What Flooring Is Best For A Kitchen? Tampa General Contractor Answers Remodeling Questions

Selecting the right type of flooring for your kitchen can be a tricky process. With so many options, clients find it difficult to decide on what type of flooring will best suit their needs. Continue reading to learn more about the types of flooring for kitchens to aid you in your selection process. 

There are 3 types of flooring you can add to your kitchen;

Hardwood, tile, and vinyl.

Engineered hardwood flooring isn’t usually recommended for kitchens but, there are options available that are waterproof and more durable. 

If you use an older style of engineered hardwood without a waterproof coat, the floor will begin to expand when it’s wet and contract when it dries. Over time, this will produce an uneven, bubbly, and warped floor. The finish will also be damaged.

Because the kitchen is a location that often gets wet, it’s recommended to use either tile or vinyl. 

There are a few differences between tile and vinyl, so let’s start off with their durability. 

Porcelain tile has the longest duration of any flooring product. Being built out of rock, this material has a hard finish and dense weight to them. It’s very difficult to scratch or chip porcelain tile, so this flooring would be best for people with children or large animals. 

Luxury vinyl planks are a less dense material compared to tile. So there’s a possibility for wear marks and scratches when you’re moving appliances around. Many earlier-stage products produced by known manufacturers don’t have the same durability as tile. But newer vinyl plank material has been engineered to be extremely stiff and dense. 

If you had to decide between the two, it’s recommended to go with tile. 

Budget-wise; hardwood and tile have similar price points. Including install and costs for the material. 

Tile will cost around $8-$12 and vinyl will cost around $3-$7 per square ft to install. These prices depend on how big the product is, how many square feet, what the substrate is, and other factors needed like transition strips. 

For product pricing, 

Tile tends to be the cheapest, with vinyl following and then hardwood. 

Keep in mind product prices can vary depending on the quality and colors available. 

The most important factors to consider when deciding on kitchen flooring are;

What’s your lifestyle like?

Do you have children or large animals?

Are you moving large appliances?

Based on these factors, it’s recommended to go with tile flooring. But if you’re trying to be more budget-friendly, vinyl is still a great option. 

If you’re considering hardwood, it’s suggested that you go with a newer engineered product that has a waterproof coat. 

If you have a remodeling question or inquires about remodeling your space in the Tampa Bay Area, please send an email to homeloveconstruction@gmail.com 

-Brad Bachand

Transcribed/Published by Emily Lavechia