• Kitchen floors have a difficult job to do, as they must endure a great deal of heat and be able to withstand large amounts of moisture as well. Additionally, it is important to have a kitchen floor that meshes well with the theme of the home. Selecting a kitchen floor is not an easy task, especially when on a budget. Fortunately, there are multiple cost-effective options.
  
  

Vinyl Tile

• Vinyl tile floors are the least expensive option for kitchen flooring. While not as durable as some other kitchen options due to their tearing potential, vinyl floors can be designed to fit any home's appearance. Vinyl tile floors are easy to clean, as they simply require sweeping and mopping from time to time, and they are not sensitive to stronger cleaning materials. Vinyl tile floors do sometimes hide dirt in their seams, but careful mopping will take care of this. Installation of vinyl floors is simple as well, which can save money on hiring professionals to put the floor in.
  
  

Vinyl Sheet

• Vinyl sheet floors are often thicker than vinyl tile floors, making them a bit more durable. Comfort is also a big plus for vinyl sheet floors, as they do not feel hard on the feet. Cleaning vinyl sheet floors is very simple, as only sweeping and mopping is required. With fewer seams on the surface than vinyl tile floors, vinyl sheet floors are also less likely to accumulate hidden dirt and grime. Due to their extreme water resistance and their wealth of available designs, vinyl sheet floors are a great and affordable choice for kitchens, but they are a slight step up in price. Vinyl sheet floors can be tricky to install, so professional help is usually a good idea.
  
  

Laminate

• Laminate floors can be a little more expensive than either vinyl option, but they offer some unique features. Laminate floors can emulate the appearance of any type of hardwood or stone at a significantly reduced price, a fact that has made them very popular. Laminate floors are also very durable, as they do a better job at resisting dents and scratches than their vinyl counterparts. Fortunately for homeowners, laminate floors are also resistant to moisture, and they will not warp as wood does when exposed to water. Laminate floors are quite simple to install, which can also lead to savings upon initial purchase. Very easy to clean and maintain, laminate floors can last up to 30 years.