SFGate

apple_pie_order Sheet vinyl is still quite popular but is less frequently shown as a "feature" in remodelled houses. I think it is mostly used when a homeowner already has vinyl flooring and wants a new layer over it. I happen to love vinyl flooring for kitchens and bathrooms because it is easy to clean (no grout!) and warmer underfoot than tile. Things dropped are far less likely to break. The matte finishes that replaced the shinier smooth finishes are harder to keep clean because they are slightly textured. I think a lot of people use a Hoover Floormate which sucks up dirty water instead of a sponge mop nowadays to deal with the textured surface. I preferred the shiny surface.

In my area, the transition between vinyl flooring and hardwood is usually a metal strip. The metal comes in various colors. It works fine.

sarahpost Have you considered cork flooring for your kitchen? Very durable. Warmer than tile, you don't have to worry about matching your wood in adjoining rooms, and would look more upscale than vinyl IMO.

Bronwyn Bishop I used these great commercial grade vinyl floor tiles- they could be laid by my handy husband, can be swapped around if damaged and they hide lots of old floor sins!

Bronwyn Bishop Ps we also made chamfered timber edging strips to meet up with the polished floorboards in the other rooms - much nicer than metal strips

Kacey Young I'll throw second the vinyl tile. We had "great" stone floors in a previous house. Nice to look at, but cold and everything broke on them. In my "new" house the vinyl is so much more forgiving. The tiles, are easy to clean, warmer, durable, often made of recycled material, and ridiculously easy to install: you can either simply remove the self adhesion paper on the back and stick to the floor, one next to the other, or for a more upscale look, they can be used like ceramic tiles and you can use grout.

handymam Actually, I just discovered vinyl tiles that are peel and press that you grout between with a special vinyl grout! I saw them at Lowe's and if you like the look of tile, but want something warmer, take a look at them. They look like the real thing. I am going to do my upstairs bathroom using them.

I agree about the tile being cold.

Oops! Just noticed Kacey's post! Well, I second the vinyl tile grout use then! :)

Glass Tile Discounters I think in an older house like yours vinyl would work well. While many people are trying to upgrade their floors to more expensive options, there are a lot of nice vinyl products available which are of exceptional quality and in beautiful designs.

Ironwood Builders Marmoleum, a real linoleum product, made of natural jute fiber, linseed oil and wood fillers is a great alternative to sheet vinyl. Available in many colors, it can be laid in patterns to create a striking and visually interesting floor.

zennifer I'd check out marmoleum or cork; warmer natural materials.

I've done the peel and stink tiles; unless your existing floor or subfloor is PERFECTLY level, they crack and break.

handymam Zennifer, if you put down an underlayment of quarter inch ply or masonite first, this will usually stop that. This kind of tile should never be put directly on wood floors, the boards will eventually show thru.
These tiles also, if you buy the higher end line can last so long that you will want to replace them just because you are tired of looking at them. And boy, can they be tough to get up once theyare down, lol.

Bronwyn Bishop http://www.karndean.com.au/en-au/commercial-flooring/range-overview/looselay.aspx

Here's the link for the karndean LooseLay tiles I used- no peeling , no sticking and a great thick tile that sits beautifully
I'm an Aussie girl, but you may find similar?

Interiors International, Inc. I've used vinyl plank and vinyl tile in clients kitchens as well as my own. It works well and is easier to stand on while cooking.

handymam So glad to see I am not the only one left that likes vinyl!

Shannon Ggem ASID- Ggem Design Co LLC I have used cork is several projects and all the owners love it, even with kids, dogs, and all that. It is warm and quiet underfoot.

I love Marmoleum for the green aspects but my clients never pull the trigger on it because the look is very specific. I have rubber tile in my kitchen and that is working out great, too.

Whatever you get make sure it's low or no VOC, there are so many alternatives, there's no reason not to! Good luck!

jrsm Thank you for all of your responses. I was feeling alone in my decision not to use tile. I will start to investigate the vinyl options that were mentioned in these posts.

julie77777 jrsm - Please let us know what you end up using!

julie77777 All - What kind/brand of vinyl plank flooring is best??? (What kind/brand should I avoid at all costs??) Need something will stand up to wear and tear, and is easy to clean. This would be in kitchen, casual dining room, entryway and hallway.