Hello

Mount Vernon

Ohio

ISSN: 3065-6958

Published by

M A G A Z I N E

Mount Vernon

America’s Video Magazine

HelloMount Vernon is a video magazine containing information of interest to residents and visitors.

Summer Issue 2025 | ISSN: 3065-6958

4 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 5

by Roman Keim

Choosing the right flooring for a kitchen takes careful thought. Unlike other rooms in the home, the kitchen faces constant foot traffic, exposure to water, and temperature changes. A flooring choice that works well in a bedroom or living room may not hold up under the demands of cooking, cleaning, and daily activity. That is why homeowners often turn to materials like ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or modern vinyl products. These surfaces provide durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance, all of which are essential for a busy

6 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Roman Keim

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roman Keim is the Owner of Keim Flooring, where he oversees operations and project execution for the company. With extensive experience in the flooring industry, he manages installations of hardwood, tile, laminate, and other materials for both residential and commercial settings. Known for his hands-on leadership and technical knowledge, he brings years of expertise to every project and ensures consistent quality in the company’s work.

kitchen.
Tile remains one of the most reliable kitchen flooring options. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are crafted to handle heavy use and resist water damage. When spills happen, they can be wiped up without leaving behind stains or long-term damage. Tiles are also heat-resistant, which is helpful in a space where ovens and stovetops generate warmth. Design flexibility adds another benefit, since tile comes in countless sizes, patterns, and finishes. A homeowner can create a classic or modern look while maintaining practicality. Tile can also be paired

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 7

Best Flooring Options for the Kitchen

Choosing the right flooring for a kitchen takes careful thought. Unlike other rooms in the home, the kitchen faces constant foot traffic, exposure to water, and temperature changes. A flooring choice that works well in a bedroom or living room may not hold up under the demands of cooking, cleaning, and daily activity. That is why homeowners often turn to materials like ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or modern vinyl products. These surfaces provide durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance, all of which are essential for a busy kitchen.
Tile remains one of the most reliable kitchen flooring options. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are crafted to handle heavy use and resist water damage. When spills happen, they can be wiped up without leaving behind stains or long-term damage. Tiles are also heat-resistant, which is helpful in a space where ovens and stovetops generate warmth. Design flexibility adds another benefit, since tile comes in countless sizes, patterns, and finishes. A homeowner can create a classic or modern look while maintaining practicality. Tile can also be paired with radiant heating systems for added comfort, making it a versatile choice in colder climates.
Luxury vinyl plank, often called LVP, has also become a strong contender for kitchens. While it mimics the look of hardwood or stone, it is designed to handle moisture and heavy traffic. The layered structure of LVP provides durability and comfort underfoot, which can be appreciated in a room where people spend long hours cooking or entertaining. Unlike wood, vinyl plank does not swell or warp when exposed to water. For many households, it delivers a balance of style, performance, and affordability. Another advantage is that LVP is quieter than tile, absorbing more sound when children or pets run through the kitchen.
Sheet vinyl offers another reliable choice, especially in households where spills are frequent. Because it is installed in large sheets, it minimizes seams where water could seep through. It is also softer underfoot compared to tile, which makes standing for extended periods more comfortable. With modern manufacturing, sheet vinyl comes in realistic patterns that resemble stone, tile, or wood, giving kitchens a stylish appearance without sacrificing practicality. For households on a tight budget, sheet vinyl is also one of the most cost-effective options available, providing a solid combination of performance and affordability.
Hardwood flooring, while admired for its beauty, is often not the best match for kitchens. Wood can be sensitive to water and humidity, which are unavoidable in this environment. Even with sealing, it requires careful maintenance to avoid warping and staining. However, engineered hardwood with a protective top layer can sometimes be used in kitchens if homeowners are willing to take on the extra upkeep. Engineered hardwood offers more stability than solid wood and may handle humidity changes better, but it still cannot match tile or vinyl for water resistance.
Cork is another option sometimes overlooked in kitchen design. It is softer than tile or wood, which makes it comfortable underfoot, and it has natural insulating properties. Cork is also renewable, appealing to eco-conscious homeowners. However, it requires sealing to protect against water damage, and heavy furniture can leave permanent dents. For those who want a warm and sustainable choice, cork may be worth considering, provided that maintenance is part of the plan.
The best kitchen floors combine durability, water resistance, and easy care with a look that fits the style of the home.
When making a decision, it helps to consider household needs. For families with children or pets, vinyl plank or sheet vinyl may be the most forgiving. For homeowners who want a high-end, lasting material, porcelain tile is nearly unmatched. For those who value comfort underfoot, cork or cushioned vinyl can make long hours of cooking more manageable.
Maintenance is another factor to weigh. Tile is extremely durable, but grout lines require periodic cleaning and sealing. Vinyl is easier to clean and needs little upkeep, but it does not have the same prestige as stone or wood. Hardwood can be refinished if scratched, but it requires more day-to-day care. Each option carries trade-offs that should be matched to how the kitchen is used.
Budget, lifestyle, and design preferences ultimately guide the choice. While tile may be the most long-lasting, it is also more expensive to install. Vinyl, both in planks and sheets, provides a balance of affordability and resilience, making it popular in many homes. Hardwood and cork bring warmth and beauty, though they require greater upkeep and care.
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and the flooring plays a major role in how it functions and feels. A surface that resists water, tolerates heat, and stands up to daily activity can make life easier while also supporting the design of the space. Whether the choice is tile, vinyl, or another material, the best kitchen floors are those that combine practicality with long-term appeal.

The best kitchen floors combine durability, water resistance, and easy care with a look that fits the style of the home.

with radiant heating systems for added comfort, making it a versatile choice in colder climates.
Luxury vinyl plank, often called LVP, has also become a strong contender for kitchens. While it mimics the look of hardwood or stone, it is designed to handle moisture and heavy traffic. The layered structure of LVP provides durability and comfort underfoot, which can be appreciated in a room where people spend long hours cooking or entertaining. Unlike wood, vinyl plank does not swell...

8 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 9

10 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 11

12 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 13

14 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hello Mount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue | 15

Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Mount Vernon who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in

the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.

18 | HelloMount Vernon, Ohio • Summer Issue

Hometown Heroes

Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Mount Vernon who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.