Here's what to know before you choose your kitchen flooring material:
Vinyl and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are among the most versatile kitchen flooring options available. They handle moisture well, come in a wide range of styles, and work in nearly any kitchen layout.
Tile is the gold standard for water resistance and longevity.
Laminate is a strong middle-ground option, but not all laminate is built the same. Look for higher moisture resistance ratings and the NALFA Certification Seal before committing.
If hardwood is the goal, engineered hardwood or waterproof hardwood are the stronger choices for a kitchen environment.
Your kitchen floor works harder than almost any other surface in your home. It handles daily spills, heavy foot traffic, and the steady presence of moisture from cooking and cleaning. As your trusted flooring professionals, we’re here to help you explore every option. Read on to find a floor that fits your space, your style, and the way you actually live.
A kitchen floor needs to work as hard as the room it's in. Here are the top materials to consider, each with its own strengths depending on your space and how you use it.
Tile is one of the most versatile kitchen flooring options available. It holds up well against moisture, heavy foot traffic, and daily messes, and it comes in enough styles to work in virtually any kitchen design. Modern tile goes far beyond small squares, with large-format planks and wider sizes that open up even more design possibilities.
Large-format tile creates a seamless look that makes smaller kitchens feel more open.
Classic rectangular layouts work well in traditional and farmhouse-style kitchens.
Patterned tile adds personality and works as a natural focal point in open-concept spaces.
Coordinate your floor tile with your backsplash or countertops for a pulled-together, custom finish.
Pro Tip: Keep grout lines as tight as possible. It will make a real difference when it comes time to clean.
Luxury vinyl has become one of the most trusted choices for kitchens, and for good reason. It pairs realistic hardwood and stone visuals with the kind of performance that busy households need. It handles moisture well, installs without disruption, and holds up in the areas of your kitchen that take the most wear.
Wide-plank styles bring a modern, airy feel that works especially well in open-concept kitchens.
Wood-look LVP pairs naturally with warm cabinet tones and earthy countertop materials.
Stone visuals like slate LVT adds texture and depth without the maintenance demands of natural stone.
Performs well in high-traffic zones around the sink, stove, and island where spills are most likely.
For moisture-prone spaces, explore your waterproof flooring options before committing to a product.
Laminate brings realistic style and solid everyday performance at a price point that makes it a genuinely smart choice for many kitchens. It's durable, low-maintenance, and has an easy installation process. That said, not all laminate performs equally, and what you choose matters in a kitchen environment.
Wide-plank wood looks in warm oak and walnut tones are the most popular kitchen styles right now.
Light and whitewashed finishes work well in bright, casual kitchens with white or natural wood cabinetry.
Hand-scraped and embossed textures add dimension and conceal everyday wear well.
Prioritize higher moisture resistance ratings for any kitchen application.
Choose options with high wear layer ratings and longer warranties for the best long-term performance in kitchen environments.
Pro Tip: Laminate cannot be refinished, so choose a product with the longest warranty available. Explore our warranties to find an option built to last.
Hardwood has a warmth and timeless character that's hard to replicate. With the right product selection and proper sealing, it's a strong performer in kitchen environments. Engineered hardwood the best starting points for any kitchen installation.
Wide-plank oak in natural or warm honey tones is a classic choice that works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Darker stains like walnut or espresso add richness and pair well with light cabinetry and stone countertops.
Hardwood is an excellent option when you want a cohesive, sophisticated look that flows throughout your home.
Engineered hardwood offers better moisture resistance than traditional hardwood, making it a smart choice for kitchens. That said, it can still be damaged by standing water, so prompt cleanup after spills is always a good habit.
Open-concept spaces that connect a kitchen to a living room call for a material that can hold its own across both environments. Water-resistant wood-look options, like luxury vinyl, engineered hardwood, and laminate are all strong choices. Tile works well across both areas too, standing up to water, scuffs, and stains with minimal effort. The right choice keeps your space looking intentional and performing well from one room to the next.
Not sure how a floor will look in your actual space? Our innovative Room Visualizer tool takes the guesswork out of the decision. Simply snap a photo of your kitchen, select a floor, and see your space transform before you commit to anything. Try it now and make a decision with confidence.
Luxury vinyl and tile are the top choices for kitchens due to their durability and moisture resistance. Luxury vinyl flooring is comfortable underfoot and installs quickly, making it ideal for active homes. Tile offers unparalleled durability and is completely waterproof.
For most kitchens, vinyl is the better choice. Its fully synthetic core won't absorb moisture, giving it a distinct advantage over laminate, which can swell if exposed to water for too long.
Large-format tiles and wide-plank wood-look options in warm wood tones are currently popular. These styles create a clean, expansive look that feels modern yet timeless. Earthy, neutral colors are also trending over cooler grays.
There’s no strict rule, so consider your cabinetry, wall color, and lighting. A lighter floor can make a space feel larger, while a darker floor can add depth. Avoid matching them too closely, as this can make the design look flat.
Warm, mid-range neutrals offer the most flexibility and longevity. Natural-looking wood tones in LVP or warm beige tiles complement a wide variety of cabinets and countertop styles.
Yes, vinyl plank flooring can easily support a refrigerator. To prevent scratches, use an appliance dolly and a protective sheet when moving it into place.
Yes, eco-friendly hardwood options are a great place to start. Explore our eco-friendly hardwood options to find a floor that's as responsible as it is beautiful.
Ceramic and porcelain tile and luxury vinyl flooring are the lowest maintenance options. Both stand up to heavy traffic and are easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping. Neither requires special sealing or refinishing.
The floor you choose sets the tone for one of the most-used and most-loved rooms in your home. Now that you know which materials perform best, how to think about color and contrast, and what to look for before you commit, the best next step is experiencing your options for yourself.
Visiting a showroom lets you see, touch, and compare floors in real life. And when you're ready to see how they look in your own kitchen, under your lighting, next to your cabinets, we offer up to six samples delivered directly to your door. Order your samples today and take the next step to find the floor your kitchen deserves.
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