- Best all-round: SPC vinyl or water-resistant laminate.
- Hardwood in kitchens works if you wipe spills and accept some wear. It's common in open-plan homes.
- Tile is bulletproof but hard on feet and dropped dishes.
- Decide early: floor under the cabinets or up to them? And can the dishwasher still come out?
How each floor does in a kitchen
| Floor | Spills | Dropped pans | Standing comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPC vinyl | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Water-resistant laminate | Good (hours) | Good | Fair |
| Engineered hardwood | Fair. Wipe quickly | Fair (dents) | Good |
| Porcelain tile | Excellent | Breaks dishes | Poor |
Install details that matter in kitchens
- Floating floors shouldn't be pinned under heavy islands or cabinets. It causes peaking. Usually the floor stops at the cabinets, with a proper gap and trim.
- Dishwasher: the new floor height must still let it slide out.
- Fridge: check the height under the upper cabinets.
- Open plan: one floor through kitchen and living looks best. Pick a type that handles both.
For colour with your cabinets, see the matching guide or the colour matcher.
Common questions
What is the best flooring for a kitchen?
For most families, SPC vinyl plank or water-resistant laminate: they handle spills and wear well and look like wood. Porcelain tile is most durable but harder underfoot.
Can you put hardwood in a kitchen?
Yes. Hardwood and engineered hardwood are common in open-plan kitchens. Wipe spills quickly, use mats at the sink and dishwasher, and expect some wear over time.
Should flooring go under kitchen cabinets?
Floating floors generally should not be trapped under cabinets or heavy islands, because they need room to move. They usually stop at the cabinet base with an expansion gap covered by trim.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.