Tile, hardwood and more: Here are the best flooring options for your kitchen

Key points

• Luxury vinyl planks are among the best and most popular kitchen flooring options.

• Vinyl flooring can cost as little as $2 per square foot to install, while porcelain tile can cost up to $70 per square foot.

• Consider slip, water and wear resistance when choosing kitchen flooring.

With cooking, entertaining and enjoying meals among family, the kitchen is one of your home’s most heavily trafficked rooms. That means a durable floor is necessary. Choose the wrong flooring material and you might notice accelerated wear, obvious staining, buckling and other signs of premature damage.

The best flooring for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences, but there are some options better suited to this room than others. “Luxury vinyl plank wood [floors] are growing fast in popularity,” said Courtney Wollersheim, an interior designer with Floor360 in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The advances in realistic wood looks make it an appealing choice for aesthetics, and strong wear layers stand up to scratching and foot traffic,” she said. Luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) are also water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about spills damaging them.

Whether you want to prioritize longevity and durability, keep your upfront costs as low as possible or optimize for aesthetics, understanding the best kitchen flooring options can help you choose the right material for your home.

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What is the best flooring for your kitchen?

The best kitchen flooring material meets the following criteria:

• Durable for high traffic
• Quick and easy to clean
• Attractive
• Waterproof or water-resistant

That said, the right kitchen flooring for you is subjective. When researching options, consider which one possesses all or most of the following qualities:

• Suits your lifestyle
• Matches your home design
• Falls within your budget
• Has DIY potential
• Has a decent ROI

Below are the most popular and effective flooring options for your kitchen.

Tile

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for kitchen floors because of its “durability, ease of maintenance, style and color choices,” according to Korey Gregory, construction supervisor with ASAP Restoration, a home renovation company located in Tempe, Arizona. Tile comes in various colors, shapes and patterns, so you can customize it to your preferences.

Some tiles are slick and could present a slipping hazard; others are textured to create a nonslip surface.

Durability

“Porcelain is the most durable floor product when it comes to scratch resistance and overall wear and tear,” Wollersheim said. “Ceramic tiles, while some can be used on the floor, are better suited for a [backsplash] application.”

Tile floors can last about 50 years or more with proper maintenance. You might have to regrout within that time frame, though. “Today’s grouts will have a sealer mixed in so you don’t have to reseal annually,” Wollersheim added.

Ease of cleaning

Most tiles are relatively easy to clean, especially porcelain tiles, which have a nonporous surface that you can easily wipe down with a mop or rag. Wollersheim suggested dish soap and water or a similar gentle cleaner to get the job done. Plus, both porcelain and ceramic tiles resist staining.

The more challenging part will be keeping the grout clean, which requires heavier scrubbing.

Aesthetics

Tile comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures. You can even have a professional combine different shapes and sizes to create unique patterns that suit your taste.

Slick porcelain tiles usually have a shiny surface, while textured tiles provide a flat, natural appearance.

Water resistance

All tile is naturally water-resistant, making it a good option for kitchens. In fact, tile flooring “is the most likely to survive water damage, which will undoubtedly happen at some point by being in a kitchen,” said Gregory.

Porcelain tile is considered waterproof. Although it’s more expensive than ceramic, it’s often worthwhile, given the risk of exposure to water and moisture from spills and cooking.

Lifestyle

For a busy household with pets, kids and lots of cooking and entertaining, tile flooring is a great option for the kitchen, as it will hold up to just about anything you can throw at it. For older and more sedate homeowners, tile can be hard and cold underfoot and present slip hazards when wet or damp, so it’s not ideal in all situations.

Cost

According to our experts, the cost to install tile flooring can vary widely, from $6 to $70 per square foot. “A lot depends on the complexity of the design, tile type and tile size,” said Wollersheim. Porcelain will cost you more for materials than ceramic, but it will last longer.

DIY potential

Tile installation is challenging to DIY because you need a perfectly level surface underneath the tile to prevent cracking over time. You also need to grout between the tiles, which is time-consuming and may not look smooth if you don’t have experience.

“The level of difficulty depends on the tile size and design, and also the subfloor or wall construction behind where you want the tile to be installed,” Wollersheim said. “We recommend hiring a professional tile installer who already has the tools and knowledge to install the product efficiently and reduce amount of waste.”

Solid hardwood

Hardwood floors offer a traditional appearance and bring natural warmth into your kitchen. Wood stands up well to physical wear, but you need a protective coating to prevent scratches and water damage.

Durability

Hardwood is reasonably durable and will stand up well to foot traffic, but it can get scratched or dented from drops. You’ll need to reapply polyurethane or a similar coating every few years to prevent color fading and physical damage.

Hardwood will also expand when exposed to water or moisture, so leaks and spills that don’t get cleaned up immediately can cause unevenness or buckling. “Solid hardwood is a much more durable product than engineered hardwood, typically,” said Gregory.

On average, you can expect a hardwood floor to last 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

Ease of cleaning

Hardwood floors are relatively easy. Vacuum first, then wipe the surface with a mop or soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners that could strip the finish, such as those containing ammonia, and opt for a pH-neutral, nonabrasive cleaner formulated for hardwood.

Also, be diligent about cleaning up spills, as prolonged exposure to moisture can warp or even stain the wood. Never use a steam cleaner on hardwood, as it could cause the finish to peel and become cloudy.

Aesthetics

Hardwood flooring provides a classic, natural look that many homeowners adore. “Solid hardwood is the gold standard of flooring and will bring an excellent return on investment,” Wollersheim said. “Well-maintained solid hardwood floors can be a huge selling point for your home and last for decades.”

Wood species have different colors and grain patterns, making this flooring option somewhat customizable. You can choose a standard option, such as oak or maple, or you can go with a more unique or luxurious choice, such as mahogany, teak or cherry.

Wood floors also have a protective polyurethane coating to prevent scratches, dents, water damage and more. You can choose from several finishes that provide varying levels of reflectiveness.

Water resistance

The polyurethane coating over wood is water-resistant, but wood can get damaged by water and moisture. An appliance or plumbing leak, for instance, could cause wood floors to buckle. Be diligent about cleaning up spills and fixing leaks when installing wood in a kitchen, where moisture is more likely to occur, and ensure your cleaning methods don’t damage the finish.

Lifestyle

If you have children and pets in your home, wood floors might not be ideal. Frequent spills from kids can stain or damage hardwood floors, and pet nails can scratch the protective coating and leave visual damage on your floors.

However, wood is reasonably slip-resistant, so it can be suitable for elderly family members living in your home.

Cost

According to experts, solid hardwood costs between $8 and $30 per square foot. The cost depends on the species and rarity of the wood, its thickness and the protective finish you choose.

DIY potential

Real hardwood floors require a flooring expert to install properly and professional equipment to secure the slats and avoid unsightly gaps. “While you could rent tools to install solid hardwood, again we recommend hiring a professional hardwood installer,” Wollersheim advised.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring looks like the real thing, as the slats have a layer of true hardwood on top. Underneath, however, is a core layer made from plywood. Plywood is less expensive than hardwood and has better water resistance, as the crisscrossed pieces of laminated wood expand in opposite directions rather than the same direction.

Engineered hardwood is a good option if you like the appearance of hardwood but want to keep costs low and need a floor with better water and moisture resistance.

Durability

“Engineered hardwood is durable, depending on the strength of your wear layer, which should be in the 4- to 7-millimeter range for maximum performance,” Wollersheim said.

With standard hardwood floors, you can sand and refinish the surface many times until you sand through the thickness of the slats. With engineered hardwood, you can only sand and refinish them a few times before sanding through the top wear layer.

“Engineered hardwood has made great strides in durability and quality over the years, and because of these technological advances it is an acceptable solution for kitchen flooring,” Gregory said.

“But if you have other options, those would probably be better. Ceramic is still better than engineered hardwoods at surviving damage in the form of water intrusion, spills from kids or even drops from heavy [objects],” he continued.

Ease of cleaning

Engineered hardwood is as easy to clean as standard hardwood flooring; you can vacuum and mop with limited water, using a wood-safe solution for a deeper clean. While this flooring is more water-resistant than true hardwood, cleaning up spills as quickly as possible is still a good idea to avoid water damage and staining.

Aesthetics

“Engineered hardwood is gorgeous because you can see the texture in the grooves and knots, creating a natural warm look in your home,” Wollersheim said. Engineered hardwood is often indistinguishable from traditional hardwood flooring, and you have the same options in terms of color, grain pattern and finish.

Water resistance

Engineered hardwood flooring is more water-resistant than standard hardwood, but it will still warp and buckle if exposed to moisture or water for prolonged periods. A fridge or dishwasher leak will damage the floor and require repair or partial replacement.

“You need to keep the humidity set between 35% and 45% all year round if you don’t want to experience gaps or movement in the wood planks caused by moisture,” Wollersheim said. She recommends the same humidity level for maintaining hardwood flooring.

Lifestyle

Much like standard hardwood, engineered wood floors aren’t ideal for homes with kids and pets that are more likely to spill and scratch the material. However, it’s much more slip-resistant than tile. According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 37% of homeowners prioritize the nonslip nature of their kitchen floor for safety reasons.

Cost

According to our expert sources, engineered hardwood will cost between $6 and $20 per square foot, making it a little more affordable than solid hardwood. “The costs for engineered hardwoods varies based [on] the thickness of the veneer wear layer applied to the top [and] the finish,” Gregory said.

DIY potential

Engineered hardwood will be a real challenge for DIYers to install. It can be easier to install than standard hardwood, but you’ll still need specialized tools and experience to get a professional look without gaps. Our experts recommend hiring professionals to install this flooring material.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is always water-resistant, and certain types are totally waterproof, making it a good option for kitchens. It comes in a wide variety of styles, colors and patterns, so you have more options for appearance. “Vinyl is one of the more affordable choices for kitchen flooring, and it’s this factor that makes it a common choice,” Gregory said.

Durability

Vinyl flooring can range in durability depending on the type you choose. Some options, such as sheet vinyl, are very affordable but won’t stand up well to the constant foot traffic it’s likely to see in a kitchen. Composite vinyl is the most durable vinyl floor option as it has an extra-thick wear layer over the top, but it’s also the most expensive vinyl flooring.

“The durability of vinyl depends on the wear layer,” Wollersheim explained. “A 12-millimeter wear layer is more than sufficient for a residential application, but many manufacturers have a 20-millimeter layer.”

Vinyl floors have an average life span of around 15 years, so while they’re a cost-effective and water-resistant option, you’ll have to redo them sooner than you would tile or hardwood.

Ease of cleaning

Vinyl is simple to clean and won’t stain easily, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets where messes are more likely. A simple solution of hot water, white or apple cider vinegar and dish soap applied with a microfiber mop will do the trick. Avoid using excessive water when cleaning, as any water that gets underneath the flooring can cause subfloor damage.

Aesthetics

The look of vinyl flooring depends on the type you get. Vinyl sheet flooring tends not to look particularly high-end, but composite vinyl and luxury vinyl planks and tiles can resemble luxurious flooring materials while remaining more affordable.

“There have been great strides in realistic wood looks and stone looks in vinyl in recent years,” Wollersheim said. “The patterns vary in appealing ways, and the variety in sizes of planks and tiles help you achieve any design look.”

Water resistance

Vinyl, on its own, is waterproof. Some vinyl floors are completely waterproof and will protect your subfloor and framing, making it a great option for kitchens where spills and moisture are expected.

Lifestyle

Vinyl can be slippery when wet if it isn’t textured, but it’s reasonably slip-resistant if it has texture. Depending on your vinyl flooring type, it might be suitable for homes with kids or older family members prone to slips and falls. Vinyl is also reasonably scratch-resistant.

Some vinyl floors, such as luxury vinyl planks, have padding underneath them. This padding makes the floor feel softer when walking on it and can absorb some shock if a fall occurs or if someone drops a heavy item.

Cost

Vinyl flooring costs from our experts range between $2 and $33 per square foot depending on the type. Sheet vinyl sits at the lower end of the price range and luxury vinyl planks reach the higher end.

DIY potential

“[Vinyl flooring] is very easy to DIY with click-together installation and minimal cutting,” Wollersheim explained. The ease of installation depends on the type of vinyl floor you choose, but generally speaking, vinyl is one of the best options if you’re looking for a DIY installation.

Natural stone

Natural stone flooring stands up well to foot traffic, so it’s a good option if durability is one of your primary goals. It also adds a high-end appearance to your home and comes in a wide range of colors and tile shapes for customization.

Some options for stone floors include granite, marble, sandstone, limestone and slate. Depending on your chosen stone, this can easily be one of the most expensive flooring options.

Durability

“Natural stone is a great option for kitchen flooring if you can afford the upfront and maintenance costs associated with it,” Gregory said. “Granite, marble, slate and travertine are all wonderful flooring options that are durable and even water-resistant as well.”

However, because of its porosity, liquid left to sit on the stone can discolor it, Wollershein said. Proper sealing can help prevent this.

Ease of cleaning

Cleaning stone takes a bit more effort than tile, wood and vinyl. “[Stone flooring] is a challenge to maintain,” Wollersheim said, reiterating that liquids can easily seep in and stain the stone.

You’ll need to clean up spills quickly using water and nonabrasive cleaners that won’t scratch the stone’s surface. You might see hard water stains or even staining from dark food items or liquids that spill and don’t get cleaned up right away. 

A pH-neutral cleaning solution diluted with water and a microfiber cloth are recommended for natural stone floors. Especially in kitchens, daily cleaning might be required.

Aesthetics

Stone floors add luxury, charm and warmth to your kitchen, but their high-end look has a price tag to match. “Natural stone like marble is impressive to look at and the pattern never repeats,” said Wollersheim. “Though there are some close replicas to stone in porcelain products, nothing compares to the look of true natural stone.”

You have some options for natural stone type and color, and you can purchase stone floor tiles in different shapes to customize the appearance even further.

Water resistance

Stone won’t expand, shrink or buckle when exposed to water, even for prolonged periods. However, you need to be careful about staining — which could be an issue in the kitchen, where drinks and other liquids may spill more frequently.

“Marble and limestone stand up well to moisture, but be aware of discoloration, and seal the surface at least once per year,” Wollersheim advised.

Lifestyle

Stone floors are hard and cold, so they can be uncomfortable to walk on. They also don’t have any give, so falls can be more dangerous than on flooring with more shock resistance. Some stone is naturally textured, which can reduce the likelihood of someone slipping when it’s wet, but slick stone flooring can be exceptionally slippery.

If you have young children or pets, you might also avoid stone, as spills — whether it’s juice, a puppy accident or a colored marker mishap — will likely stain your expensive flooring.

Cost

Based on our experts ‘ input, natural stone installation sits between $10 and $30 per square foot. The cost will depend largely on the type of stone you choose and its availability.

DIY potential

Stone flooring installation is best left to professionals, mostly because you need to lay stone tiles on perfectly flat subflooring. Otherwise, the tiles can crack over time if they flex under your weight. Stone flooring also requires grouting, which can be messy and challenging for inexperienced DIYers to get right.

“It [also] takes a specialized skill to move and place the larger marble tiles and slabs and stone into place; smaller sizes are easier,” Wollersheim said. “If there’s a priority on keeping the design pattern consistent, it makes sense to hire a professional.”

What are the best alternative kitchen flooring options?

Though these are less common, you have a few other potential kitchen flooring options, including cork, concrete and linoleum.

Cork

Cork flooring has a unique appearance and comes with natural padding and flexibility, making it comfortable to walk on. The rough material is also naturally slip-resistant but can absorb some impact if somebody were to fall.

Cork is water-resistant but not waterproof, so “it doesn’t survive water damage as well as almost all other flooring choices,” Gregory said.

“Cork [is also a] sustainable flooring solution for people with environmental concerns,” Wollersheim added.

Concrete

Concrete floors are extremely durable and resist physical wear, so they can stand up to heavy foot traffic. But like natural stone, they require sealing and their stain potential is high, Wollersheim said. With the right sealant, they can resist water and stains to some degree, but you might see discoloration if you spill dark foods or beverages and don’t clean them up immediately.

Additionally, concrete is rigid and unforgiving, so it can put added strain on your joints when walking over it, and it won’t give at all if someone slips and falls. Luckily, the risk of slipping is lower than for other materials, such as granite or porcelain tiles.

Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is easy to install and perfectly suited to DIYers with minimal experience. The flooring often comes in peel-and-stick tiles, and you have plenty of options for color, pattern and shape.

It’s also “a sustainable and affordable flooring option that is water-resistant and eco-friendly since it doesn’t emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds),” Wollersheim added.

However, it’s not waterproof and can get damaged from plumbing or appliance leaks. Linoleum also doesn’t stand up to wear well, so while it’s a very affordable option upfront, it could be more expensive in the long run as it needs more frequent replacement.

What’s next?

Finding the best kitchen flooring option for your kitchen remodel should start with an understanding of each material and how it stands up to water and physical wear.

Consider your lifestyle, including the number of people living in your home and whether you have kids or pets that could put added strain on your flooring. Also, consider slip resistance if you or someone in your home is at a higher falling risk.

Once you know what flooring might be best for your kitchen, speak with a few professional flooring companies in your area about your options. Ask for their opinions on the best flooring for your lifestyle, preferences and budget, and ask for quotes for the materials you’re considering.

Once you decide on a kitchen floor material, have your chosen professional provide options for color, pattern and finish and choose what best suits your taste. Finally, schedule installation and enjoy your brand-new kitchen floors.