15 Flooring Options Made for Kitchens

Given that your kitchen floor is exposed to it all, from dirt, grime, and wear and tear from heavy foot traffic, boiling and oily spills from falling pots and pans, flooring has to be as tough and resilient as they come. Yet, it still has to look good, stylish even, blending seamlessly with the overall decor. 

Luckily, kitchen flooring options aren’t what’s lacking. There’s something suited to all styles and preferences, and most options are designed to withstand wear and tear, including, at times, harsh culinary environments.  

We’ve curated a list of 15 of the best kitchen flooring options, so keep reading for some flooring-specific advice if you’re considering a kitchen floor renovation project in the near future.

What Type of Flooring Is Best for Kitchens?

1) Hardwood: A reliable, kitchen-appropriate choice

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Hardwood is an obvious and sought-after choice for kitchen floors. It’s a sustainable material that suits open-plan kitchens perfectly. Hardwood flooring is timeless, and with the variety of wood species, there’s something for all aesthetics. Not only is hardwood aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, but it’s also low maintenance. 

When it comes to hardwood, the primary drawback is pricing; hardwood flooring doesn’t come cheap and, therefore, isn’t best suited for homeowners working with a limited budget. However, engineered wood is a great alternative, as it’s reinforced by layers of inexpensive plywood, making it a cost-effective flooring.

Solid hardwood is unmatched, in terms of warmth and visual appeal, so if you’ve got the budget for it, and you’re looking for a timeless classic, this is the way to go!

2) Bamboo: An eco-friendly kitchen’s best asset

If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner, then look no further, bamboo kitchen flooring is what you need! Bamboo is an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternative to wooden flooring, as it’s similar in looks, resilience, and sustainability. Furthermore, since bamboo is a natural resource, it has built-in moisture and insect resistance, adding to its overall appeal.

One of the main downsides of bamboo flooring is that it dents easily, so the installation process has to be done with the utmost care. Aside from this slight drawback, bamboo is a beautiful kitchen flooring option, but be sure to choose a brand of bamboo flooring with an extended warranty; it reflects the product’s quality.

3) Cork: Solid and sustainable

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Cork is yet another eco-friendly kitchen flooring option that’s comfortable to tread on. Cork is made from tree bark harvested every 8–10 years, making it a sustainable material. It’s smoother than hardwood and tiles, and it also happens to be non-slip. 

It also serves as a natural insulator, soundproofing and temperature-proofing your floors, if that’s what you’re looking for. Also, cork is antimicrobial because of the waxy substance found in the material itself. 

Additionally, if you’re on a budget, cork tiles are an inexpensive option that’s easy to install. Quality cork flooring can be sanded and refinished, though it does need to be resealed every 3–4 years, further making it scratch- and moisture-resistant. Similarly to bamboo, cork’s primary drawback is its scratch-prone surface, making for imperfect flooring, which might get under some homeowners’ skin.

4) Laminate: Great value for money

Laminate is a popular kitchen flooring option. It’s perfect for homeowners who are on a budget, yet dreaming of hardwood. This material has both an affordable retail cost and cheap installation rates.

What’s more, laminate flooring is easy to remove and replace if you intend on selling your home and the new buyers are asking for new kitchen floors. Quality and looks-wise, laminate has greatly improved over the years thanks to new, cutting-edge technologies. 

Unfortunately, laminate is man-made, so its longevity comes down to its manufacturing process, which isn’t anything like natural products, such as stone and wood. Also, consider water-related damage. Laminate isn’t waterproof; you'll need to replace your floors should significant water damage occur. However, it’s a great option for home- and building owners on a budget. 

5) Engineered wood: A clever flooring trade-off

Engineered wood is often mistaken for hardwood because both materials look so much alike. However, the difference between the two lies in their respective composition: engineered wood is made with several layers of overlapping wood, whereas, hardwood is exactly that, solid wood. 

Engineered wood flooring has a slew of upsides. It’s more moisture-resistant than hardwood, which is great for rooms with underfloor heating. Moreover, it can be installed directly atop concrete, which isn’t doable with hardwood or laminate flooring.

There’s always some pesky downside to consider… Engineered wood flooring can only be sanded down three, or four times, maximum, whereas hardwood can be restored countless times. It’s also not as durable as hardwood unless you opt for high-end options. 

6) Plywood: A cost-effective and creative option

Plywood is most often used as kitchen subflooring, but it can also make quite the statement as a flooring option if done tastefully. Picture tile-shaped plywood, sanded and stained, making a checkerboard-like pattern on the floor. Now that’s what I call an impressive DIY project!

Its upsides? Plywood can make for a visually appealing option that’s inexpensive, costing a mere sliver of what other wood floorings go for these days. Also, you can mix and match plywood tile sizes and shapes, giving over to your creativity. Plywood is solid and stable, perfect for high foot traffic areas.

Albeit, there are still a few factors to consider. For some, the result might be underwhelming, lacking in elegance. Plywood truly doesn’t suit all aesthetics or decors. And, in terms of resale, the value of your home may depreciate on account of an “unfinished” kitchen floor. But, if you’re looking for a unique option, it’s worth a try!

7) Birch hardwood: Long-lasting, elegant flooring

Birch is truly one of the most sought-after wood flooring options, especially due to its straight-grain, fine, and uniform texture. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, it’s also one of the hardest woods retailed, making it a reliable flooring option.

One of the biggest upsides to birch wood is its capacity to retain its bright colouring, never fading, even after extensive sun exposure.

Despite its robusticity, it’s still not as resilient as other solid flooring options like concrete and porcelain, which is definitely something to consider if you’re looking for an ultra-resistant option. 

8) Vinyl: Low maintenance and versatile

Though vinyl was plagued with a bad rap for the longest time, with the help of evolving technologies, it has improved beyond one's expectations! Vinyl is an ever-evolving material, as it can mimic the look of more expensive flooring options, such as hardwood or stone.

If you’re the kind of person who cooks a lot or stands around the kitchen, vinyl’s what you need. It’s among the most resilient types of flooring, meaning it’s one of the softest flooring materials available, alleviating physical strain.

And the list goes on! Vinyl is also very affordable and easily cleaned, making for a low-maintenance option. However, it does have a few drawbacks, including dirt and mould embedding beneath its surface.

While largely undetected—given that said substances are trapped beneath the flooring—it can lead to significant problems, requiring potential renovation work down the line. Moreover, vinyl wears easily, although you can add a wear layer, which can help prevent surface-level damage (scratches).

Check out this article for more information about vinyl flooring:

• Pros and Cons of Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring

9) Concrete: Made for modern kitchens

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Concrete flooring—not unlike natural stones—tends to be cold and hard, requiring underfloor heating potentially. Unfortunately, concrete is not the most comfortable flooring to tread on, which can put additional strain on your body if you tend to cook a lot. Also, concrete stains easily and has to be resealed every few years to ensure its longevity. Material price points tend to vary significantly, so do your due diligence before opting for this type of flooring.

​​10) Linoleum: Pairing comfort with an eco-friendly design

Linoleum is made with a jute backing sealed with linseed oil and pine rosin, and stands out on account of its eco-friendly design, especially when devoid of PVC. Just as practical as vinyl, yet has the added benefit of being gentler on the planet, making it both a stylish and eco-conscious choice for your home.

Linoleum has a slew of advantages: It’s shock- and mould-resistant and withstands damage from fallen objects. Additionally, it’s cost-effective, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean given its protective layer. Furthermore, its soundproofing feature makes for additional indoor comfort.

However, laying linoleum flooring is a bit of a delicate process. Also, bear in mind that the protective layer’s wearing can lead to moisture-related issues if poorly maintained.

11) Ceramic tiles: A kitchen staple

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Ceramic tiles are one of the toughest types of flooring retailed. Tiles are a sought-after choice for many homeowners as they mimic the look of stone for a fraction of the price. When manufactured, ceramic tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures to produce a durable, stain-resistant surface that’s also moisture-proof.

Furthermore, ceramic tiles are versatile and retailed in a wide array of colours and textures. Like vinyl, recent designs are made to mimic wood and other natural materials, while those inspired by a modern aesthetic come in larger, almost oversized rectangular shapes.

As for drawbacks associated with ceramic tile kitchen floors, we have to mention grout joints. The latter are often difficult to clean. Also, tiles can shatter easily if heavy dishware is dropped accidentally.

Here are interesting articles about ceramic floors (though bathroom floors are mentioned, the information detailed is still relevant for kitchen floors): 

• How to Renovate a Bathroom Ceramic Floor

• Cleaning a Ceramic Tile Bathroom Floor

12) Epoxy: A bold and resilient option suited to all rooms

Whether used for garage floors or to brighten up a kitchen or water closet, epoxy is truly a versatile flooring option. It comes in a glossy or matte finish and is retailed in an array of neutrals (black, white, grey) or bright hues (pink, yellow, green, blue).

If you’re looking for foolproof kitchen flooring, epoxy is your best bet. Not only is it shock-, liquid-, and grease-proof, but it’s also super low maintenance given its jointless and waterproof surface. 

Also, keep in mind that its one-of-a-kind look doesn’t suit all decors or aesthetics. While it does bring a certain uniqueness to the forefront, it might clash with either a classic or rustic vibe. Moreover, its hard surface can make standing around—cooking—for extended periods quite uncomfortable.

13) Marble and slate: Timeless classics

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There’s a myriad of stone flooring options, including marble and slate. Stone floors add a unique cachet; they’re also eco-friendly. Stone is a resistant and easy-to-clean flooring option, one that can be considered low maintenance. Stone floors are cold to the touch, which is perfect should you live in warmer parts of the world. 

However, if you’re thinking of installing stone flooring in a residence located in colder regions, consider adding an underfloor, radiant heating system for wintertime. Note that stone flooring tends to be more expensive than other options and requires scheduled maintenance to ensure its leak-proof efficiency.

Also, more fragile stones like slate tend to crumble easily, while others are prone to staining. Either way, stone kitchen flooring is a timeless option that’ll leave your friends as envious as can be. 

Planning a kitchen renovation project? Check out our Kitchen Renovation Guide for more useful information.

14) Limestone: Natural, locally sourced elegance

Limestone floors are characterized by their grey or beige colouring and matte texture.

This flooring option also has a slew of advantages: It can be left unfinished for a natural look or polished for a smoother, more comfortable surface to tread on. Moreover, this material is often sourced in Quebec, which helps bolster the local economy. 

Unfortunately, limestone is an extremely porous material, one that’s prone to oil or grease stains. Luckily, it can be treated with a protective coat to preserve its lustre.

15) Granite: The gem of home revamps

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Granite is both extremely hard and porous; it’s retailed in an array of shades, from green to grey, with black and pink in between. It often comes in a mottled texture, and is available in a range of finishes: flamed, leathered, polished, bush-hammered, Lepatora, or honed.

In terms of upsides, not only is granite long-lasting, but it also adds a certain elegance and warmth to any given space. Given its wide-ranging colour combinations, finding the one that blends perfectly with your decor isn't too much of a feat. 

That said, while its overall look may seem outdated to some, granite retains a certain “noble” factor, guaranteeing its timeless appeal.

FAQ

What is the most popular kitchen floor covering?

Kitchen flooring is truly an investment, and according to most experts, the following flooring types are the most sought-after: hardwood, vinyl, laminate, stone, and tile. 

What is the new trend in kitchen floors?

When it comes to kitchen floor trends, 2024 is all about oversized flagstone tiles. Sandstone and limestone tiles aren't far behind, suiting all kitchen aesthetics.