Key Takeaways
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Experts agree hardwood floors are ill-suited for kitchens due to their vulnerability to water damage, scratches, and high maintenance demands.
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Other flooring types to steer clear of include porous stone, laminate, and carpet.
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For a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood, experts recommend waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or large-format porcelain tile.
Choosing the finishing touches for your kitchen is a careful balance of form and function. You want the “heart of the home” to look beautiful and feel welcoming—but as a true workhorse, every detail also has to stand up to daily use. Flooring is one of the most important decisions, since the right material can completely transform the space while handling spills, foot traffic, and wear and tear.
Still, not all popular kitchen flooring options are up to the task. In fact, some that look great on day one can quickly become a headache in a busy household. We asked several pros to name the worst flooring choice for kitchens—and they all gave the same answer.
Related: 29 Gorgeous Kitchen Floor Tile Ideas for Every Style and Budget
Meet Our Expert
The One Kitchen Flooring Trend Experts Wish You’d Skip
Hardwood floors may look gorgeous, but designers and contractors agree that it’s generally a poor choice for kitchens.
“Hardwood brings warmth and character to a home, but kitchens are tough on this flooring material,” says Tim Oswald, owner of Floor Coverings International. “Even small spills or leaks can cause the boards to warp, stain, or discolor over time. It’s beautiful, but not necessarily built for water.”
Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, adds that if you do want to use hardwood floors in the kitchen—or if you inherited an older home with them already installed—it’s essential to take extra precautions.
He says it must be well-finished, sealed with varnish, and maintained over the years. “Even then, if you aren’t quick about cleaning up spills, you can get water damage,” Palley explains. “There’s also the dirt and traffic factor; hardwood floors are easy to scratch.”
If you love the idea of hardwood floors, you can get a similar look with high-quality, waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP). “It offers a similar wood look with far better protection against damage and moisture,” Oswald says.
Other Kitchen Flooring Types of Avoid
When polling our pros about non-ideal kitchen flooring choices, they mentioned a few others to avoid.
Porous Stone
Limestone, marble, and travertine make for a lovely showpiece, but they’re highly porous and notoriously difficult to clean. “Stone will absorb oils, stain, or catch dirt easily,” notes Gina Valenti, interior designer and partner of Abrams Valenti Interiors. Plus, highly polished versions can become extremely slippery. Instead, opt for porcelain versions.
Laminate
Laminate floors are affordable and stylish, but they don’t mix well with water. “When moisture seeps between the planks, the surface can bubble or lift. Once that happens, it can’t be repaired,” says Thomas Borcherding, professional kitchen designer and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. Swap in rigid core vinyl or waterproof luxury plank vinyl.
Carpet
This one’s a no brainer, but some older homes have carpet installed in the kitchen. “You could make a strong case for almost any other type of flooring in a kitchen, but carpeting is simply not worth the work you’ll have to put into keeping it clean,” Palley says. “You’ve got a serious risk of mold, mildew, and water damage.”
Mosaic Tiling
While mosaic flooring is good for traction and makes for a wow-worthy statement, it involves too much grout to keep clean and is difficult to sweep. “Larger format tiles that are easier to clean are a good alternative for this,” Valenti says.
Related: 15 Different Types of Tiles, Explained by Home Design Experts
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