If you’re remodeling your kitchen or building a new home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular option for active kitchen spaces thanks to its winning combination of affordability, durability, and style.
We’ll cover the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, the different types of vinyl floors, safety factors to be aware of, and plenty of design inspiration to make your kitchen flooring dreams a reality.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring for Kitchens
Let’s start by examining the main advantages and potential drawbacks of installing vinyl flooring in your kitchen.
Pros
There are many great reasons to consider vinyl flooring for your kitchen remodel or construction project:
- Affordability – Vinyl is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options, costing a fraction of materials like hardwood, tile or stone.
- Durability – Modern vinyl stands up well to heavy foot traffic, dropped items, scraping chair legs, and more. It retains its look much longer than carpet or laminate.
- Waterproof – Vinyl won’t swell or warp when exposed to spills and splatters. This moisture resistance helps prevent leaks to subfloors as well.
- Easy Maintenance – Vinyl requires no waxing or refinishing. Just sweep and mop occasionally to keep it looking like new.
- Comfort – Vinyl feels softer underfoot than tile or wood, an important consideration for rooms where you’ll stand for long periods.
- Insulating – Vinyl provides more insulation from cold or heat than stone floors, increasing comfort.
- Hygienic – Unlike carpeting, vinyl won’t harbor allergens and is very easy to sanitize.
- DIY Friendly – Vinyl sheets and planks install without specialized skills or tools.
- Design Options – Vinyl comes in wood, tile, and stone looks to fit any kitchen decor.
Cons
On the downside, there are a few potential disadvantages with vinyl flooring:
- Durability – While vinyl is durable, it can still be prone to scratching, gouging, and staining from hot or sharp kitchen items.
- Resale Value – Vinyl may not increase a home’s value as much as pricier natural stone, wood, or tile.
- Underfoot Feel – Some homeowners prefer the firm, solid feeling of real wood or tile underfoot.
- Offgassing – Lower quality vinyls can emit VOCs and other chemicals, impacting indoor air quality.
- Sound Transfer – Vinyl transmits noise more easily than surfaces like carpet.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Flooring
Not all vinyl flooring is created equal. Here are some of the key considerations as you shop for vinyl flooring for your kitchen.
Type of Vinyl
There are two main categories of vinyl flooring:
- Standard vinyl – Made from PVC resins, plasticizers, stabilizers and pigments. The most affordable option.
- Luxury vinyl – Enhanced with a wear layer for added durability and realistic visuals. Costs more than standard vinyl.
Within those two types, vinyl flooring comes in plank, tile, and sheet formats. Sheet vinyl is often the best value for kitchens, while plank formats offer more installation options.
Thickness and Wear Layer
Thicker vinyl flooring lasts longer. Look for at least 2mm thickness. The wear layer also impacts durability and lifespan. For kitchens opt for at least a 20 mil wear layer.
Vinyl Flooring Safety Concerns
Some vinyl flooring has faced scrutiny over potential health and environmental impacts. When shopping, look for vinyl labeled:
- Phthalate-free – Phthalates are added to PVC vinyl for flexibility but may be harmful.
- Low VOC – Vinyl with minimal volatile organic compound emissions.
- Low plasticizer – Less environmentally damaging softening additives.
Looks and Styles
From rich wood looks to bold patterns and colors, today’s luxury vinyl floors offer stylish options to match any decor. Consider the visuals that best complement your cabinetry, counters, appliances and overall kitchen aesthetic.
Best Vinyl Flooring Options for Kitchens
Ready to explore the top vinyl flooring choices for kitchen installations? Here are three of our recommended options.
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring mimics hardwood but withstands water better. It comes in click-together floating planks, making for easy DIY installation. The planks hide seams well. Brands like COREtec and LifeProof are excellent vinyl plank choices.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Sheet vinyl offers a seamless look, often with decorative patterns built right in. It comes in a roll for full floor coverage. Pergo WetProtect and Mannington Assurance II are two durable kitchen vinyl sheet lines.
Vinyl Peel and Stick Tiles
Self-adhesive vinyl tiles let you upgrade floors without adhesive. They’re an affordable option for rentals or fast DIY projects. Some peel-and-stick tile brands include NuCore, Smartcore, and CalFlor.
Design Ideas for Vinyl Kitchen Floors
One of the best aspects of vinyl floors is the range of stylish design options for kitchen installations:
- Play up natural wood patinas and grains for a timeless look.
- Incorporate stone and tile visuals – from marble to travertine and slate.
- Try distressed, hand-scraped, or wire-brushed vinyl wood effects.
- Add texture with embossed patterns.
- Make a bold statement with colorful vinyl hues.
- Match your cabinets and counters for a cohesive aesthetic.
- Zone areas with area rugs atop vinyl planks.
- Juxtapose sleek vinyl with exposed brick or beams.
Warmed-Toned Vinyl
Warm-toned vinyl floors pair beautifully with both light and darker cabinetry for a timeless look. Soft beiges, grays, and browns mimic wood, terra-cotta and travertine.
Cool-Toned Vinyl
Cool-toned vinyl floors pop against darker kitchen cabinetry and stainless steel. Go for light and mid-tone grays, silvers, and other contemporary colors.
Bold and Vibrant Vinyl
Make a dramatic design statement with boldly-colored vinyl flooring. Deep blues, greens, and reds add energy and flair. Just take care not to pair super-saturated floors with overly bright walls or furnishings.
Tips for Installing Vinyl Flooring in Kitchens
Ready to tackle a vinyl flooring installation? Follow these top tips for success:
- Make sure the subfloor is immaculate – fill any cracks and create a smooth, clean surface.
- Layout planks/tiles 24 hours prior to acclimate them to your space.
- Follow all manufacturer installation guidelines.
- Use vinyl-safe adhesive and smooth carefully to prevent bubbles.
- On sheet vinyl, use a straightedge, knife and roller for clean seams.
- Protect newly installed floors before reinstalling kitchen furniture and appliances.
- Caulk perimeter edges to prevent moisture from seeping under vinyl.
While DIY-friendly, hiring a professional installer is recommended if you’re unsure about tackling the job yourself.
FAQs About Vinyl Kitchen Flooring
Still have some unanswered questions? Here we cover some of the most frequently asked questions about vinyl kitchen flooring.
How much does vinyl flooring cost compared to other kitchen flooring options?
Installed costs often range:
- Vinyl Sheet Flooring – $2-$5 per sq.ft.
- Vinyl Plank Flooring – $3-$8 per sq.ft.
- Laminate Flooring – $3-$7 per sq.ft.
- Hardwood Flooring – $9-$30 per sq.ft.
- Tile Flooring – $7-$20 per sq.ft.
So vinyl is generally cheaper than wood, tile, stone, and resilient options like cork.
Can you install vinyl floors over existing floors?
In some cases, yes. Vinyl planks can be floated over existing flooring. Sheet vinyl can also be installed over materials like hardwood. But covering up uneven floors can cause issues like indentations. It’s best to remove old flooring if possible.
Is vinyl flooring really waterproof?
Quality vinyl contains waterproof layers to block moisture. This prevents warping and leaks to the subfloor. However, water can still work its way into seams and cause damage. So vinyl is water-resistant, though not 100% impervious to water.
How long does vinyl flooring last in kitchens?
With proper care and maintenance, vinyl lasts 8-15 years on average in kitchens. Going thicker with a strong top layer maximizes vinyl’s lifespan in high-traffic kitchen zones.
Is vinyl flooring hard to keep clean?
Not at all! One of vinyl’s biggest perks is that it’s among the easiest kitchen floors to maintain. Just use mild cleaners and occasionally damp mop to keep vinyl looking like new. It doesn’t require regular waxing or refinishing like wood.
Modern vinyl floors offer the perfect blend of affordability, durability, and style for kitchen spaces. Waterproof construction and family-friendly maintenance make vinyl an ideal choice for active family kitchens. Just be sure to steer clear of lower quality vinyl with potential health and environmental impacts.
We hope this guide gives you all the details needed to decide if vinyl is the right flooring for your upcoming kitchen project. And with all the great vinyl lookalike options today imitating wood, tile and stone, you’re sure to find a beautiful style to suit your unique kitchen design.
