go for that!

What is your neighbourhood value like?

Both personally and financially, it’s important to first consider your neighbourhood. Is it still a place that you love and provides all you need, or have you outgrown what it offers? You can spend money to change your home, but you can’t change your neighbourhood as easily. Sometimes, the location just doesn’t fit anymore, so put that budget towards a new home instead.

Consider the overall resale value of your area? If you are planning to transform your home into a luxury mansion in an old neighbourhood, will the future resale pay off? Just because you have a beautiful home, it may still be out of market pricing based on where you live. First, take a look at the homes in your area and see what sort of changes they’ve made or are missing. From there, incorporate those ideas and factors into your plans.

What is your reason to renovate?

This question is probably what started the renovation idea, but it’s important to know why exactly. Are you looking to increase your home’s value? Improve your lifestyle or repair an old house? If it’s for a value boost or to update the wallpaper, then a major renovation can provide just that. You can easily customize and change your home to suit your wants and needs, without the hassle of a move.

If it’s about improving lifestyle, then that can be both a major renovation, or it may mean investing in a custom home. To help choose between either option, consider your long-term plans. Do you intend to stay in your home or area for many more years to come? Or do you see yourself moving down the road? If you intend to stay, then a major renovation can give you what you need. If you plan to move, why not save your money and invest it in that new home? No matter if you choose to renovate or build new, you want to be prepared. Here are some tips to help plan a successful renovation!

Major Renovations in Calgary

At Corefront Custom Homes and Renovations, no matter what the project, they have a simple solution. Together they will turn your dream into a design with a budget and scope and then turn that plan into a working project. They will guide you through every step of the way and process to ensure you get exactly what you want. When you work with Corefront Custom Homes and Renovations, you are guaranteed to get your dream home.

Contact them today and request a quote for your new home!

More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

Click to Find >>> Major Renovations in Calgary.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Feb 19, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Must-have custom cabinet features for your kitchen

Renovating your home is an investment that can and will pay off. With kitchen renovations, in particular, adding custom cabinets is a very worthwhile investment with a great return. Plus, with custom cabinets allow for features and additions you wouldn’t get with regular stock cabinetry.

Accord Cabinets in Winnipeg professionally design, manufacture and install custom cabinets. They share some must-have features for your custom kitchen cabinets:

Custom island storage

Having an island in your kitchen works great as a featured centrepiece, and as a way of adding more counter space. It’s also a great place to sit, entertain or work. More than that, a kitchen island allows for additional, much-needed storage space.

Since an island has deep storage potential, use it for items that need lots of space. Add custom drawers, shelves or cupboards along the edges of your island for handy storage. Install your waste container drawer in the island or make the most of deeper drawers for pots and pans. Slide-out drawers with dividers inside will also let you easily store and access any big trays.

Custom pull-out shelving

Adding a custom pull-out in your kitchen lets you make the most of small areas without taking up valuable space. Rather than a spice rack on your counter, build a custom pull-out and fill it with spices instead. Need an out-of-the-way place for cleaning products? Fill your pull-out with those supplies instead!

Pull-out shelving also allows easy access to everything you have stored in the cabinet. You won’t have to take things out to get something from the back. You can also save yourself a lot of bending and reaching and will love how organized your kitchen storage can be.

Custom corner storage

Don’t let corner storage go to waste just because the location may seem inconvenient to work with. Most corner spaces in the kitchen have plenty of storage potential, making them perfect for a custom solution. Lazy Susan’s are ideal for shallower corners, while a corner organizer can easily fit into deeper nooks. If you like the idea of drawers, then pull-out corner drawers will work just as well. Not only do you get the benefit of the visual design appeal, but it’s just as functional and useful!

Customize size and use by nearby appliances

For custom kitchen cabinets, you can customize your cabinets based on what appliances they are near to. Not only will potential buyers or homeowners appreciate nearby storage, but it’s also a convenient addition. Install deep drawers by the stove for bigger pots and pans, and a slide-out drawer for trays. Near the dishwashers, combine drawers and pull-outs for dishes storage, cutlery drawers, or towels. Whatever you tend to use the most with those appliances, should be conveniently stored nearby. Take a look at these other clever custom kitchen storage solutions for even more ideas!

Custom Cabinets in Winnipeg

At Accord Cabinets, they pride themselves on their dedication to their work and their customers. With every job, they guarantee the highest quality of work and attention to detail. Whatever their customers’ needs or wants, Accord Cabinets strives to provide just that. From custom kitchen cabinets, bathrooms or closets, they have a custom solution for every storage need!

Contact Accord Cabinets today for a free quote!

More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

Click to Find >>> Custom Cabinets in Winnipeg.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Feb 18, 2020 admin Uncategorized

Best Kitchen Flooring Options for 2020

One of the most important and long-lasting choices you’ll make while remodeling your kitchen is the flooring. But which kitchen flooring option is best for your home?

While a remodeling services company will be able to help you better understand which materials will work best in your kitchen, here are a few choices (and tips) to consider ahead of time:

5 Timeless Kitchen Flooring Options to Consider

Hardwood (The Stylish Option)

Simply put, hardwood floors are gorgeous. While a more expensive option, hardwood floors add a lot of style to your kitchen. Just be sure to choose a hardwood flooring option that is hard enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. You’ll also want to make sure your hardwood is properly sealed and finished by a remodeling expert to protect it from spills.

What type of hardwood is best for kitchens?

Oak and maple are affordable, durable hardwood flooring options for the kitchen. They are considered hardwoods, as opposed to softwoods like cedar, pine and spruce.

Softwoods tend to dent more easily, are more susceptible to scuffs, scrapes and moisture than hardwoods, and are not ideal in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Average Lifespan: 50 to 100 years, with refinishing every 10 years or so (solid hardwood)
Average Cost: $3 – $10 per square foot (oak and maple)

Linoleum (The Eco-Friendly Option)

The word might trigger memories of your parents’ kitchen, but the truth is linoleum has come a long way in the last century. Though it fell out of favor in the 1950s, linoleum has recently become popular again due to its eco-friendly manufacturing materials: solidified linseed oil, pine resin, cork dust, wood flour and natural mineral fillers.

It comes in three different styles – sheets, tiles and planks (or panels) – and is incredibly durable and easy to clean. In fact, linoleum has naturally antibacterial properties, making it a great option for the budget-conscious-yet-germ-averse homeowner.

What type of linoleum is best for kitchens?

Linoleum is very durable, but if you’re worried about scratches showing over the years, choose a linoleum with a varied color pattern for your kitchen flooring; this will hide flaws more effectively than solid colors.

As for the style, linoleum sheets are the most popular option due to the number of color choices available, but tiles and planks are fine options for the kitchen as well.

If you’re not a fan of the noise linoleum makes when walked on, you may want to choose cork-backed floating linoleum planks to soften sounds while you’re hustling around your kitchen.

Average Lifespan: 20 to 40 years
Average Cost: $5 – $7 for sheets or planks; $3 – $5 for tiles

Tile (The Durable Option)

Porcelain or ceramic tile is a solid, stylish and sturdy flooring option that can stand up to the messes and tests of almost any kitchen. They’ll stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making your kitchen a more comfortable space to cook year round.

What type of tile flooring is best for kitchens?

Tile’s durability is often classed using the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) abrasion test. There are 5 groups of tile – the higher the number, the higher the tile’s durability.

For kitchen flooring, you’ll want to choose a tile that is either PEI-3 or PEI 4-rated. PEI 5-rated tile is the hardest, but typically only used in industrial settings.

Average Lifespan: 75 to 100 years
Average Cost: $7 – $20 per square foot

Did You Know?

While DIY-ing flooring installs has become popular, you can actually void your flooring material’s warranty with an improper installation, meaning you’ll have to re-purchase all your flooring material and start from scratch.
When hiring kitchen remodeling services, make sure to contact an expert flooring professional to handle your installation.

Vinyl (The Budget-Friendly Option)

In many ways, vinyl is one of the top price performers when it comes to kitchen flooring.

It is affordable to buy and less labor-intensive for a flooring expert to install. It’s fairly durable and is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens with lots of spills (read: lots of little ones).

Plus, certain luxury vinyl types can mimic more expensive flooring options like hardwood or ceramic tile, adding a lot of style for less of your budget.

What type of vinyl flooring is best for kitchens?

Like linoleum, vinyl is a resilient flooring type, which means it is softer than non-resilient types like hardwood or tile. Because of this, you’ll want to choose a rigid core vinyl for your kitchen flooring. Rigid core vinyl has a sturdy, firm center that will stand up to heavy wear and tear over the years.

Average Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Average Cost: $2.50 – $5 per square foot

Laminate (The Faux Hardwood Option)

Laminate is very similar to vinyl in look, price and installation type. Both are installed usually via click-lock planks and are similarly durable against foot traffic, and though vinyl is 100% waterproof, laminate is water-resistant enough to withstand spills in the kitchen. And like vinyl, laminate can even mimic the look of real hardwood with its photo-realistic top layers.

So what’s the big difference? The feel – laminate is made of 99% wood products (particle board), giving it a sturdier, warmer feel underfoot than vinyl, for a fraction of the price of real hardwood.

What type of laminate flooring is best for kitchens?

Most laminates are fairly similar, but when installing laminate, you can choose to use a premium underlayment to provide a sound barrier between floors, and make your laminate sound more like hardwood when walked on.

Average Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Average Cost: $3 – $8 per square foot

Other Things to Think About When Choosing Kitchen Flooring

Maintenance: Looking for simple, easy-to-clean flooring? Linoleum is a naturally antibacterial, no-fuss flooring option compared to hardwood.
Cost: Looking to stick to a budget? Vinyl and linoleum are going to be your best bet compared to tile or hardwood.
Moisture-Resistance: While all of these options naturally resist moisture, linoleum and vinyl are virtually 100% moisture-resistant, making them great options if your kitchen shares a door with your mudroom or home’s exterior.
Durability: Beyond that, you should also think about your day-to-day life. Do you have kids or pets running through your kitchen? Choose a hard, glazed tile or a tough hardwood that will stand up to pet claws and Tonka truck wheels.
Style: Is there a certain look that you’re going for? Hardwood tends to be a much more universally stylish option than some of the lower-maintenance flooring choices.

Ready to install your new kitchen floor? Call Handyman Connection

Whatever options you’re considering for your kitchen floor, Handyman Connection is happy to help. We offer various flooring and remodeling services for just about every room in the house, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements and more. Learn more about our expert home maintenance, repair and remodeling services today.

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