I'm replacing the flooring in my house prior to putting it on the market. I currently have sheet vinyl, and have to replace it (the dogs fault, long story short). I would like to try and get the most 'bang for my buck' when I sell, so I'm thinking about upgrading..
I found a really good deal on vinyl 'click' wood flooring, but it's a pretty close match to my current cabinets. Does that matter? I've attached a pic of the cabinets & proposed flooring, and one of the current kitchen.
Lowell, MA · Member since 2015 · 29 posts · 14 votes
9y
Hey Jay J. ,
As a kitchen designer, I typically shy away from anything closer than 3 shades darker or lighter than the cabinets. Have you considered painting the cabinets? That would give you the contrast you need without breaking the bank.
Good luck!
Colin
Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
Your photos don't show up completely for me, but it looks like the floor is a shade lighter than the cabinets. I think it will look ok, however in my previous area, that golden oak color is not in style at all, floor or cabinet wise. What is the flooring in the rest of the house?
I understand about the cabinets, and honestly, I'm not a huge fan of them myself, but its not worth replacing. The rest of the house is carpet. Bathrooms are the same vinyl..
Lowell, MA · Member since 2015 · 29 posts · 14 votes
9y
Hey Jay J. ,
As a kitchen designer, I typically shy away from anything closer than 3 shades darker or lighter than the cabinets. Have you considered painting the cabinets? That would give you the contrast you need without breaking the bank.
Good luck!
Colin
I would go for a contrast in colors. However, I would decide on the floor material first and they check your color options.
I may be in the minority here at BP on this, but I prefer tile for wet areas. It is pretty easy to replace 1 tile if someone drops their anvil on it. Plus you can buy a few boxes and use them as needed.
Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 98 posts · 24 votes
9y
Typically you would want to go something with a bit more contrast than that if you're staying in the same color family (I wouldn't recommend) you at least want the wood type to be different. Otherwise everything blends together. My two cents but I'm 4th generation in the wood flooring business and that's advice we give to all our customers.
Developer · Little Ferry, NJ · Member since 2016 · 426 posts · 226 votes
9y
@Brian Pulaski@Jay J. Hey, so what I like is to do is have seamless kitchens. This is my preference but I see that lots of people are doing it too now. This is cheap house that I did and looks like its a wealthier finish. It's very very basic and it's nice. Can someone guess the price point for this property? I recommending making everything flow if possible.
Another thing is kitchen cabinets should CONTRAST counter. If you have dark cabinets, white counter, and vise versa. Sometimes I do totally white kitchen but it doesn't look that nice because everything blends into each other.
Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
@Mateusz Prawdzik you sent me a link to that address so guessing for me would be cheating. :)
With that said I have been on a light cabinet, dark floor kick lately. I like the look and the buyers seemed to like it to.
How big is your kitchen? If you have to replace the flooring anyway, and it is not very large, why not spend a little more and make it nicer? If you're talking about a 100SF or less space, this isn't a lot of money and can help a sale!
Developer · Little Ferry, NJ · Member since 2016 · 426 posts · 226 votes
9y
I agree, there is definitely something on craigslist or maybe some cabinet distributors have something in stock that they are trying to get rid of for cheap. You never know until you ask. It's going to be a little bit more work to replace the whole kitchen, but the value will go up W/O a doubt.
Thanks for everyone's input !! As Bob & Alec recommended, I've decided (I think.. lol) on a lighter shade of wood, almost gray-like..
Its $1.49/sqft.. I just have to ask and make sure its ok for kitchens (potential wetness..) - lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-12-83-in-W-x-4-27-ft-L-Gisbren-Travertine-Embossed-Tile-Look-Laminate-Flooring/1000202009
In response to Mateusz & Brian's questions / comments - Its not 'worth it' in time or effort to replace anything more in the kitchen. I've talked with my agent and there isn't enough upside to make it worth doing..
If you are worried about wear and tear or water the Luxury Vinyl Tile Plank flooring is a great look and is waterproof and will last a really long time. In the end this particular floor costs slightly more money at 1.98 per sq. ft. but I think it's probably worth it.
Just my 2 cents but I like the gray look although you might think about painting your cabinets white. I did my cabinets that were some older standard oak looking cabinets like yours are and it made a huge difference and was a very inexpensive fix we spent maybe 100 on paint (use a good quality and probably 3 coats) then 100 on new door handles and it looks like a new kitchen add in some modern gray floors and it will totally change the look of your kitchen.
Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
@Jay J. sorry, I didn't mean change everything, I meant spend a little more in a better floor, verse just using a floor you got a deal on. Seems like the route the going, I think you will be happier!
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
I would go with a stone/tile look vinyl tile in a light color (lvt). not wood. More then that though if you arent sure buy a box, lay it out and return it if you don't like it. Assume you would be getting stock. Not sure painting cabinets will be worth the time but might be. do a test area first if you want to paint. If you have white countertops don't do white cabinets. It is too much white...
I agree with majority here--you need contrast! If you're not going to do anything else to the kitchen, I'd vote a really nice light beige ceramic tile! If you definitely want to the the LVP tiles, I'd suggest painting the cabinets a lighter shade for contrast.
Also, don't forget the power of a back splash! I love back splashes, and it's the first thing that will catch people's eyes and make them remember your kitchen! I do a peel and stick in my rentals, it has the same affect and is super easy and cheap!
Developer · Little Ferry, NJ · Member since 2016 · 426 posts · 226 votes
9y
@Jay J. Painting the cabinets can definitely be another way that you can make the contrast better. I agree with @Linda S. Backsplash and contrast. Try something simple like what I did. Regular subway tile with a strip down the middle, can't go wrong.
Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
What is the flooring like on the rest of that floor? I agree with another poster that seamless is the way to go if you can pull it off. One common floor throughout the common/public areas of the property will make it look larger and unified. So, do you have extra flooring you could extend in, or replace all the flooring? If not, then I agree with others and contrast ... if the rest of the flooring and the cabinets are wood, then go with tile to contrast ... if the rest of the flooring is tile, go with wood and paint the cabinets if needed.