The kitchen is the heart of any home. Cooking, hosting, hanging out — the room sees constant traffic. With so much focus on this space, choosing flooring that will stand the test of time is important. Finding the best flooring for kitchens means understanding the material and looks. Quality flooring will meet your needs while elevating your home. 

With so many kitchen materials trying to grab your attention, how do you find the right one? Exploring kitchen flooring options gives you a look at the benefits of different materials. You'll have an easier time finding the right fit with an overview of different materials' qualities. 

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are innovative flooring materials. They combine the durability and waterproofing of vinyl with the look of tile or wood. LVT is a great material for kitchens since it's designed to take on heavy wear. The material is comfortable underfoot and easy to clean, improving convenience. Additionally, LVT and LVP come in a huge range of designs. Choose designs that look like stone and hardwood, elevating your space without breaking the bank. 

With good care, vinyl can last 25 years. Make sure to get all vinyl professionally installed to prevent early wear. 

2. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is one of the best waterproof flooring for kitchens. Ceramic is waterproof, extremely durable and can handle heavy foot traffic. It comes in dozens of colors, styles and textures, letting you create custom kitchen looks. Ceramic is also cool underfoot, making it comfortable in warm climates.

Ceramic a solid waterproof, lower-cost and low-maintenance flooring that works with most kitchens. If you live in a colder climate, you might require a heating solution to stay comfortable. 

3. Engineered Wood

Engineered hardwood gives you the timeless look of hardwood while improving its durability. Engineered wood is a thin hardwood layer on top of plywood, designed to last over 50 years with good care. This construction gives it better resistance to humidity and temperature changes, making it a great choice for the kitchen. If you want the warm, natural look of wood without the warping risk, you should choose engineered wood. Choose from a range of colors and finishes to get a look that complements your kitchen.

Engineered wood is more durable than hardwood. To prevent early wear, avoid letting spills soak into the floor.  

4. Laminate 

Laminate is another solid flooring choice. While the word "laminate" might make you think of outdated 1970s kitchens, modern laminate is a huge improvement. Today's laminate is budget-friendly and stylish, giving you durable floors without aging your home. Laminate is easy to install and comes in a range of options. You can get laminate that even looks like wood or stone. It is also scratch- and water-resistant, an essential feature in kitchens. With its easy-to-clean construction, just sweep and mop to keep your floors fresh. 

Laminate is made from wood-based products, so it's not entirely waterproof, but is water-resistant. Laminate will hold up well to damage. Additionally, laminate typically lasts 15 to 25 years. 

5. Hardwood

Hardwood is a classic flooring material. Installing hardwood immediately adds warmth, elegance and value to a space. When well-maintained, hardwood floors will last over 100 years. When they start to look worn, you can refinish them. Hardwood can work in a kitchen if you stay on top of maintenance. Avoid letting it get too wet, and invest in periodic refinishing to maintain its look. 

While it's highly durable, hardwood requires a little more work than other flooring options. However, if you can afford the maintenance and expenses of hardwood, you'll be rewarded with a timeless, long-lasting kitchen floor.

Features You Want in a Kitchen Floor

When looking for kitchen flooring ideas, determine what features you want the most. Kitchen flooring comes in every color, material and style you could want. Break your wants and needs down into these features to find the right option:

1. Water resistance: Kitchens see lots of spills, moisture and humidity. Find something that's waterproof or water-resistant to give you extra flooring protection. Non-waterproof materials can work if you're careful and on top of cleaning. 
2. Durability: Kitchens also experience heavy foot traffic and even dropped items. Look for a floor that can withstand daily wear without easily scratching or denting. 
3. Maintenance: How much maintenance will you put into your floors? Cooking and eating lead to lots of crumbs and messes. Find a floor that's easy to clean to make your life easier. 
4. Comfort: If you're always in the kitchen, you'll want a comfortable floor. The more comfortable the flooring in your kitchen, the easier it'll be to stand on for hours. 
5. Style: Flooring should never sacrifice style for function. With so many options available, pick one that complements your kitchen's style. 

Tips for Selecting the Best Floor for Kitchens

Once you have your dream features, it's time to start the search. Use these tips to pick a flooring that will elevate your kitchen experience: 

1. Assess needs: What do you need your flooring to do for you? Figuring out any flooring must-haves lets you eliminate lots of options before you get too far into your search. 
2. Compare features: Look at durability, moisture resistance and comfort. Certain materials, like LVT, will offer better comfort and durability. Wood lasts the longest but is susceptible to moisture. Use your needs and desired features to narrow down the flooring further.
3. Find a budget: What can you spend on kitchen flooring? If you're in your forever home, investing in more expensive options can deliver better quality and cost-effectiveness in the long run.
4. Get help: Consult flooring experts for help. They'll review your options and help you find flooring that suits your needs and style perfectly. 

Shop Kitchen Floors at Carpet & Tile Mart

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we make finding the perfect kitchen flooring simple. With thousands of in-stock options, you can find flooring that fits your needs and take it home the same day. Our team of experts will work with you from selection to installation, ensuring you get quality and budget-friendly flooring. With unmatched flooring savings and deals, you can count on us to offer great flooring deals for your home. Additionally, our two-year warranties and satisfaction guarantee ensure you get the best flooring for your needs.

Visit one of our 14 locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania or New Jersey for a complete look at our options. Or, use our room visualizer to see how your new floors will look in your space. Whatever your floor needs, we've got you covered. Visit in person or contact us to learn how we can help you!