The Ultimate Guide for Choosing the Best Kitchen Flooring for Your Home

The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in the home, it's where families gather, eat, chat and even host parties. As a result, kitchens are prone to spills & moisture which is why it's essential to choose a floor that is durable, water-resistant and easy to clean, while also matching your home's aesthetic. Deciding which flooring is the best for your kitchen can be difficult as there are various factors to consider. Don’t worry, this blog will break down the key factors to consider, our top kitchen flooring choices and cleaning tips to help maintain your flooring.

Why Kitchen Flooring Matters

As previously mentioned kitchens receive a lot of foot traffic so durability is key when choosing a floor. The design of your kitchen floor is equally as important, whether you’re going for a warm, rustic feel or a sleek, modern vibe, the floor ties everything together. Choosing materials is important as one that is easy to clean and resistant to moisture helps keep your kitchen hygienic and sanitary. Overall, choosing the right flooring is about balancing style, strength, and simplicity.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Flooring

Durability & Longevity

•           Laminate flooring is a popular flooring choice in Irish homes, it typically lasts 10-25 years and is resistant to scratches.
•          Hardwood flooring typically lasts between 20-30 years and is extremely durable as it can be refinished multiple times.
•          Vinyl LVT typically lasts between 10-20 years depending on the quality of the product and is scratch and stain-resistant meaning it doesn’t warp overtime.

Water & Spill Resistance

Kitchens are prone to spills, whether its water, food, or pet accidents. Choosing a floor that can withstand these everyday spills is key. These materials stand out in particular when it comes to water & spill resistance.

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is 100% waterproof and durable, making it perfect for family homes with kids and pets.
• Porcelain Tile – is completely waterproof and highly resistant to scratches and stains. Great for kitchens with lots of cooking and cleaning action.
• Laminate while not completely waterproof can be water resistant like our Elka Range making it a budget friendly choice for busy households.
• Some ranges of Engineered flooring are waterproof like our Cala range making it the perfect choice for those who want a long-lasting waterproof floor.

Comfort & Safety

When it comes to kitchen flooring, comfort and safety go hand-in-hand—especially in a space where you’re often standing for long periods and spills are common. Slip-resistant surfaces like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) can reduce the risk of accidents, which is important in busy households, especially for those that have little ones running around.  Beyond safety, underfoot cushioning is another important factor. We can spend long hours standing in the kitchen, cooking, cleaning, etc and some flooring like ceramic tile can be cold and uncomfortable underfoot. We recommend softer materials like LVT as they offer more comfort.

Maintenance & Cleaning

In high-traffic kitchens, low- maintenance flooring is essential. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is ideal for busy households that need quick cleaning options and long-term durability. Laminate flooring also has an easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to scratches and stains, making it a budget-friendly choice for busy homes.

Top Kitchen Flooring Options

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty, natural warmth, and a classic look that never goes out of style. It's a top choice for homeowners who want to bring elegance and long-term value to their kitchen. While hardwood can be sensitive to moisture, especially in a space like the kitchen, proper care—such as quick cleanup of spills and occasional sealing—helps preserve its charm and durability for years to come.

Engineered Flooring

Engineered flooring is a practical and stylish choice for kitchens, offering the beauty of natural wood with added durability and moisture resistance. Some options are even fully waterproof—perfect for busy households—though it’s important to check product details, as not all ranges offer the same level of protection. Easy to clean and install, engineered hardwood requires less upkeep than solid wood. While it may come at a higher price point than laminate or vinyl and can’t be refinished as many times as solid hardwood, it strikes a great balance between performance, aesthetics, and convenience.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate Flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to solid hardwood. It is easy to clean, scratch & stain-resistant and some ranges can also be water- resistant. Laminate flooring is also easier to install so it’s a great choice for DIY enthusiasts.. Just keep in mind that while certain ranges offer water resistance, laminate can still be sensitive to moisture—especially at the seams and edges—so prompt cleanup of spills is key to maintaining its appearance over time.

Vinyl Flooring (LVT & SPC)

Vinyl Flooring including LVT & SPC have become a go-to choice for kitchen flooring for a number reasons. Vinyl Flooring is 100% waterproof, durable, budget-friendly and easy to maintain. While it’s highly resilient, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause some fading or discoloration over time, so using blinds or UV-protective window film can help preserve its look. And although it can’t be refinished, any damaged planks can be individually replaced, keeping upkeep straightforward and stress-free.

Choosing the Best Kitchen Flooring for Your Style

Modern – Sleek Vinyl Tiles For Kitchen

If you have modern décor throughout your home and kitchen, Vinyl tiles would complement this well. Vinyl tiles come in a variety of finishes—from matte stone-look to high-gloss marble effects—making it easy to match your desired look. Whether your going for a minimalist design or want to make a bold statement, Vinyl tiles have plenty of options available to you.

Traditional – Warm Hardwood Flooring

For those who prefer a classic and traditional design, warm hardwood flooring remains a timeless choice thanks to its rich grain patterns and varied textures. Whether you opt for oak, maple, or walnut, hardwood flooring brings a welcoming feel that enhances the look and atmosphere of any kitchen.

Contemporary – Versatile Kitchen Laminate Flooring

Contemporary kitchens call for flooring that balances style, function, and affordability—and laminate flooring checks all the boxes. With its printing technology, laminate flooring can mimic the look of wood, stone or tile so there’s a style to suit every contemporary kitchen.

Scandinavian Kitchens – Light Wood Effect Tiles

Scandinavian kitchen design is all about simplicity and natural beauty—and light wood effect tiles fit seamlessly into this aesthetic. These tiles are perfect for brightening up a small kitchen as they reflect natural light and make the space feel more clean and open which perfectly captures the essence of Scandinavian style.

Maintaining Your Kitchen Floor – Cleaning tips for longevity

Implementing a regular cleaning routine will help maintain the look of your kitchen floors. Here are our top cleaning tips to help increase the lifespan of your floors:

•           Sweeping or vacuuming throughout the week to remove crumbs and debris can prevent the surface of the floor from scratching.
•          Use a damp mop to avoid water damage, particularly on hardwood and laminate.
•           Clean all spills straight away to avoid staining and prevent slips.
•           Don’t use harsh chemicals as they can fade finishes – check for cleaners made for your specific floor type.
•           For additional tips check out our other cleaning guides How to Clean Your Wooden Floor in 5 Easy Steps and How to Clean Your Carpet With These 7 Simple Steps. 

DIY vs. Professional Installation – When to hire a professional

When installing your kitchen floors, whether you can DIY or need professional installation depends on the flooring materials and your skill set. Laminate and Vinyl are often designed with a uniclick system meaning they can be quite easy to install yourself depending on your comfort level. Whereas installing Engineered flooring can be more complex as a lot needs to be nailed or glued down. For Engineered Flooring, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure a clean finish.

Choose Kitchen Flooring with Des Kelly Interiors

Choosing the best kitchen flooring for your home is about balancing style, durability, comfort, and practicality. Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of hardwood flooring, the budget-friendly ease of kitchen laminate flooring, or the modern versatility of vinyl tiles for kitchen spaces, there's an option to suit every lifestyle and design preference. At Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in flooring and are here to help you make an informed decision—one that enhances the heart of your home for years to come. Explore our wide range of affordable kitchen flooring solutions in one of our 9 showrooms, from wood effect tiles to the best waterproof flooring  for kitchen environments, and find the perfect fit for your space today. We also offer a free home consultation where we will bring our showroom to you.  We are committed to providing the best quality to our customers. Contact us today to find your perfect kitchen flooring.

FAQ’S

Can you use wood floors in kitchens?

Yes wood floors can bed used in kitchens, just be mindful of spills and moisture.

What is the best waterproof flooring for kitchens?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or Engineered Flooring (depending on range) are two of the best waterproof flooring options for kitchens—both are durable, stylish, and resist water easily.

What is the most affordable kitchen flooring?

Vinyl flooring is generally the most affordable option for kitchens, offering water resistance and easy maintenance. Laminate is also budget-friendly, though it's less water-resistant than vinyl.