Your kitchen floor needs to stand up to spills, dropped pans and foot traffic while still looking great. Here's how the major contenders stack up, with insights from America's Floor Source.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP has become the MVP of kitchen flooring. It's waterproof, cushioned underfoot and virtually maintenance free. Modern prints offer hyper‑realistic wood and stone visuals, and the planks click together for an easy DIY installation. LVP is generally less expensive than hardwood but more durable than standard laminate.
Laminate
Laminate remains a popular budget choice. The latest waterproof laminates – such as Mohawk's RevWood – feature improved cores and sealed edges, making them far more resistant to spills than earlier generations. Laminate is also easy to install and comes in wide planks and matte finishes. However, it can feel harder underfoot than LVP and may not last as long.
Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tile are classic choices that handle heat and moisture better than any other material. Large‑format tiles reduce grout lines for a sleek look, and stone‑look patterns and bold geometrics are trending for 2025. Tile can be cold underfoot, so consider adding radiant heat or using rugs for comfort.
Solid Hardwood
Nothing beats the warmth of real wood, but hardwood is sensitive to moisture. In a kitchen, you'll need to wipe spills quickly and maintain a durable finish. If you love wood but worry about warping, consider installing it in adjacent dining or living areas and using an alternative in work zones.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered wood offers the look of solid hardwood with better dimensional stability. Cross‑laminated layers resist warping, and many products feature sealed edges and durable finishes to protect against spills. Opt for wide planks in warm tones to stay on trend.
2025 Kitchen Flooring Trends
- Wide planks & long boards: Larger plank sizes create visual continuity in open‑concept kitchens.
- Stone visuals: Tile and vinyl patterns that mimic limestone, travertine and marble deliver timeless elegance.
- Matte finishes: Low‑sheen surfaces hide scratches and feel more natural.
- Warm neutrals: Honey, walnut and sand tones replace cool greys.
- Sustainability: Look for products made with recycled content and low‑VOC finishes.
- Waterproof laminate: New cores and coatings offer true waterproof performance.
To compare how these materials perform in other rooms, check out our room‑by‑room guide and our colour trends overview.