Kitchen Flooring

Someone drops a pan of pasta water, the dishwasher leaks a little, and the dog trots through it all. A kitchen floor takes more abuse than almost any other in the house, and it has to look good while it does. The best kitchen floor is waterproof, wipes clean in seconds and stays comfortable to stand on while you cook. Here's how the main options compare on durability and cost, and which suits which kitchen. If you'd like to see a few finishes next to your units, you can order free flooring samples.

Here are some kitchen-friendly floors from our range.

Whichever floor you lean towards, the sections below explain how it holds up once the cooking starts.

What makes a floor right for a kitchen?

A kitchen floor needs to cope with water, grease, heat and heavy use, and it should be easy to clean and comfortable underfoot. Almost every kitchen floor fails in the same few ways, so it's worth weighing these before you choose:

• Moisture: spills, leaks and mopping all end up on the floor.
• Cleaning: grease, crumbs and food stains need a surface that wipes clean.
• Durability: dropped pans, chair legs and daily footfall leave marks.
• Comfort: you stand on this floor for long periods, so warmth and a little cushioning matter.

One extra idea worth considering: plan the floor around your units. Floating floors like click LVT and laminate need room to move, so they shouldn't be trapped under heavy fixed units. Lay the floor up to the plinths and cover the expansion gap with trim, which also saves floor area and cost.

Which kitchen floor is best for your priorities?

Choose by what matters most in your kitchen, because no single floor wins on everything.

• Water and spills are the main worry: LVT or SPC. The surface is waterproof and wipes clean.
• Budget comes first and the kitchen stays dry: laminate. It's hard-wearing and more affordable, but it isn't designed for wet areas.
• You want a warm, natural look: engineered wood, ideally a brushed or matt lacquered finish. It needs more care with spills.
• You have underfloor heating: check each product's details first, as suitability depends on the floor and your heating system.
• Busy family kitchen with pets or children: LVT or SPC, in a matt or textured finish.

Is LVT or SPC the best choice for a kitchen?

For most kitchens, yes. Waterproof LVT and SPC flooring wipes clean and shrugs off spills, so water, grease and food mess stay on the surface until you wipe them away. It's also warmer and softer underfoot than ceramic tile. Our waterproof LVT and SPC flooring includes a wide range of wood and stone looks, and ranges such as Aqua Deluxe waterproof vinyl are worth a look if water resistance is your main concern. Matt finishes hide everyday marks better than gloss.

Can laminate work in a kitchen?

It can, with care. Scratch-resistant laminate flooring is hard-wearing and affordable, and it suits dry, busy kitchens with an open-plan feel. The catch is that laminate isn't designed for wet areas, so wipe up spills quickly and think twice if you have a dishwasher that's prone to leaks or a sink that splashes a lot. If moisture is a regular worry, choose LVT instead.

Does engineered wood suit a kitchen?

It's possible, but it asks more of you. Engineered wood gives a warm, natural look, and brushed and matt lacquered engineered wood hides scuffs better than high-gloss. But wood is sensitive to standing water, so spills must be wiped away promptly, and it can dent if you drop something heavy. It suits kitchens that are used carefully, or open-plan spaces where the wood continues from the living area.

Which kitchen floor is the most durable, and what about cost?

LVT and SPC are the best all-rounders for durability, laminate is the budget-friendly option, and engineered wood costs more but adds warmth. Costs vary by range, so check the product pages and compare them on your own room size. Here's the quick version:

Can you put a new kitchen floor over underfloor heating?

Often, but it depends on the product and your heating system, so check before you buy. As a general guide, choose a floor whose product details confirm underfloor heating suitability, use an underlay approved for it, and avoid thick, insulating layers that trap the heat. Follow the manufacturer's advice on bringing the heating up gradually after the floor is fitted. If you're unsure, ask our team before you order.

Should you fit the floor before or after the kitchen units?

For floating floors such as click LVT and laminate, fitting after the units is usually the safer choice. These floors expand and contract with temperature and humidity, so they need a small gap at the edges, and fixed units can pin them down. Fitting after the units lets the floor float freely, with trim covering the gap.

There's a trade-off: fitting the floor first looks neater and saves on edge trims, but it can be awkward if you ever replace the units, as the floor may need lifting or patching. Glue-down floors behave differently, so follow the manufacturer's guidance and ask your fitter for the best order of work for your kitchen.

Does a kitchen floor need underlay?

Most click floors need one, and it makes a difference to comfort and noise. A good underlay for kitchen floors smooths out minor imperfections in the subfloor and adds a little cushioning underfoot. Check the product details first, as some floors include a built-in underlay, and make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level.

What finishing touches does a kitchen floor need?

Add thresholds and edgings between rooms so the floor meets the hallway or living area neatly, and use trim or plinths to cover the expansion gap around the units.

Who can supply and fit a kitchen floor in London?

We can. Fitting around units, pipes and appliances takes care, so a good fitter makes a visible difference. Our team supplies the flooring and offers a professional floor fitting service across London, so you can choose, order and have it fitted in one go. Not sure which floor suits your kitchen? Pick a few favourites and get your free samples to try at home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Flooring

What's the best flooring for a kitchen with a leaky dishwasher or lots of spills?

LVT or SPC. The surface is waterproof, so spills and leaks stay on top until you wipe them up. Laminate and engineered wood are less forgiving of standing water.

Is LVT or laminate better for a kitchen?

LVT is better for most kitchens because it's waterproof and wipes clean. Laminate suits dry kitchens and tighter budgets, but it isn't designed for wet areas.

Is LVT good for kitchens?

Yes. It has a waterproof, wipe-clean surface and feels warmer underfoot than tile, which makes it a practical choice for most kitchens. Choose a matt or textured finish to hide everyday marks.

What's the most durable flooring for a busy family kitchen?

LVT and SPC are the hard-wearing choice, as they resist scratches, dents and spills. Choose a matt or textured finish and use felt pads under chair legs to keep it looking good.

Should kitchen flooring go under the units?

Usually not for floating floors such as click LVT and laminate. They need room to move, so they're best laid up to the plinths with a trim to cover the gap. Ask your fitter or the manufacturer if you're unsure.

Is engineered wood OK in a kitchen?

It can be, but it needs more care than LVT. Wipe up spills promptly, avoid standing water, and expect it to dent if heavy items are dropped. A brushed or matt lacquered finish hides everyday scuffs better than gloss.

What kitchen flooring is easiest to clean?

LVT and SPC. Sweep or vacuum, then wipe with a damp mop, and spills, grease and food stains come off easily. Laminate and engineered wood also clean well, but they need drying afterwards.

Can kitchen flooring be used with underfloor heating?

It depends on the exact product and your heating system, so check before ordering. Don't assume every floor in a category is suitable. Ask our team if you're unsure.