Most Durable Kitchen Floors | eHow

If you like hardwood floors, consider laminate. Hardwood does not resist scratches, stains and warping well. Laminate floors are a suitable solution because they give the look of hardwood with the durability of a laminate countertop. Laminate floors have more protective resin in them and are 10 to 20 times harder than countertops, which makes them easier to maintain. Laminate costs much less than hardwood and can be easily installed over existing flooring, since it floats over it instead of being adhered to it.

Linoleum is an all natural flooring material that is inexpensive and durable. Linoleum is thicker than vinyl flooring, so it resists tears. It is the same color all the way through, so the floor won t show wear patterns. It can be polished to maintain its appearance and can be cut and installed in custom patterns and designs.

Cork is an all natural, renewable resource that is taken from the bark of the cork oak. It absorbs noise, resists mold and is springy, which makes it very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Occasional sealing is necessary to maintain the floor, but overall it is a very durable flooring option.

Tile, whether ceramic or porcelain, is the most durable, low-maintenance floor you can put in your kitchen. Tile resists spills, stains, heat, scratches and normal wear and tear. It cleans up with a damp mop, and damaged pieces can be individually replaced without affecting the entire floor. Ceramic tile is made of clay that has been glazed with a color for appearance and protection, so the color does not go all the way through. Porcelain tile is made up of a composite of materials that is formed and baked into a tile, so the color goes all the way through. Both are very durable, but porcelain tile will hide chips better than ceramic tile.