1. Hardwood Kitchen Flooring
Many people love hardwood kitchen flooring because they’re a beautiful, durable classic that brings a touch of nature to a room. There was a time when conventional wisdom was to avoid hardwood flooring in kitchens because it couldn’t stand up to moisture and inevitable food spills. That’s no longer the case. A new generation of water-resistant sealers and polyurethane finishes keeps wooden flooring in the kitchen from staining and warping. There are two types of hardwood kitchen flooring: engineered hardwood flooring, made of a plywood core with a layer of hardwood on top, and solid hardwood flooring, which is just what it sounds like — planks of solid wood. Engineered wood kitchen flooring is more affordable than solid wood kitchen flooring.
Solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished three or four times and can last for more than a century. Engineered hardwood flooring can be resanded and refinished two times and can last for around 20 years.
2. Tile Kitchen Flooring
Ceramic tile or porcelain tile is a good choice for kitchen flooring because it’s waterproof and stain-resistant. Kitchen floor tile comes in a slew of patterns and colors, so you can find tile to fit any design style. You can even get ceramic or porcelain tile that mimics hardwood, terrazzo or stone, so you get tile’s waterproof superpowers and the luxe look of higher-end materials. Look for tile that you can use on floors, because some tile is made only for backsplashes.
Porcelain tile is harder and more water-resistant than ceramic tile, so it doesn't need to be sealed. It wears better than ceramic tile, too.
3. Stone Tile Kitchen Flooring
Stone tile kitchen flooring is a luxurious and durable kitchen flooring choice. Natural stone, like granite, marble, slate and travertine, is made by geological forces, so each stone is unique. Stone kitchen flooring comes in a variety of luminous, earthy tones and is a high-end material that’s super tough.
Stone kitchen flooring does have some challenges though, like being porous and susceptible to stains. Apply a stone sealer periodically to protect your kitchen flooring. Some types of stone are harder and more durable than others. Marble is beloved for its durability and resistance to water and stains. You can polish it to a high sheen, but keep in mind that the shinier the finish, the more slippery the surface becomes. Marble kitchen floor tile has beautiful natural veining and is available in blue, gray, white, red and orange tones.
Travertine is a sedimentary rock that has a naturally weathered look and comes in colors ranging from ivory to gold. Travertine is prone to etching and staining, so make sure to keep it sealed. When cared for, travertine can last forever. Fun fact: The Colosseum in Rome is made of travertine.
Lowe’s Flooring Visualizer makes it easy to see which flooring fits your kitchen’s look.
4. Luxury Vinyl Plank Kitchen Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is one of the most durable types of kitchen flooring. It’s made of a type of plastic that convincingly mimics wood kitchen flooring and has the durability of vinyl. LVP resists stains and scratches and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing wear, so it’s tougher than hardwood kitchen floors and much more water-resistant. It doesn’t require sealing or refinishing and can last up to 20 years, making it a great choice for busy households.
5. Bamboo Kitchen Flooring
Bamboo kitchen flooring looks and feels just like hardwood but is harder and more durable. Bamboo also resists water and spills, so it’s a popular choice for homeowners who want waterproof kitchen flooring. There are three types of bamboo kitchen flooring: engineered bamboo, solid bamboo and strand woven bamboo. Strand woven bamboo, made of pulped bamboo pressed into planks, is the best pick for kitchen flooring because it’s the most durable and water-resistant. Solid bamboo kitchen flooring, made by pressing slices of bamboo together, is the least resistant to water, so it may not be the best choice for a kitchen. You can refinish bamboo kitchen flooring, but since it doesn’t have natural grain, you’ll need to hire a pro to do the job.
6. Luxury Vinyl Tile Kitchen Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) kitchen flooring is a durable choice for a busy kitchen. It's made of plastic but convincingly mimics the look of ceramic or porcelain kitchen floor tile. Luxury vinyl tile can also mimic hardwoods and natural stone, too, giving you the look of those high-end materials in your kitchen at a more affordable price. LVT kitchen flooring resists stains and scratches and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing wear. LVT doesn't crack or chip like real tile kitchen floors, nor does it require sealing or regrouting so it's easier to care for than real kitchen floor tile. If you’re looking for an easy DIY project, check out the peel and stick tiles for kitchen floors available at Lowe’s.
7. Laminate Kitchen Flooring
Durable laminate kitchen flooring looks like real hardwood without the cost and is available in many different colors and styles, including oak and hickory. Laminate is also great for a DIY floor project since you’ll only need a few tools and won’t have to glue it down or apply grout. Waterproof laminate flooring is perfect for the kitchen, as it allows you to take care of spills easily with a damp mop.
While looking through ideas for kitchen flooring, keep cleaning effort, cost and décor style in mind. Also don’t forget to account for additional costs, like removal and disposal of the previous flooring, delivery, installation, and underlayment. If you need help measuring your kitchen floor to get the most accurate cost estimate, use our handy Flooring Calculators. These make budgeting for your kitchen flooring remodel so much easier.
