Are you looking for some new and interesting materials in kitchen counter tops and flooring? Then check out this helpful list of six interesting kitchen materials we’ve compiled for you.

Counter Tops:

Laminate

When you think of plastic laminate we’re sure you think of an old, ugly, cheap and inferior quality product. Who would want something like that in their kitchen? But not to worry, with today’s technology, laminate counter tops are starting to see resurgence in popularity.

Manufactures are able to do more with laminate patterns, and at a fraction of the cost of using other materials they are worth a look. Laminate counter tops can resemble natural stone, wood, or even quartz. If you’re wondering about color…wonder no more as there are many options available to choose from to suit everyone’s needs.

Travertine

Looking for a material that will give you Old World style, sophistication, and a warm inviting feeling into your kitchen? Try a travertine counter top.

Travertine is a beautiful type of limestone that’s been around for a very long time. It’s available in a variety of colors from ivory, beige, walnut, and gold. The type of finish you choose will determine the shine of the surface.

If you choose to go with a travertine counter top, keep in mind that travertine counter tops are a very high maintenance material and will require filling and sealing as it is a very porous material that stains and scratches easily.

Honed Granite

Love the look of granite counter tops, but want to try something new and different? Consider a honed granite counter top.

Honed granite counters are a twist on the traditional highly polished granite counters we are used to seeing. And just like polished granite, honed granite counter tops are just as durable and can resist heat, scratching and chipping.

Flooring:

Leather

Depending upon how you use your kitchen an interesting flooring application we’ve seen is leather flooring.

Leather is used just about everywhere from clothing and shoes, to sofas, chairs, and tables. And since it’s used everywhere, why not use it as a flooring material?

Leather flooring is a sustainable and very beautiful material that’s as durable as laminate flooring, but has the feel of cork. If you’re looking for a variety of colors to choose from you will not be disappointed, as there are many color options available as well as different size tiles, planks, and sheets.

Slate

Looking for a stone flooring material, but don’t want to go the route of marble or granite? Try slate flooring.

Slate comes from the metamorphic rock family and has typically been used as an outdoor material on roofs and other exterior surfaces.

If you’re looking for a material that requires little maintenance, then slate is good choice. Slate is waterproof and resists stains. It’s also considered a heavy duty material in the sense that you will not have to be too overly concerned about it being damaged. That’s not to say that it won’t chip or scratch, but it’s definitely a material that wears well.

Linoleum

Linoleum has been around since the 19th century. It’s made from 100% natural materials like flax seeds, which are then pressed to remove the oils from the seed husks. The oil is then mixed with finely ground wood flour and pressed into sheets or tiles.

Linoleum is a biodegradable material that’s available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and thicknesses. It’s extremely affordable, easy to install and great for kitchens or areas where spills are more common. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly product that’s easy to maintain, linoleum can be swept and damp mopped with a mild cleaner to remove any surface dirt.

The only real flaw that linoleum has is the ease at which its surface can be easily cut or marred.
Need more great ideas for your kitchen and home? Follow us on Pinterest!