Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Floor
The kitchen is one of the most demanding environments for flooring. Between spills, dropped items, heavy foot traffic, and standing for long periods, your kitchen floor needs to be tough, waterproof, and comfortable underfoot.
Top Kitchen Flooring Options
1. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile remains a top choice for kitchen floors:
- Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, easy to clean, heat resistant
- Cons: Hard underfoot, cold without radiant heat, grout maintenance
- Cost: $3-15 per sq ft + installation
- Best for: High-end kitchens, heavy use areas
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP has revolutionized kitchen flooring:
- Pros: 100% waterproof, comfortable, warm, affordable, easy DIY install
- Cons: Can be damaged by heavy appliances, not as prestigious as tile
- Cost: $2-7 per sq ft + installation
- Best for: Family kitchens, budget-conscious renovations
3. Ceramic Tile
A classic option with endless design possibilities:
- Pros: Water resistant, many styles, moderate cost
- Cons: Softer than porcelain, can chip more easily
- Cost: $1-10 per sq ft + installation
- Best for: Budget renovations, lighter use kitchens
4. Engineered Hardwood
For those who love the look of wood:
- Pros: Beautiful, adds home value, more stable than solid wood
- Cons: Not waterproof (water resistant options available), can scratch
- Cost: $4-12 per sq ft + installation
- Best for: Open floor plans, adults-only households
What to Avoid in Kitchens
- Solid hardwood: Too susceptible to water damage
- Carpet: Impossible to keep clean, harbors bacteria
- Unsealed natural stone: Stains easily without proper sealing
Our Top Pick
For most kitchens, we recommend SPC Luxury Vinyl Plank with a wear layer of 20 mil or higher. It offers the perfect balance of durability, water protection, comfort, and style at a reasonable price point.