#Kitchen Flooring 101: Find Your Material Match

From cork to concrete, our guide will help you pick the perfect surface for your kitchen floor

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Ceramic Tile

The quintessential kitchen flooring surface, ceramic tile is a fail-safe bet for just about any style and budget. Your options for color, size, shape and pattern are virtually limitless, so you can create the look that suits you best, whether that's sleek and contemporary or lavish Old World.

Pros: Ceramic tile stands up to wear and tear, from muddy footprints to spills and splashes, like a champ and is supereasy to clean. The huge variety of low-priced options makes it one of the most affordable flooring choices. And thanks to tile's modular, DIY-friendly nature, you can easily come up with a custom pattern even on a tight budget.

Cons: Tile can crack as floors settle, and a dish or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It also can be cold and hard underfoot, so use a rug or a cushioned mat to offset the discomfort. Moisture makes tile slippery; a honed or textured surface can provide slightly more traction. Grout needs periodic sealing and special cleaning to keep stains at bay.

Cost: About $3 to $8 per square foot, uninstalled. How to Shop for Ceramic Tile