While selecting the right materials for your dream kitchen is not always an easy task, it does require careful consideration. Of course you must consider the price, durability, ease of cleaning, sanitation, aesthetic appeal, and long-term maintenance. As you toss around all the different material options, it may be tempting to go with the cheapest alternative that gets the job done quick. Are stone countertops really "all that" or can you get the same appeal with a laminate countertop? Do you really need wood floors or can you get away with vinyl sheets that have a wood grain pattern? Before you go forth with these low-end alternatives, examine how you will actually use your new space. Unless you want to treat your kitchen like a museum exhibit, make sure not to use any of the following materials.
Laminate Countertops Made with heated vinyl materials that are melded to a fiberboard, laminate countertops are not a material you want in your kitchen. Yes, they're cheaper. And yes, they come in a variety of patterns and textures. You can even get some that look like stone if you're not standing too close. However, laminate countertops are not scratch-, stain-, or heat-resistant. With all the heating and slicing your kitchen will see, it doesn't take long for these countertops to peel and warp (and they're almost impossible to repair). You'll be left with having to replace your countertops once again.
Vinyl Flooring Similar to laminate countertops, vinyl flooring comes in a variety of looks and textures. From wood grain planks to easy-to-install tile sheets, vinyl is an inexpensive alternative to both hardwood and tile flooring. Unfortunately, it also does not hold up well in the kitchen very long. Susceptible to moisture, a simple leak from the dishwasher or refrigerator can create irreparable bubbling in the material. It can also yellow and become dingy over time.
Cheap Thermofoil Thermofoil is an alternative to wood cabinet doors. It is made from heated vinyl that is molded over a fiberboard or engineered wood to result in a smooth surface that is scratch resistant. It is also a material you should have in your kitchen. Cheap Thermofoil is not heat-resistant so it can delaminate when placed next to the dishwasher, it can warp and yellow over time, and in general it won't hold up well over time. Keep in mind, however, that science has made great strides with plastics and is giving Thermofoil (from trusted brands) a new reputation. It is budget-friendly and can give your kitchen the perfect streamlined look.
Flat Paint The kitchen is usually the hub of the home so naturally it sees a lot more traffic and a lot more messes. When selecting the right paint for your kitchen, choose one that is stain-resistant and easy to clean. In other words, avoid flat paint at all costs. Flat paint absorbs stains instead of resisting them, and does not handle repetitive scrubbing of a sponge or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser well (speaking from experience here, folks - it will "magically erase" more than you bargained for.) Glossier paints, such as semi-gloss or high-gloss, are far more easier to clean and should be the only paint used in the kitchen.
Carpet Whether it be an aversion to cold floors in the morning or your feet aching after standing on tile all afternoon, you might be tempted to put carpet flooring in your kitchen. However, this is not a material you should use in your kitchen since carpets are far more difficult to clean than hard surfaces and there are plenty spills and splatters that happen from cooking. There are softer, warmer materials you can use other than carpet, such as wood and cork floors, heated flooring, or cushioned mats for your work area.
Which materials will you avoid using in your kitchen?
