In today’s homes, the kitchen is not just a busy, active workspace; it’s also a gathering place for family and friends. The best floor for this room should be hardwearing, resistant to spills or stains, and easy to clean -- yet great-looking.

Here are 5 types of flooring that would work well in your kitchen in Washburn.

1. Luxury vinyl. Luxury vinyl flooring is very hot for today’s kitchens, in either plank or tile form. Available in an array of colors and patterns, vinyl kitchen floors are attractive and practical. BONUS: vinyl’s resilience minimizes back strain.

2. Waterproof hardwood. Another new trend is hardwood flooring specially treated to make it waterproof. This means you cannow enjoy the beauty and comfort of a real hardwood kitchen floor without fear of water damage.

3. Porcelainor ceramic tile. A traditional favorite is porcelain or ceramic tile. Tiled floors are stain resistant, hygienic, waterproof, and sturdy enough to stand up to heavy foot traffic. All this while adding classy good looks to your kitchen design.

4. Cork. Cork is a natural, sustainable material with the look of wood. Its cellular structure makes it highly water resistant. What’s more, it offers comfort underfoot and safety in the form of slip resistance.

5. Linoleum. A 50s favorite that’s making a strong comeback, linoleum is a biodegradable blend of linseed oil and cork powder. Beautiful, durable, and resilient ... just ensure your lino comes with a protective coating.