A Trade Guide to Best Kitchen Flooring Options
Staying informed about the most effective kitchen flooring options is essential to delivering top-quality results. From hardwood to luxury vinyl kitchen floor tiles, each option comes with its benefits and challenges.
This feature provides a comprehensive overview of the best flooring for kitchen spaces, considering factors like durability, cost and safety.
- What are the Types of Kitchen Flooring?
- How to Help Your Client Decide Which Kitchen Flooring Material is Right for Them
- How to Tackle Kitchen Floor Safety Issues
- What Does it Cost to Lay a Kitchen Floor?
- Choose Quality Kitchen Flooring from Building Materials Nationwide
What are the Types of Kitchen Flooring?
When it comes to kitchen flooring, there are a wide array of options to choose from. Here, we outline the most common kitchen flooring materials, detailing key features, benefits and potential drawbacks.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is available in various species like oak, maple and walnut. It is durable and can be refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan. However, hardwood is susceptible to water damage and scratches, requiring regular maintenance and care.
While expensive, wood floors in kitchen spaces add significant value to properties and offer versatility in design.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are ideal for kitchens due to their durability, water resistance and versatile kitchen tile floor designs. They are easy to clean, relatively inexpensive and mimic the look of more expensive materials like natural stone.
On the downside, ceramic tiles may be cold and hard underfoot. Grout lines may require regular cleaning and stain if not properly sealed.
Linoleum
Linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust and wood flour. It is eco-friendly, durable and available in different colours and patterns. Also known as lino flooring, it is naturally antimicrobial and resilient, making it comfortable underfoot.
However, it can be damaged by excessive moisture and exposure to sunlight.
Porcelain tile
Porcelain is a denser, less porous variant of ceramic tile, offering superior durability and water resistance. It is available in different colours, patterns and textures, including options that mimic wood or stone.
Overall, porcelain kitchen floor tile is ideal for high-traffic commercial kitchens and is less prone to chipping than ceramic. However, it is generally more expensive and can be challenging to install because of its hardness.
Natural stone
Natural stone flooring like granite or slate has its own pattern and colour variations, creating a one-of-a-kind look. While extremely durable, natural stone requires regular sealing to prevent staining and may be quite expensive.
It is also cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
LVT flooring is synthetic and realistically mimics the look of wood, stone or ceramic. It is highly water-resistant, durable, and comfortable underfoot, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens.
LVT is also easy to install and maintain. While improved manufacturing has made LVT more eco-friendly, it is still not as sustainable as other options like linoleum.
Laminate
Laminate flooring offers an affordable way to achieve the look of wood or stone in the kitchen. It is resistant to scratches, stains and fading, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
However, kitchen laminate flooring can be damaged by excessive moisture and cannot be refinished like hardwood. While easy to install and maintain, it does not provide the same value as natural materials.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is popular in modern kitchen designs for its industrial aesthetic and extreme durability. It can be stained, polished or stamped (imprinting textures or patterns) and is highly resistant to wear and tear.
However, concrete is hard and cold underfoot and may crack over time. It is also susceptible to moisture issues if not properly sealed.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a versatile and cost-effective option for kitchens, available in sheets, tiles or planks. Vinyl self adhesive floor tiles are highly water-resistant and come in designs that mimic materials like wood or stone.
Also, vinyl is softer underfoot compared to harder surfaces. However, vinyl flooring in the kitchen is prone to denting from heavy appliances.
Rubber
Rubber flooring offers excellent slip resistance and comfort underfoot. This makes it a practical choice for commercial kitchens or homes where safety is a priority. It is highly durable, water-resistant and absorbs sound.
However, rubber flooring has limited design options. It can also be prone to staining.
Discover our superb range of commercial kitchen flooring types for your project.
How to Help Your Client Decide Which Kitchen Flooring Material is Right for Them
It is important to guide clients through the various factors that impact the performance and longevity of kitchen flooring. Below, we detail the key considerations to advise on.
1. Subfloor condition
Evaluate the existing subfloor. Determine if extensive preparation is needed and how this impacts material choice, installation time and project cost. Some materials require a level subfloor (tile, natural stone), while others are more forgiving (vinyl, laminate).
2. Installation efficiency
Consider the installation process for different flooring types. Factor in the specialised tools required and installation time. Materials like laminate and LVT offer quicker installation, potentially reducing project duration.
3. Moisture management
Assess the kitchen's moisture levels and potential for water exposure. Choose materials that withstand the expected moisture conditions to prevent future issues.
4. Durability and longevity
Select flooring that withstands heavy foot traffic, potential impacts and frequent cleaning. Consider the warranty offered by manufacturers and how it aligns with client expectations.
5. Maintenance requirements
Evaluate the maintenance needs of different flooring options. Recommend materials that align with the client's willingness to maintain the floor.
6. Compliance with building regulations
Ensure the chosen flooring meets all relevant building codes and regulations, including slip resistance standards for commercial kitchens.
7. Integration with other systems
Assess how the flooring integrates with other kitchen elements like cabinetry, appliances and underfloor heating systems if present.
8. Sound insulation properties
For multistorey buildings, consider the sound transmission characteristics of different flooring materials and any additional underlayment needed.
9. Acclimatisation requirements
Factor in any acclimatisation period required for certain materials and how this affects the project timeline. For example, hardwood flooring requires the longest acclimatisation timeframe, between 3-5 days.
10. Edge and transition details
Consider how different flooring options terminate at walls and doorways. Types including hardwood, laminate and LVT may require specialised trim or transition pieces.
11. Repair and replacement
Evaluate the ease of repairing or replacing sections of the flooring in case of future damage. This may affect long-term client satisfaction.
How to Tackle Kitchen Floor Safety Issues
Reviewing potential safety issues will help you make informed decisions to create safer kitchen spaces for your clients. The following table outlines common safety concerns, along with practical solutions and their benefits.
| Issue | Description | Solutions |
| Slip Resistance | Slippery floors may lead to accidents, especially when wet. | Use textured tiles, rubber flooring or slip-resistant vinyl for built-in safety. Apply anti-slip coatings to existing floors. Install slip-resistant mats in critical areas for targeted protection. |
| Impact Resistance | Dropped items can damage flooring and create hazards. | Install resilient flooring (rubber, vinyl) to absorb impact. Use cushioned underlayment to improve the impact resistance of harder materials. |
| Chemical Resistance | Floors may be exposed to various chemicals. | Select chemically resistant flooring (high-grade porcelain) to prevent degradation. Apply protective sealants to enhance the resistance of various flooring types. |
| Thermal Insulation | Cold floors can be uncomfortable and hazardous. | Install underfloor heating for even heat distribution. Choose naturally insulating materials (hardwood with cork underlayment) for warmth. |
| Static Electricity Control | Static buildup can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. | Lay anti-static flooring to reduce shock risk. Use anti-static treatments on existing floors to protect electronics and appliances. |
| Hygiene Properties | Kitchens are prone to bacterial growth. | Install antimicrobial flooring to prevent bacterial growth. Apply antimicrobial sealants to boost the hygienic properties of existing floors. |
| Glare Reduction | Highly polished floors can create glare. | Choose matte or low-gloss finishes to reduce reflected glare. Use anti-glare coatings on existing floors to improve visibility. |
| Trip Hazard Mitigation | Uneven surfaces can create trip hazards. | Ensure proper subfloor preparation for a smooth, even surface. Use appropriate transition strips to smooth differences in flooring heights. |
What Does it Cost to Lay a Kitchen Floor?
The following table provides approximate UK costs for various kitchen flooring types including materials, labour and potential lifespan. These figures are estimated costs and are based on a kitchen size of 15-20 square metres.
| Flooring Type | Estimated Cost (per m²) | Labour Cost (per m²) | Total Cost (15-20 m² kitchen) | Average Lifespan |
| Vinyl | £20-£50 | £20-£30 | £600-£1,600 | 10-20 years |
| Laminate | £25-£60 | £25-£35 | £750-£1,900 | 15-25 years |
| Ceramic Tile | £30-£80 | £40-£60 | £1,050 -£2,800 | 20+ years |
| Porcelain Tile | £40-£100 | £50-£70 | £1,350 -£3,400 | 20+ years |
| Hardwood | £60-£120 | £40-£60 | £1,500 -£3,600 | 25+ years |
| Natural Stone | £80-£200 | £60-£100 | £2,100 -£6,000 | 30+ years |
| LVT | £30-£70 | £25-£35 | £825-£2,100 | 15-25 years |
| Linoleum | £25-£50 | £25-£35 | £750-£1,700 | 20-25 years |
| Rubber | £40-£80 | £30-£50 | £1,050 -£2,600 | 20-30 years |
| Concrete | £80-£150 | £70-£100 | £2,250 -£5,000 | 20+ years |
Choose Quality Kitchen Flooring from Building Materials Nationwide
We are your one-stop shop for all your kitchen flooring needs. From durable luxury vinyl tiles to elegant porcelain and natural stone, we stock all the recommended flooring for kitchen environments. Our team guides you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the perfect flooring that balances appearance and durability for your specific kitchen project.
For trade customers, we offer the convenience of opening a trade account. Trade account holders access benefits including competitive trade pricing, flexible credit (subject to terms) and fast delivery options. By opening a trade account, you streamline purchasing, allowing for quick and efficient ordering. Our team is on hand to offer support, ensuring that your kitchen flooring projects are completed successfully. Spend 2 minutes signing up online today or contact us to learn more.