A kitchen needs to be designed keeping in mind the number and size of appliances you would like to have, height and reach of the main user, number of utensils etc. There are many different types of kitchen floors that suit the requirements of different people.

Types of Kitchen Plans

There are five basic types of kitchen floors.

• The Single Countertop Design – This type of kitchen has a single countertop. Typically the single countertop runs along the longest wall of the kitchen. The cooking range, sink, working area, and the appliances are all located in a single line. The space in this type of kitchen may be limited. Another disadvantage is that the flow of work is not smooth. The limited space in this kitchen and the perceived hindrances in working have led to very limited acceptance of this floor plan.
• The Parallel Countertop Kitchen – In this type of kitchen two countertops run parallel to each another along opposite walls. The cooking range is associated with one countertop and the dish washing area with the opposite one. In this type of kitchen plan there is a corridor between the two countertops in which you can stand and work. Carrying utensils from the cooking range to the dish washing area is easy in this type of kitchen design. You also get more space to place your utensils and knick knacks.
• The L Shaped Kitchen – The countertops in this type of Kitchen plan run along two adjacent walls. You get the advantage of the classic work triangle that minimizes hindrance when moving in the kitchen. This plan does not require as much space as the next two type of kitchen plans.
• The U Shaped Kitchen – The countertop runs along three walls of the kitchen in the form of a ‘U’. One of the limbs of the ‘U’ may be incomplete and kept deliberately open to accommodate the refrigerator or other appliances. This plan maximizes countertop space. It also creates a triangular work area. The storage space in cabinets below and above the countertop is also maximized.
• The Cooking Island Design – This is a more contemporary design. The cooking island with a chimney over it creates a terrific visual appeal. This type of kitchen floor plan is suited to open plan kitchens. With this design, it becomes possible to have countertops along three walls of the kitchen and a cooking island along the fourth.

The working and storage space in a Cooking island design kitchen is the maximum. It also allows you to organize work in a triangular work flow pattern. If you have a kitchen design that adjoins the sitting area and is completely open it is possible to have a countertop along one wall and an elongated kitchen island acing the sitting area.

Instead of the cooking island you can also have a small dining space with a few dining stools placed along the countertop. Interesting conversations can then flow along with the food and include the cook as well. This kind of design is most suited to small families who love to eat together. The dining countertop can also double up as a place where the kids do their homework while the parent is busy in the kitchen.

Once you have finalized your kitchen floor plan you will need to think about the material you will use for the cabinets, countertop and the floor. Often the same material can be used successfully for both the floor and the countertop. Hardwood flooring, stone tiles, mosaic tiles backsplash, bamboo flooring,vinyl tiles, cork flooring and backsplash, machined flooring and countertops, ceramic tiles, rubber mats and eco-friendly rugs- the choice in materials, colors and patterns is enormous and you are certain to find the flooring of your choice at Contempo Floor Coverings.