Are you preparing for a kitchen remodel? If so, selecting the flooring for your space can be one of the most important and difficult decisions. From elegant tile to classic hardwood, there are nearly endless options available for your kitchen floors. Our guide to the best flooring materials for kitchens will help you narrow down and ultimately select the best material for your space.
What Should I Consider When Selecting Kitchen Flooring?
Like selecting the best countertops for your kitchen, several factors should be considered when selecting flooring. The color and pattern of your floors have a tremendous impact on the overall style of your kitchen. Warm, natural materials such as hardwood evoke a traditional aesthetic, while porcelain or stone tiles create a more modern feel. When shopping for kitchen flooring, bring samples home to view with other materials and the lighting in the space.
Selecting a material that withstands greater wear and tear is also important. Kitchens tend to have high foot traffic and are subject to heat and water damage from cooking, so selecting a durable material is beneficial. Also, consider how much time you are willing to spend maintaining your floors. Hardwood floors, for instance, require periodic refinishing and regular cleaning.
You may also want to invest in a slip-resistant flooring material, such as natural stone tiles, or purchase kitchen mats to cover smoother materials. Another important factor is how you want your flooring to feel underfoot. Some materials such as wood and laminate may be warmer while stone and tile maintain cooler temperatures.
Consider, too, your kitchen remodeling budget. Flooring materials can vary in cost based on the type, density, slip resistance, manufacturing process, and installation process.
Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials
Hardwood Flooring
With their range of hues, rich grains, and natural warmth, hardware floors are a classic option for your kitchen floors.
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of colors and designs, making it appropriate for a range of kitchen styles including traditional, modern, rustic, minimalist, and more. Installing hardwood flooring in your kitchen allows you to create cohesion with flooring in the surrounding rooms. Hardwood is also relatively simple to maintain and repair. Hardwood flooring is also naturally insulating, making it easier to keep your home warm in the winter.
Despite its benefits, hardwood flooring can be damaged by water, fade with heavy sun exposure, and be susceptible to scratching. Consulting with an experienced contractor and selecting high-quality wood will reduce the likelihood of quick deterioration.
With its milieu of benefits, hardwood flooring is attractive to homebuyers and can increase the resale value of your home.
Hardwood Flooring Cost
Hardwood floors cost anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot depending on the material selected. The largest cost determinants are the type of wood, the finish selected, and the installation process.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials and comes in a range of styles including sheets, tiles, and planks. It is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens as it is water-resistant, durable, easy to maintain, and softer than tile underfoot. Vinyl flooring is also incredibly versatile and can replicate natural wood and stone, making it excellent for a range of kitchen designs.
While vinyl flooring can be an excellent option, its quality varies. Lower-end vinyl flooring can degrade and dull over time. However, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and resilient vinyl flooring offer greater resilience and longevity.
Homeowners are drawn to luxury vinyl tile for its various styles and durability.
Vinyl Flooring Cost
Traditional vinyl flooring costs between $2 and $8 per square foot while more luxurious options range between $6 and $12 per square foot.
Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tile flooring is created by firing highly refined clay at high temperatures, leading to a dense polished surface. These materials provide an excellent foundation for both modern and traditional kitchens as they can be made to resemble natural stone, wood, and metal. You can also choose from a range of matte, polished, and textured finishes. Additionally, porcelain tiles are easy to clean with wet wipes, making them an excellent option for busy kitchens.
Porcelain tiles, though, can be more challenging to install and repair due to their density and weight. Professional remodelers should be contracted for the installation process.
Porcelain tiles are an excellent option for homeowners seeking a beautiful, durable, easy-to-clean material for their kitchen floors.
Porcelain Tile Flooring Cost
Porcelain tile flooring is one of the more expensive options. With professional installation, prices typically range from $15 to $50 per square foot, depending on the quality of the material. For porcelain tiles alone, prices typically range from $3 to $30 per square foot..
Our Recommendation
The right flooring for your kitchen depends on how you use your space and the vision you have for your remodel. We recommend consulting with an experienced design/build remodeling partner to thoroughly review your needs and the most suitable flooring options available.
View our portfolio for more kitchen flooring inspiration
Are you still deciding which material to use for your kitchen flooring? Check out our award-winning kitchen remodels for more inspiration.
