Must-See Kitchen Flooring Design and Material Ideas

Kitchen floors work overtime enduring spills, stains and lots of foot traffic. Ensure yours is right for the job by choosing a material that's strong and durable — such as engineered hardwood. Seen here, engineered planks have a top veneer of real wood backed by a layer of plywood that make the planks stable and the flooring less susceptible to humidity and temperature. Because most planks come with interlocking edges, this is a great option for DIYers to install.

While flooring material is a top priority, don't forget about design as well. This transitional kitchen boasts high style with fumed oak flooring in a striking chevron pattern. Dark blue lime-washed oak cabinets provide contrast against the light floors to create a visually appealing space.

Notably seen in farmhouse kitchen designs, encaustic-look tile is at the top of the trends list for not only backsplashes but also flooring. Encaustic tile is made by sealing clay and powdered glazes together via heat. Whether you choose ceramic or cement as the base of the tile, both are durable, high-style options.

The floors in this sunny, colorful kitchen are made from sustainable cork and laid out in a playful checkerboard pattern. Cork flooring is water-resistant, comfortable and resilient but needs to be resealed every three to four years to prevent scratches and stains.