What is the Best Flooring for Kitchens?

The kitchen is arguably the heart of the home. It’s where we start our mornings, make food for family meals, and invite friends and family to gather. Because the kitchen is such a high-traffic area, it makes sense to find the best kitchen flooring that not only looks good but can also withstand parties, spills, and wear and tear.

Thankfully, there are plenty of flooring options that are both beautiful and durable, and will match your design theme with the promise to last for years. With the help of Modernize, you can decide which type of flooring is best for your kitchen. Check out these kitchen flooring ideas.

1. Tile

Tile is a popular go-to flooring material for rooms throughout the house, but especially the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen, as they are exposed to moisture and tend to get wet. Think about the spilled water from the sink while doing dishes or mopping up the floor to clean up after hosting a get together. Thanks to tile being naturally waterproof, homeowners do not have to worry about ruining or damaging their floors. Plus, the extra glazing over the tile in the manufacturing process makes it easy to clean.

In terms of design, there are tons of tile options to choose from. Tile is highly versatile and comes in a number of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. Think hexagons, fish scales, rectangles, circles, and more. There is also the option to get stone tile to add a natural look to your kitchen. Whatever your vision is for your kitchen flooring, your flooring contractor will have dozens of options to accommodate your needs.

2. Laminate

This kitchen flooring option has gotten a bad rap over the years as a cheap, old-fashioned choice. But laminate has improved by leaps and bounds and is now one of the best kitchen flooring materials. There is a wide range of design options and it can withstand the high traffic that the kitchen receives daily. It is also one of the more affordable flooring options out there for kitchens.

Because of the way laminate is made, homeowners can essentially choose how they want this flooring to look. Of the four layers of laminate, the second-to-top layer is essentially a high-resolution “photo” of tile, hardwood, natural stone, etc. Thanks to the clear top layer, this image is protected from fading and stains. If it’s your dream to have wooden floors, but it doesn’t make sense in your kitchen, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Be sure to ask your contractor about the different style options available to you with laminate.

Laminate is also a good material for those with children and pets, or those who are watching their carbon footprint. It’s naturally anti-bacterial, can be recycled, and the materials are biodegradable. 

3. Vinyl

Similar to linoleum, vinyl is one of the best kitchen flooring types that can withstand the inevitable wear and tear of the space. When your contractor puts down vinyl flooring, it may come in one of three different forms: sheets, tiles or planks. Because of this, you may see it referred to as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Each type has their own benefits depending on the size and layout of your kitchen. 

When it comes to design, vinyl is flexible in its ability to take on the look and pattern of other materials like stone, hardwood, and even complex tile patterns or washes. However, unlike these hard surfaces, vinyl is softer on the feet without sacrificing its toughness against stains and scrapes, thanks to the top wear layer.

4. Cork

Cork may not be the first material you think of when it comes to the best kitchen flooring options , but it is growing in popularity. This kitchen flooring type is affordable, easy to install, and comfortable.

Made from the cork oak tree, the cork is ground into pieces and compressed to create planks, tiles or sheets that are either snapped together, glued down, or made into peel and stick pieces. It is also a tough material that can withstand heavy traffic and furniture, yet soft to the touch and springy on your feet. A conversation with a trusted contractor can help you decide which is the best way to lay down the cork in your kitchen. 

Cork is another healthy choice for homes – it’s naturally antimicrobial, doesn’t produce gases, and will not develop mold or mildew. For those with the kitchen on the second floor or who live in a building with multi-levels, cork actually helps with acoustics as it absorbs sound. No more bothering neighbors!

Get Started on your Kitchen Flooring Project

If you are looking to install new flooring in your kitchen, Modernize can help! Our library of resources provides you with helpful tips to get your kitchen flooring project started. Learn how to create a realistic budget for your project, or browse our checklist for hiring the best professional. Tap into our growing network of quality flooring professionals that can get the job done based on your preferences and needs.

Find Flooring Pros