Soft Flooring

Soft flooring options include linoleum, vinyl, cork, and rubber. As a group, these materials provide a soft and comfortable surface that is easy on your back and legs. The variety of colors, textures, motifs, and patterns are limited only by your imagination (except for cork). As an affordable option, it can fit into any kitchen style.

Materials

LINOLEUM - Natural materials baked as a mixture of Linseed Oil and Natural Pine Resin with a filler of cork dust, powdered limestone, or wood flour, backed with jute or burlap
· Streaked, Marbled, Striated, Mottled, Flecked
· anti-microbial surface
· polished, matte finish
· tile and sheet

VINYL - Synthetic flooring made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the more PVC, the more flexibility and the higher the price
· waterproof
· resists water, oil, and most chemicals
· use cushioned vinyl for extra heat and sound insulation
· floor paints and colored pigments available
· hard finished with coats of epoxy or acrylic resins
· varieties of colors, patterns, and simulated wood and stone effects
· matte, gloss, and textured finishes
· tiles and sheets are available in a variety of sizes and widths
· non-biodegradable
· requires no sealing, but easily damaged by cigarettes, heels and heavy objects pulled across surface

CORK - natural product--grown for commercial use, cork bark is ground and combined with resins and baked
· quiet, soft, comfortable underfoot
· anti-static and non-slip
· sealing is recommended for water and stain resistance, but can be left untreated and then polished
· open texture
· natural shades in pale to dark browns, charcoal, green, and blue
· tiles are the standard format, but sheets are available
· use floor grade tiles (not wall grade)--the thicker the tile, the more suitable
· composite formats available in tile, plank, and tongue and groove

RUBBER - Synthetic conglomerate made of made of clay, silica, pigment and rubber
· hard-wearing, resistant to water and burns
· extremely resilient
· soft, warm, and quiet
· individual tiles or rolls
· thickness and backings can vary
· wide choice of colors, patterns, and textures
· textured surface is non-slip
· matte or polished finish--polished finish extends life of surface

Advantages
· available in tiles and sheets
· durable and hard-wearing--can last for generations with proper care
· low maintenance
· can create a neutral background or stylized motifs
· forgiving to some dropped items
· tile installation can be handled by the DIY'er
· subfloor needs to be sound, but does not need to be reinforced to handle these lightweight materials

Disadvantages
· easily damaged by solvents
· prevent water from getting into seams and rotting the sub floor
· cracks and chips are not easily repaired
· unsealed materials may stain
· sheet installation is better left to the pros

Costs
$ reasonably priced, affordable in a wide range of prices depending upon material and thickness
$ installation cost varies with material

ADDITIONAL READING:
· The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, by Susan Maney, published by Creative Homeowner Press.
· Floors A Design Source Book, by Elizabeth Wilhide, published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang