Natural textures are one of the top flooring trends that’ll be taking over in 2025. They connect people to the outdoors by establishing a calming, earthy feel inside the home. To create this aesthetic in kitchens where the family might spend most of their time, lots of homeowners are experimenting with less traditional flooring options like bamboo. Bamboo is sustainable and a renewable natural material, bringing an organic touch to kitchen floors. Plus, bamboo floors are more budget-friendly than high-end options like genuine hardwood.
But HGTV Canada expert Mike Holmes recommends thinking twice before installing bamboo flooring in your kitchen. A kitchen floor should have unwavering durability since it will be in a space that sees a lot of foot traffic. And while bamboo makes for beautiful flooring, it does have its drawbacks when it comes to performance. On his blog Make It Right, Holmes explained, “Like wood, bamboo is prone to moisture damage and may not be an ideal choice for kitchens.” This means that bamboo floors require a lot of regular maintenance and could easily be compromised in demanding conditions. Holmes said high-grade is the only type of bamboo floor that should be considered for a kitchen, but it may be wise to choose another flooring type altogether.
Read more: Mike Holmes’ Favorite Bathroom Remodel Features He Thinks Are Worth Installing
Bamboo Flooring Could Be Easily Damaged
A kitchen with bamboo floors – Onurdongel/Getty Images
Even though bamboo comes from the Earth, it is sensitive to the elements when it is turned into flooring. The picturesque visual can start to fade if it is exposed to direct sunlight for too long. Bamboo floors may also see occasional scratches and can buckle or crack in too much heat. Bamboo is slightly more resistant to moisture than authentic hardwood, but can still be warped if exposed to water. These are all important to consider if your kitchen is a busy space that sees a lot of traffic, especially from kids and pets.
But some may have their heart set on a bamboo floor because it is unique, rustic, and beautiful while being less expensive than hardwood. If you’re already committed to having this type of flooring in your kitchen, be aware of bamboo’s limitations brought up by Mike Holmes so you can get the most out of the product. Bamboo flooring has a delicate composition so be careful if you are having it refinished. Plus, engineered bamboo floors should not be refinished as this will weaken the floor. Instead, opt for prefinished bamboo flooring. If any moisture hits the floor’s surface, clean it up immediately so the floor will not swell. To prevent scratches, add felt pads at the bottom of furniture legs that will reside on the floor. Further, be sure to avoid harsh cleaning ingredients that will ruin bamboo floors like pure vinegar, as well as unsuited methods like steam cleaning.
What Flooring Should You Choose For The Kitchen?
A kitchen with a black and white tile floor and wooden dining table – Nickylloyd/Getty Images
There are countless flooring options to choose from. But what is the best choice for a kitchen space? The answer may be different for each person, and taking a look at your lifestyle can help. Consider how much foot traffic your kitchen will see — does your home have multiple children running around? Ask yourself if there is a certain design or color scheme that you are hoping to achieve in the kitchen. This can help you eliminate visuals that would feel out of place on your kitchen floor.
The durable flooring HGTV’s Mike Holmes recommends for kitchens is a timeless ceramic or porcelain tile. Tiles are strong, waterproof, and long-lasting. They come in an unlimited number of colors, styles, patterns, and shapes so homeowners can achieve the exact look they’ve been searching for. Vinyl floors, primarily luxury vinyl tiles, have also become a favorite flooring choice of late. The product is available in styles that are identical to hardwood visuals and textures, but at a lower price. Also, vinyl floors are resistant against water and don’t require as much maintenance because of their durability and strength.
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