Choosing the right kitchen flooring is one of the most important decisions during a remodel. Your kitchen is a high-traffic, high-spill, and high-humidity zone, which means the floor must be durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and stylish too.
So what flooring should you use in your kitchen? 🤔 Let’s explore the best materials, their pros and cons, pricing, and tips for choosing the right one for your space.
✅ What Makes a Good Kitchen Floor?
Before we dive into specific materials, here’s what to look for in any kitchen flooring:
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Water resistance or waterproofing 💧
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Scratch and stain resistance 🛡
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Durability in high-traffic areas 🚶♂️
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Easy to clean and maintain 🧼
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Aesthetically matches your kitchen style 🎨
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Budget-friendly (if needed) 💵
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Safe and slip-resistant 🦶
🔝 Top Kitchen Flooring Materials (Pros, Cons & Cost)
1. 🔷 Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Why choose it: LVP has become one of the most popular options due to its waterproof core, realistic wood or stone look, and soft underfoot feel.
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✅ Waterproof
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✅ Easy to install (floating or glued down)
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✅ Quiet and warm
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❌ Can dent under heavy furniture
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💰 Cost: $2–$5 per sq. ft. (materials) | $4–$8 installed
2. 🧱 Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Why choose it: Classic and ultra-durable, tile resists water, scratches, and heat.
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✅ 100% waterproof
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✅ Huge range of styles and colors
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✅ Long-lasting (20+ years)
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❌ Cold and hard underfoot
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❌ Grout can stain or crack over time
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💰 Cost: $3–$10 per sq. ft. (materials) | $6–$15 installed
3. 🌳 Engineered Wood
Why choose it: For a warmer, more natural look than tile or vinyl, engineered wood offers the charm of hardwood with better resistance to humidity.
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✅ More water-resistant than solid hardwood
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✅ Natural wood veneer
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✅ Can be refinished once or twice
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❌ Not fully waterproof — not ideal for very wet kitchens
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💰 Cost: $4–$8 per sq. ft. | $8–$14 installed
4. 🌿 Laminate Flooring
Why choose it: Affordable and easy to install, laminate offers decent durability with some water resistance (in modern versions).
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✅ Inexpensive
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✅ Realistic look of wood or stone
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✅ Simple click-lock installation
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❌ Vulnerable to water damage unless it’s a waterproof version
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💰 Cost: $1–$3 per sq. ft. | $3–$7 installed
5. ⚫ Natural Stone (Slate, Marble, Granite)
Why choose it: Stone adds luxury and timeless elegance to any kitchen.
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✅ Long-lasting and durable
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✅ Each piece is unique
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✅ High resale value
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❌ Expensive and heavy
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❌ Requires sealing and maintenance
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💰 Cost: $6–$15 per sq. ft. | $10–$25 installed
6. 🪵 Solid Hardwood (Not Recommended)
While hardwood is beautiful and durable, it’s not ideal for kitchens due to its vulnerability to water and moisture. If you love wood, choose engineered wood or waterproof LVP instead.
💡 Which Kitchen Floor Is Best for You?
Here are a few quick tips to help you decide:
| Need This | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly 🏷 | Laminate or LVP |
| Elegant & durable ✨ | Tile or Stone |
| Soft underfoot 🦶 | LVP or Engineered Wood |
| Waterproof 💧 | Tile or LVP |
| Easy DIY install 🔨 | Laminate or LVP |
🧰 Kitchen Flooring in Chicago: Installation Tips
If you’re remodeling a kitchen in Chicago, don’t forget to:
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Check local building codes
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Choose flooring that handles temperature swings and humidity
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Consider radiant heating under tile or LVP floors for added comfort during winter
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Hire a licensed contractor to ensure proper subfloor leveling and waterproof sealing
At Easy Remodeling, we help Chicago homeowners choose and install the best kitchen flooring that suits their style, budget, and lifestyle.
🧾 How Much Will It Cost?
On average, kitchen flooring installation (materials + labor) costs:
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Budget options: $4–$7 per sq. ft. (laminate, basic LVP)
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Mid-range: $7–$12 per sq. ft. (engineered wood, tile)
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High-end: $12–$25+ per sq. ft. (stone, designer tile)
Always get a detailed estimate based on the size of your kitchen and condition of your existing floor.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Your kitchen floor needs to handle everything from cooking messes to kids and pets. Choose a material that combines practicality with beauty, fits your budget, and lasts for years.
Still unsure what to pick? Contact Easy Remodeling in Chicago for a free consultation — we’ll help you make the best choice and install it to perfection.
