To avoid the risk of water damage, a better flooring option for kitchens is LVT or vinyl roll. And, similar to laminate, both of these vinyl options are available in a range of wood designs.
Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need a durable flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, or hardwood floors that are strong enough to handle foot traffic and heavy furniture.
Answer: Concrete and vinyl flooring
Concrete and vinyl are both excellent choices. Classic tiles come in second when it comes to high-traffic kitchens. However, we would choose vinyl over concrete because of the comfort it provides. Remember, although concrete is extremely durable, it is not comfortable.
One of the primary reasons homeowners choose luxury vinyl plank flooring for their kitchens is because of its durability. It's fully moisture-proof and more impervious to wear and tear. It's completely resistant to water damage and most stains.
Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Although it can last twice as long as laminate, vinyl (especially luxury vinyl) may involve a larger investment upfront.
From a distance, both types of flooring even look similar. Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
As long as you address the overriding concern of moisture, you can install laminate flooring in the kitchen. If you want to eliminate worries about moisture, install sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). In terms of appearance, LVP is a close contender with laminate and it is 100-percent waterproof.
The two main types of vinyl flooring – luxury vinyl flooring (also known as luxury vinyl tile or LVT, and luxury vinyl plank or LVP) and vinyl roll (also known as vinyl sheet) – are both highly suitable flooring options for your kitchen.
In this case, the thicker the plank/tile, or sheet, the sturdier it is. The rule of thumb is to use 4mm to 6mm thickness in heavily used areas of the house and 4mm and below for areas like the bedroom.
Tumbled Effect Porcelain Trend
A big trend for 2023 kitchen floor tiles is tumbled effect porcelain - together with the character and variation from tile to tile, this soft tumbling effect lends itself beautifully to rustic, and modern country-style kitchens.
One of the most durable floors to use in a kitchen is ceramic or porcelain tile. Although cold underfoot, these tiles are incredibly durable and easy to clean having been handmade and baked. They are also available in a range of shapes, styles, and colours, making them perfect for any kitchen aesthetic.
Hardwood Flooring
what's better than hardwood flooring? It's beautiful, it's durable, and it never goes out of style. Not to mention all of your friends, family, and neighbors aspire to have it, so you'll have your entire network envying your home's flooring design.
Hardwood. As one of the most popular, high-value flooring materials for many homes, hardwood is a worthwhile consideration. This classic option offers the space a warm, natural feel, making it an excellent pick for varying kitchen aesthetics.
Consider the size of your kitchen when choosing your flooring. Light floors can help make a smaller kitchen feel more spacious, while dark floors can make a large kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
Pros of Vinyl Flooring in Your Kitchen
And if you normally take care of it, which is very simple and another advantage we'll get into, it will last you between 10 to 20 years.
High-traffic areas like the bathroom or kitchen would benefit greatly with linoleum flooring as it is a durable and water-resistant type of flooring.
Floating laminate flooring can be installed in nearly any room, with a few exceptions. Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided.
Drawbacks of Laminate flooring in kitchens
Difficult to repair – If your Laminate floor suffers water-damage, due to water seeping through the top layer or seams down to the layer of wood chip, it can be challenging to repair. If the problem is isolated, you may be able to repair individual planks.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Con: LVP May Dent
Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
So, now for the big question: which is more expensive —vinyl or laminate? Truthfully, both products are pretty comparable in cost as both are less expensive options than other flooring materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. Vinyl can be pricier, though, especially if you're exploring luxury vinyl options.
Durability. Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
Vinyl flooring, especially when installed with an underlayment, can minimize impact noise and provide a softer and more muted sound when walking or dropping items. Laminate flooring, without an underlayment, may produce a louder and hollower sound due to the nature of its construction.
Ease of Installation
When comparing vinyl plank to laminate, it's a close race as to which is easier to install. However, the installation of vinyl plank requires fewer tools and steps, so it's the superior choice in this category.