#Alternative Kitchen Floor Ideas

This rubber-cork blend is a stylish, non-slip and easy to clean flooring option. Shown: Capri cork Sequel, Biscuit. Photo courtesy of Capri cork

Want a twist on traditional kitchen floor ideas? Consider these other options.

Rubber. For contemporary kitchens, rubber floors are a good option. Choose from sheets or tiles in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. The soft and springy surface is comfortable for those who spend hours in front of the stove. Rubber withstands water and won't burn, and it's easy to clean. DIY installation is fairly simple. Some floors are made from recycled rubber; rubber-cork blends are also popular options.

Carpet Tiles. A fun and practical addition to the kitchen, carpet tiles can create customized rugs to add softness to work spaces or highlight eating areas. Choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and styles to produce any look. The backing inhibits mold and bacteria, and the tiles can be easily removed, rearranged, or replaced. Find out more about the benefits of recycled carpet tiles .

Concrete. This urban-chic kitchen floor offers the look of stone at a lower cost. Concrete can be dyed, textured, and scored to produce virtually any look imaginable. Along with its good looks, it's easy to clean and water-resistant. Concrete contributes to air quality, as it inhibits mold, mildew, and odors, and can be finished with zero-VOC sealers. Because the material absorbs heat, it can cut energy bills. And concrete floors are the absoluter best choice if you have pets or children. They can stand up to lots of abuse. You can even use a concrete slab as finished flooring .