Advertiser Disclosure

9 Best Kitchen Flooring Materials

By Amanda Lutz Updated August 2, 2024

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

GET ESTIMATE

Enter details in under 3 minutes

Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days

Homeowners who are considering new kitchen flooring must think about style preferences, budget, and lifestyle when picking a material. Flooring should be comfortable to stand on, easy to clean, stain-resistant, and suitable for high-traffic areas. Below are some of the best kitchen flooring options along with tips on how to navigate a kitchen renovation.

Note: All cost data in this article sourced from Angi.

---

1. Vinyl Plank and Vinyl Tile

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), along with laminate flooring, are practical and versatile flooring options. Engineered vinyl flooring can mimic the look of hardwood floors, but it’s easier to clean up and maintain. Vinyl flooring has several layers, including an underlayment, a rigid core, a printed layer, and a wear layer. While this makes vinyl flooring soft underfoot, be careful not to dent or scratch it when moving large appliances. Once the top layer wears away, you must replace the vinyl flooring.

Average cost: $1 to $10 per square foot*

Pros and Cons

Vinyl is easy to install but isn’t environmentally friendly and can easily dent or scratch.

---

2. Concrete

Concrete is most common in industrial settings, but custom designs and versatility also make it ideal for kitchens. Stained concrete can look like wood, stone, or tile and is resistant to damage from falling objects and heat. Concrete is inexpensive and long-lasting, but homeowners must seal it to protect it from staining or water damage. Concrete isn’t ideal if you have a basement or crawl space directly underneath your kitchen area because it needs more support. You should only use concrete in your kitchen if your floor is already on an existing concrete slab because it can carry the additional load the concrete floor creates.

Average cost: $2 to $8 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Concrete requires lots of work to maintain but is durable and budget-friendly.

---

3. Linoleum

Linoleum is a common alternative to vinyl that’s regaining popularity after falling out of favor for decades. This flooring type consists of a design layer, which features a high-resolution photo of wood grain, and a second, clear protective layer. Linoleum can be glued directly to the subfloor or installed as a series of floating tiles that interlock but don’t directly fasten to it. Linoleum is affordable, easy to install, and low-maintenance, though it’s prone to water damage and lacks durability.

Average cost: $3 to $7 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Linoleum is extremely affordable but isn’t a great long-term solution.

---

4. Cork

Cork is renewable, antimicrobial, and helps homeowners to achieve retro kitchen vibes. Cork is soft and springy, and newer types of cork flooring can resemble hardwood planks or stone tiles. Cork can resist stains but isn’t waterproof, so clean spills on cork flooring immediately. If you notice a stain, sand down and retouch the area with stain and a sealer. Cork can fade in direct sunlight, so keep the curtains closed when it’s especially bright outside.

Average cost: $5 to $12 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Cork is inexpensive but lacks in durability.

---

5. Bamboo

Bamboo mimics the look of hardwood floors but is durable and resistant to water. Bamboo is available in different colors, grains, and patterns, and each bamboo type performs differently. Strand-woven bamboo is the most durable and expensive model. Clean any spills on bamboo immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the space between planks.

Average cost: $5 to $15 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Bamboo’s color options are limited, but quality bamboo can be far more durable than hardwood.

---

6. Stone Tile

Kitchen floor tiles can last decades if properly maintained, and there are many types of stone from which to choose. Granite and marble slabs make suitable countertops, while limestone is ideal for use in low-traffic areas. Slate is a sophisticated stone that lasts for decades if sealed and maintained while travertine stands out but isn’t long-lasting. Stone is porous, so it requires an annual application of a high-quality sealer to protect it from water damage and staining.

Average cost: $6 to $20 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Stone can increase your home’s resale value but flooring installation for it is relatively expensive.

---

7. Hardwood

Hardwood is a common kitchen flooring choice but isn’t waterproof, so spills and messes must be cleaned up quickly to prevent damage. Solid wood flooring requires a stain-resistant finish and isn’t ideal for busy households or kitchens that are directly next to a house’s entrance. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished to make them appear new if you notice staining or scratches.

Average cost: $6 to $22 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Hardwood floors come in a number of colors and styles but can be expensive.

---

8. Brick

Brick is resistant to abrasion and can be ideal for homeowners who prefer a rustic farmhouse look in their kitchens. Brick has a long life span and is durable, but you must routinely apply sealant to prevent staining and water damage. The price of brick fluctuates depending on design complexity and the quality of the brick paver.

Average cost: $10 to $20 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Brick has vibrant natural colors but requires lots of work to properly maintain.

---

9. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable, long-lasting, and water-resistant. Properly installed ceramic tile floors will outperform and outlast nearly any other floor covering according to the World Floor Covering Association. Cleaning tiles only requires a damp mop or a common household cleaner, but you’ll need to regularly reseal tile to extend its life. Ceramic tiles are available as unglazed models with rustic appearances or as more durable and personalized glazed models.

Average cost: $12 to $45 per square foot

Pros and Cons

Ceramic tile is long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing but requires lots of upkeep.

---

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Flooring

The best flooring option for your kitchen depends on your home, budget, and lifestyle. If you have small children or pets, you may want a durable material such as stone tile or bamboo. If you live in a humid area, you may need a floor that’s particularly resistant to moisture and water, such as vinyl or tile. Make sure to also choose a flooring type that fits your personal style and matches your budget.

---

Our Recommendation

The right flooring for your needs is whichever model balances your desires, comfort, and lifestyle. The floor should be easy to maintain and durable enough to withstand foot traffic. The floor should also be resistant to moisture, staining, and heat. Finally, be sure that the flooring type is within your set budget.

---