Kitchen Flooring Options: Pros and Cons of Every Type

TL;DR: LVP and tile are the top choices for most kitchens because they handle moisture, foot traffic, and daily messes better than any other option.

Key Points

• Kitchens need flooring that handles moisture, spills, heavy foot traffic, and frequent cleaning

• LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is the most popular all-around kitchen flooring choice right now

• Tile is the most durable and water-resistant option, but it's harder underfoot

• Laminate is budget-friendly but not fully waterproof, so placement matters

• Hardwood can work in kitchens but requires more maintenance and careful moisture management

• Carpet should never be installed in a kitchen

• The best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how your kitchen connects to other rooms

What Makes a Good Kitchen Floor?

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in your home. It sees spills, grease splatters, dropped dishes, heavy foot traffic, and daily cleaning with water and cleaning products.

Not every flooring type holds up to those conditions equally well. Before choosing, here's what matters most in a kitchen:

• Moisture resistance — Spills and steam are unavoidable. Your floor should handle them without warping, staining, or buckling.

• Durability — Kitchens see more foot traffic than almost any other room. Your floor needs to hold up for years.

• Comfort underfoot — If you spend time cooking, you're standing on that floor for long stretches. Harder surfaces like tile can be tough on your feet and joints.

• Easy maintenance — You want a floor that cleans up quickly without special products or treatments.

• Style — Your kitchen floor sets the tone for the whole space and should complement your cabinets, countertops, and overall design.

Kitchen Flooring Option #1: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP has become the go-to kitchen flooring for good reason. It combines good looks, waterproof performance, and a budget-friendly price point that's hard to beat.

Modern LVP realistically mimics the look of hardwood or stone using high-definition printing and embossed textures. Most people can't tell the difference from a few feet away.

Pros:

• 100% waterproof — safe for kitchens, even over time

• Comfortable and slightly cushioned underfoot

• Highly scratch and dent resistant

• Easy to clean with sweeping and damp mopping

• Budget-friendly compared to hardwood or tile

• Can be installed over most existing floors

• Works in any kitchen style

Cons:

• Cannot be refinished if damaged — planks must be replaced

• Lifespan of 15 to 25 years (shorter than hardwood or tile)

• Heavy appliances can dent lower-quality vinyl

• Does not add the same resale value as hardwood

Best for: Families with kids or pets, anyone wanting a low-maintenance kitchen floor, and homeowners who want a wood look without the upkeep.

Explore our luxury vinyl plank flooring options to see what's available for your kitchen.

Kitchen Flooring Option #2: Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)

Tile is one of the oldest and most trusted kitchen flooring materials for good reason. It's virtually impervious to water, holds up for decades, and comes in an almost unlimited range of styles.

There are two main types to know. Ceramic tile is more affordable and easier to cut, making it a solid choice for most kitchens. Porcelain tile is denser, harder, and even more water-resistant, which makes it the better choice for very high-traffic or moisture-heavy kitchens.

Pros:

• Extremely durable — can last 50 years or more with proper care

• Fully water and moisture resistant

• Easy to clean and highly stain resistant

• Huge range of colors, sizes, and styles

• Adds strong resale value to your home

• Works well in kitchens that flow into outdoor spaces

Cons:

• Hard underfoot — tough on feet and joints during long cooking sessions

• Grout lines require regular cleaning and occasional resealing

• Cold underfoot, especially in Utah winters

• Professional installation recommended, which adds to cost

• Dropped glasses and dishes are more likely to break on tile

Best for: Homeowners who want maximum durability and longevity, high-traffic kitchens, and anyone who prioritizes resale value.

Kitchen Flooring Option #3: Hardwood

Hardwood is a classic choice that adds warmth and timeless appeal to any kitchen. It's not the most practical option for kitchens, but with the right species, finish, and maintenance habits, it absolutely can work.

Engineered hardwood is generally the smarter choice for kitchens over solid hardwood. It uses a real wood veneer over layers of plywood, which gives it better stability against the temperature swings and occasional moisture that kitchens see.

Pros:

• Beautiful, natural look that elevates any kitchen design

• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime

• Adds significant resale value to your home

• Works well in open-concept homes where kitchen and living areas share the same floor

• Warm and comfortable underfoot

Cons:

• Not waterproof — standing water or leaks can cause warping and cupping

• Requires more maintenance than LVP or tile

• Higher upfront cost for materials and installation

• Solid hardwood should not be installed in kitchens with heavy moisture exposure

• Utah's dry climate requires proper acclimation before installation

Best for: Open-concept layouts where the kitchen connects to a living or dining room, homeowners focused on resale value, and those willing to maintain their floors carefully.

See our full hardwood flooring options to find the right species and finish for your kitchen.

Kitchen Flooring Option #4: Laminate

Laminate has come a long way. Today's laminate does a convincing job of mimicking hardwood or stone at a fraction of the price, and it's become a popular kitchen choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

The key thing to understand about laminate in a kitchen is that it's water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Most laminate handles surface spills just fine as long as they're cleaned up quickly. But if water sits or seeps into the seams, it can cause swelling and damage. Waterproof laminate options are now available and worth seeking out if this is your top choice.

Pros:

• Very budget-friendly compared to hardwood or tile

• Looks like hardwood or stone without the price tag

• Scratch and stain resistant

• Easy to install, including as a DIY project

• Low maintenance day to day

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof unless you specifically choose waterproof laminate

• Cannot be refinished — must be replaced if damaged

• Can feel hollow or less premium underfoot compared to hardwood

• Lifespan of 15 to 25 years

• Not ideal near the sink or dishwasher where moisture is most concentrated

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties, and kitchens in lower-moisture environments where spills are cleaned up immediately.

Learn more about laminate flooring as a kitchen option.

What to Avoid: Flooring That Doesn't Belong in a Kitchen

Carpet should never be installed in a kitchen. It absorbs food, grease, and liquids, is nearly impossible to fully sanitize, and will deteriorate quickly under kitchen conditions. There's no practical case for carpet in a kitchen.

Solid hardwood in moisture-heavy kitchens (near the sink, dishwasher, or in older homes prone to leaks) is a risk. Engineered hardwood is a better alternative if you love the wood look.

Quick Comparison: Kitchen Flooring at a Glance

	LVP	Tile	Hardwood	Laminate
Waterproof	Yes	Yes	No	Partial
Durability	High	Very High	High	Medium
Cost (installed)	$4–$10/sq ft	$7–$20/sq ft	$8–$18/sq ft	$3–$8/sq ft
Comfort underfoot	Good	Poor	Excellent	Good
Maintenance	Very Easy	Easy	Moderate	Easy
Resale Value	Moderate	High	High	Low
Lifespan	15–25 yrs	50+ yrs	50–100 yrs	15–25 yrs

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Flooring for Your Home

With so many good options, the decision usually comes down to a few practical questions.

Do you have kids, pets, or a busy household? 

LVP is your best friend. It's waterproof, durable, comfortable, and easy to clean without worrying about every spill.

Are you renovating to sell? 

Tile or hardwood will give you the best return. According to the National Association of Realtors, hardwood flooring consistently ranks among the top features that buyers look for in a home.

Is your kitchen open-concept? 

If your kitchen flows into a living or dining room, matching or complementing the flooring across both spaces looks best. Hardwood or LVP in the same style works well for this.

Working with a tighter budget? 

Laminate gives you the look of hardwood at the lowest price point. If you choose laminate, opt for a waterproof variety and avoid installing it directly in front of the sink or dishwasher.

Do you spend a lot of time standing and cooking? 

Tile is beautiful and durable, but it's hard. If comfort underfoot matters, LVP or hardwood will serve you better. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, prolonged standing on hard surfaces like tile or stone can contribute to foot and joint discomfort over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Flooring

What is the best flooring for a kitchen with kids and pets?

LVP is the best choice for active households. It's 100% waterproof, highly scratch resistant, and easy to clean after spills, accidents, and muddy paws. It's also softer underfoot than tile, which matters when you have kids running around. Tile is a close second for durability, but the hard surface and grout lines can be trickier to maintain.

Is hardwood flooring a bad idea in the kitchen?

Not necessarily, but it requires more care than other options. Engineered hardwood handles kitchen conditions better than solid hardwood because it's more dimensionally stable. The key is managing moisture quickly — wipe up spills right away and address any leaks immediately. If you love the look of wood and are willing to maintain it, engineered hardwood is a reasonable choice for most kitchens.

What kitchen flooring is easiest to clean?

LVP and tile are the easiest to clean. Both wipe down quickly with a damp mop and don't require any special cleaning products or treatments. LVP has a slight edge here because it has no grout lines to scrub. Laminate is also easy to maintain as long as you avoid soaking it with water.

How much does kitchen flooring installation cost?

Costs vary by material and square footage. As a general guide: laminate runs $3 to $8 per square foot installed, LVP runs $4 to $10, tile runs $7 to $20 depending on the tile type and complexity of the layout, and hardwood runs $8 to $18 or more. These ranges include both material and professional installation. The best way to get an accurate number for your specific kitchen is to request a free estimate from a local flooring professional.

Can you install new kitchen flooring over old flooring?

In some cases, yes. LVP can often be floated over an existing floor as long as the surface is flat, clean, and structurally sound. Tile and hardwood typically require the old flooring to be removed first to ensure a proper, long-lasting installation. A professional installer will assess your subfloor and give you the right recommendation for your specific situation.

Ready to Update Your Kitchen Floor? We Can Help.

Choosing the right kitchen flooring is one of the most impactful decisions in a kitchen remodel. Whether you're drawn to the waterproof practicality of LVP, the lasting durability of tile, or the timeless appeal of hardwood, Trademark Flooring will help you make the right call for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

We serve homeowners throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area. Visit our local showroom to compare options in person, or request your free estimate today and we'll guide you through every step.

Further Reading

• What Is the Best Flooring Option for a Bathroom?