One could argue kitchens are the heart of a home. After all, this is where we gather for meals, host friends, and toast in celebration. It’s also where we brew that all-important morning cup of joe and experiment with new recipes, and it’s likely one of the first rooms we enter after we get home from work.
We owe a lot to our kitchens, and flooring is just as important as the appliances and layout. Whether you opt for the warmth of hardwood, the sleek finish of tile, or the durability of luxury vinyl plank (LVP), your flooring choice will set the tone for the rest of the space. Keep reading to discover the best options for your kitchen floors and the advantages each offers.
Hardwood Kitchen Flooring
Hardwood flooring is timeless. Its roots trace back to late 17th-century France1, where nobles and royalty used it to line their spaces. Since then, hardwood flooring has become a popular choice in homes worldwide. In the 2020s, hardwood flooring became sought-after in kitchens as homeowners and interior designers searched for ways to create a seamless look between rooms2.
However, the resurgence of hardwood kitchen flooring isn’t just about aesthetics. This kitchen flooring option offers several practical benefits, making it the top choice for modern homeowners nationwide.
What Are the Main Advantages of Hardwood Flooring?
Here are the main advantages of using hardwood flooring in a kitchen:
- Increased home value: Hardwood is a high-end material that can increase your home’s resale value. It’s often a selling point for buyers looking for a premium feel.
- Durability: Hardwood flooring can last for decades3 if you care for it. It can handle heavy foot traffic and is tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday kitchen life.
- Aesthetic appeal: Hardwood flooring adds a natural, elegant look that never goes out of style. Its rich textures and colors can complement both traditional and modern kitchen designs.
- Customizable: Many types of hardwood flooring are available, including different finishes and stains. This makes it easy to showcase your unique style.
- Eco-friendly: Sustainably sourced hardwood can be an environmentally friendly flooring option. Many manufacturers offer eco-conscious certifications and provide evidence of their responsible harvesting practices.
How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
The cost of hardwood flooring varies significantly from one wood to the next. There are also many different types of hardwood flooring, including solid wood, unfinished and finished planks, engineered planks, and reclaimed hardwood flooring. According to research from Bankrate4, domestic hardwoods, such as oak, maples, and pines, can cost as low as $5 to $10 per square foot, while exotic woods like mahogany, Brazilian walnut, and bamboo can cost up to $19 per square foot.
Tile Kitchen Flooring
The oldest ceramic tiles date back to ancient civilizations in Egypt and China. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that tile flooring became popular, mainly throughout Europe5. Since then, tile kitchen flooring has been in and out of style. Some design experts, including those at Quron Stone6 and HGTV7, expect tile to be one of the hottest kitchen trends of 2025.
What Are the Main Advantages of Tile Flooring?
There are many reasons why tile is one of the best kitchen flooring options:
- Longevity: Tile is one of the most durable flooring materials available. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and scuffs without showing much wear.
- Water-resistant: One of tile flooring’s standout features is its moisture resistance. In the kitchen, where spills and splashes are inevitable, tile won’t warp or swell like other materials, making it an ideal option for areas prone to water exposure.
- Easy to clean: Kitchen floor tiles are easy to maintain and clean. A quick mop or sweep is typically all that’s needed to keep your kitchen looking spotless. Even tile grout can be easily cleaned with specialized products if necessary.
- Customizable: From classic ceramic to modern porcelain, tile comes in various colors, patterns, and finishes.
- Temperature regulation: Tile naturally stays cooler than other flooring materials, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates or for kitchens that get a lot of sunlight.
How Much Does Tile Flooring Cost?
Like hardwood flooring, the cost of tile flooring will depend on the type and quality of the product you choose. Bankrate8 estimates that tile costs between $2 and $10 per square foot. Ceramic tiles are some of the most affordable on the market, while natural stone tiles can cost a small fortune. One of the most expensive tiles in the world9, Lux Touch, is encrusted with diamonds, abalone shells, and black onyx, and costs $1 million per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Kitchen Flooring
Compared to hardwood and tile flooring, LVP is a relatively new invention10. The first examples of LVP flooring debuted at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. After the post-war real estate boom of the 1950s, vinyl flooring became a popular choice for homeowners throughout the United States. Today’s LVP puts the vibrant vinyl planks of the 1970s to shame. Thanks to high-end, 3D graphic printers, LVP tiles and planks can perfectly imitate natural materials like stone and wood.
What Are the Main Advantages of LVP Flooring
Here’s why you should consider LVP flooring for your kitchen renovation or in your new home:
- Waterproof: Yes, you read that right. LVP isn’t just water-resistant; it’s waterproof. This makes LVP an excellent choice for kitchens, where spills, splashes, and moisture are frequent.
- Easy to install: LVP is relatively easy to install, often requiring less time and labor than traditional flooring materials.
- Low maintenance: LVP is incredibly easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping is all you’ll need. It doesn’t require sealing or refinishing like some kitchen flooring options, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
- Sound absorption: LVP tends to be quieter than harder flooring surfaces, reducing the noise level in a busy kitchen. If you’re concerned about sound echoing throughout your space, LVP is a great choice.
- Eco-friendly options: Some brands offer LVP products made from recycled materials or use eco-conscious finishes, making them more environmentally friendly than other synthetic flooring.
How Much Does LVP Flooring Cost?
Modernize11 estimates that, on average, LVP flooring projects cost between $2,500 and $5,000. However, this estimate includes installation and the cost of materials. Considering materials alone, the average LVP product costs between $2 and $7 per square foot. This makes LVP one of the most affordable kitchen flooring options.
How to Select Flooring For Your Kitchen
Now that you’ve learned about the distinct advantages hardwood, tile, and LVP flooring offer, it’s time to decide the best option for your kitchen. Don’t worry if you’re still undecided. All three materials are an excellent option and can work well in various spaces and kitchen styles.
If you’re still making up your mind, ask yourself these questions to help you make a final decision:
- What’s my budget? Some flooring options are more expensive than others, and some cost more to install.
- How much maintenance do I want to do? LVP doesn’t require much maintenance, but luxury hardwood floors and some tiles require refinishing or resealing periodically.
- What style are you going for? Are you after a traditional feel or interested in experimenting with more modern styles and finishes?
- Is sustainability a priority? Some flooring options are more environmentally friendly than others. If sustainability is a priority, consider looking for flooring options made from recyclable materials or ones that guarantee they are sustainably harvested.
Raise the Roof and Celebrate Your New Floor
Choosing the right flooring is more than just a practical decision. Your choice will set the tone for the entire space, as an important part of a kitchen that reflects your personal style.
Need more than a flooring upgrade? Explore quality new homes and best-in-class homebuying resources in prime locations across the nation.
The Best Kitchen Flooring Options FAQ
What is the best type of flooring for a kitchen?
There are many great kitchen flooring options, including hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). The best type for you depends on your budget and style.
What is the most pet-friendly flooring type?
Luxury vinyl plank is a great flooring option for pet lovers. This flooring option is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Word of warning, however, that your pets may struggle to avoid sliding on hard-surfaced flooring. You may need to deploy rugs or some adorable booties if they'll wear them.
What are the latest kitchen flooring trends?
Kitchen flooring options continue to evolve. Abstract tile designs, such as herringbone or checkerboard patterns, have become popular among design-minded homeowners in recent years.
