• When you're remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, your flooring choice is important. It must be functional as well as stylish. These rooms provide unique challenges when you're searching for an appropriate material. They are high-traffic areas that have a lot of moisture. For these reasons, certain types of flooring are recommended over others. Shopping for the best option isn't difficult. There are a variety of floor coverings available that work well in these rooms.
  
  

Vinyl

• Sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles are an economical flooring choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Many people choose vinyl because laying it down is a project you can do yourself, without having to hire someone to help. There are hundreds of patterns, colors and styles available. Vinyl is also stain and scuff resistant, as well as easy to maintain with regular washing.
  
  

Ceramic Tile

• There are a variety of tiles that you can choose from that are appropriate for a bathroom or kitchen. Ceramic tile is very popular because it is budget-friendly, yet looks rich. Different textures, sizes and colors are widely available, allowing you to customize the look of your flooring. Tinted grouts are available to further expand the options to create your own custom floor design.
  
  

Stone

• Beautiful stone floors can enhance a bathroom or kitchen with their luxurious appearance. Marble, granite and limestone are a few types of stone commonly used for flooring. Stone floors are at the high end of the cost scale and cost considerably more than other options, but they wear well and can last a long time before they need to be replaced. When considering stone flooring, you should be sure to think carefully about the room where it will be installed. Stone tends to be slippery, especially when wet. However there are naturally textured stones available that are more suitable for a bathroom floor. Stone can also be sandblasted to create texture.
  
  

Laminate

• Laminate wood flooring resembles hardwood, but can be less expensive. It is a better choice than hardwood for areas that have a lot of moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring resists shrinkage and swelling caused by moisture. It is also durable and scratch-resistant. The base of laminate floor is made from wood chips. The second layer is a special type of paper that contains resin. This paper is designed to look like whatever type of wood fits your décor, such as cherry or oak. The top layer is a protective coat called the "wear layer." It is a clear coat of melamine that resists water and stains. It gives laminate flooring its durability. Many people opt to install laminate flooring by themselves, but for a high-moisture area like a bathroom, there might be special installation procedures.