Kitchens are the heart of every home, and choosing the right flooring is key to creating a space that’s both practical and stylish. With so many options available, from the low-maintenance appeal of laminate to the unbeatable durability of luxury vinyl, we’re here to help you find the best kitchen flooring for your needs.
No matter what your budget, taste, or lifestyle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect kitchen flooring for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Flooring
Before you start exploring options and settling on your dream kitchen floor, take a moment to think about how your kitchen is used daily. Will you be entertaining most weekends? Welcoming a four-legged family member soon? Or planning to install your flooring yourself?
Consider these factors to help narrow down your choice:
Durability: Is your kitchen a high-traffic area with family, pets, or guests? Choose flooring that can withstand wear and tear.
Water Resistance: Kitchens are prone to spills and splashes, so water-resistant flooring is essential.
Ease of Maintenance: Opt for flooring that’s easy to clean, especially if your kitchen is a busy space.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility: Do you have an underfloor heating system, or are you planning on installing one? If so, it’s important to ensure your chosen flooring style is compatible with this.
Style: You’ll obviously want your flooring to complement your kitchen’s design & your preference in style, whether that’s modern, rustic, or traditional.
Budget: Decide what you’re willing to spend. Affordable options like laminate offer great value, while luxury vinyl provides premium features.
By considering these key factors, you’ll find the flooring that perfectly suits your kitchen and lifestyle.
Top Flooring Options for Kitchens
Laminate Flooring in Kitchens
Pros:
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Affordable & budget-friendly.
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Low maintenance – easy to clean with a simple sweep and mop.
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Available in a wide range of styles and colours, including realistic wood and stone effects.
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Durable, especially with higher AC ratings (AC4 or AC5).
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DIY-friendly installation with a click-fit system.
Cons:
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While not fully waterproof, many laminate options are water-resistant, perfect for handling everyday spills when cleaned up promptly.
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Prolonged exposure to moisture should be avoided to preserve the floor’s integrity.
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Like all hard floors, laminate can be affected by heavy or sharp impacts, so care is advised in high-traffic or drop-prone areas.
Why Laminate is Great for Kitchens:
Laminate flooring is a great choice for kitchens if you’re looking for an affordable, stylish, and durable option. Its realistic designs can mimic high-end wood or stone as a fraction of the cost, and it’s easy to maintain – a perfect match for busy households. Opt for high AC ratings for added durability and sound reduction if you’re in a busier household.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Kitchens
Pros:
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Many LVT options are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens.
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Durable, with options like rigid core vinyl offering superior scratch resistance.
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Click vinyl options are perfect for novice DIYers.
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Soft and comfortable to walk on, especially when paired with an underlay.
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Available in a variety of realistic wood, tile, and stone designs.
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Suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Cons:
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Glue-down varieties of LVT require professional installation because of the adhesive required and to ensure the best results.
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It can be more expensive than laminate, depending on the style of brand you choose.
Another option for you is our range of sheet vinyl which can be loose laid - making for the perfect DIY project as no adhesive, tape, nails or grippers are needed. What's more, sheet vinyl is easy to clean, as it only requires a quick sweep, mop or vacuum to remove any of those inevitable spills, it's also water-resistant and compatible with underfloor heating systems up to 27 °C, allowing you to keep your toes toasty whilst you cook.
Why LVT is Great for Kitchens:
Luxury vinyl is a top choice for kitchens because it combines durability with easy maintenance. Its waterproof properties make it perfect for families, pet owners, and homes with lots of activity. Whether you choose glue-down or click-fit vinyl, this flooring type is a versatile and stylish solution for modern kitchens.
Engineered Wood Flooring in Kitchen
Pros:
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Beautiful and authentic wood appearance.
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More moisture-resistant than solid wood.
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Enhances kitchen aesthetics.
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Can be sanded and refinished (depending on thickness) to extend its life.
Cons:
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Requires careful maintenance and quick cleaning up of messes to keep the flooring looking perfect!
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Higher upfront cost compared to laminate and vinyl.
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Not suitable for areas where it could be exposed to prolonged moisture.
Why Engineered Wood Floor is Great for Kitchens:
Engineered wood brings the natural charm of real wood to your kitchen while offering better moisture resistance than solid wood options. It’s ideal for homeowners who prioritise aesthetics and don’t mind having to take a little extra care to maintain its beauty. A lacquered finish can add an extra layer of protection, which is something you might need in the kitchen.
Flooring Style Ideas for Kitchens
Your kitchen flooring can dramatically influence the look and feel of your space. Here are some popular flooring styles to help inspire your design:
Rustic Wood Style Kitchen Flooring
With the cottage-core interior trend becoming increasingly popular, rustic wood style options are no longer solely suited for farmhouse-style kitchens.
With rustic-wood effect options available in laminate or LVT styles, you’re able to replicate the charm of aged wood easily. Look for textured finishes and warm tones to achieve this timeless look.
Patterned Kitchen Flooring
Patterned floors, like herringbone, bring personality to modern kitchens. They are particularly striking in smaller kitchens, as they can make the space feel larger. Patterned LVT or laminate options are durable, easy to clean, and a great way to make a statement in your kitchen.
Stone Effect Kitchen Flooring
Stone-effect flooring, such as slate or marble-look vinyl, offers a luxurious finish without the price tag. It’s ideal for contemporary kitchens aiming for a sleek, high-end aesthetic.
With waterproof LVT stone effect options available, you can get the look of real stone with added comfort underfoot and easier maintenance.
Chevron or Parquet Kitchen Flooring
Chevron or parquet flooring patterns create a sophisticated, textured look. This style works well in traditional or modern kitchens, adding a layer of elegance to your space. With engineered wood options available, you can add a layer of depth to your kitchen space with parquet flooring.
Which kitchen flooring is the most durable?
Both laminate and vinyl are durable options. In laminate, the higher the AC rating, the more durable your floor will be. AC5 rated laminate is used in commercial settings so you know it'll fare well in the busiest kitchens. In vinyl, glue down slightly edges out click in terms of durability - but only just - due to the way it is fixed firmly to the subfloor with adhesive.
If you want durable vinyl, look no further than Audacity, our brand of rigid core vinyl. As well as being 100% waterproof and scratch-resistant, they are all rated AC4 or AC5 for great durability. Be sure to read our guide on AC ratings so you know you're picking the right option for your kitchen.
What kitchen flooring is best for dogs?
If you have a dog (or any other pets) you'll want flooring that's as easy to clean as it is durable. Luxury glue down vinyl is a popular choice for pet owner's kitchens due to it having both features in spades. It's waterproof too (in case of any accidents), meaning both your and your pup's tails can keep wagging, safe in the knowledge it's a floor that will sustain. Rigid core vinyl is also a great option for its durability and scratch-resistance.
See before you try and try before you buy
Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of seeing what different floors could look like in your room with our Room Visualiser tool. Free and easy to use, upload a picture of your kitchen and tap through each floor to your heart's content. You might be surprised to find a colour or style you hadn't thought of, matches your kitchen perfectly.
Once you've found the perfect floor (or three), order your free extra-large samples to see your favourites in person and get a true look and feel first-hand.
How much does kitchen flooring cost?
The cost of kitchen flooring varies depending on a few different factors, from the size of your room (see our ‘how to measure a room guide' to help you with estimations), to the flooring type and any underlay you choose. For a budget-friendly solution, laminate is a fantastic option. If you have a certain budget in mind, you'll find a suitable solution in our kitchen flooring collection.
Where to buy kitchen flooring
Shop hundreds of kitchen floors from the comfort of your home on our website. If you'd like a little help or some extra advice, our friendly team of flooring experts are just a phone call away on 02476 012 840.
How to install kitchen flooring
Once you've found the perfect flooring for you, the final step is installing it. The good news is that our entire laminate and luxury click vinyl ranges are suitable for even beginner DIYers. Check out our videos on how to Install laminate and how to install click vinyl for an easy-to-follow guide.
Due to the need for adhesives, luxury glue down vinyl is best suited to experienced DIYers or professional fitters.
Kitchen Flooring FAQs
What is the best flooring for a kitchen?
The best flooring for your kitchen depends on your priorities:
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Luxury vinyl is ideal for families and pet owners, thanks to its waterproof and durable properties.
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Laminate offers an affordable, stylish, and easy-to-maintain solution.
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Engineered wood adds a touch of luxury but requires a little extra care to keep it looking its best.
What colour flooring goes with grey kitchen units?
Grey kitchens are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of flooring options:
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Light wood tones can create a soft, modern look.
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Stone effect vinyl complements grey cabinets for a sleek, contemporary style.
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Dark shades like walnut or slate can add contrast and warmth to your kitchen.
Order free samples to see how different colours look in your kitchen or use our room visualizer tool.
Do you lay flooring before fitting a kitchen?
It’s usually recommended to lay your flooring after installing kitchen units to avoid damage during the fitting process. However, if you’re installing click-fit laminate or viny, you may prefer to install the flooring first to ensure a seamless look. We’d recommend you consult your kitchen fitter to confirm or explore our flooring installation guides for advice.
