Installing new kitchen flooring is one of the best ways to update the look and feel of an old kitchen.
There are a number of flooring options to consider from economical to high-end, depending you on your budget and style preferences.
To get started on replacing floors in your kitchen, contact your local flooring pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
Cost Of Floor Installation For A Kitchen
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One of the biggest parts of a kitchen remodel is floor installation.
Homeowners have a lot to choose from when it comes to their new flooring. The material, the size of the kitchen, and labor costs usually dictate the final price.
The cost of flooring typically ranges between $2 and $17, with the average being around $9 per square foot.
Homeowners usually spend between $7 and $11 per square foot of flooring. This price includes the material and installation costs.
If you decide to install the kitchen flooring yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
You can use our Flooring Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of new floors for your kitchen.
Best Types Of Floors For A Kitchen Remodel
Choosing the perfect material for your kitchen floor may be more challenging than you think.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of flooring, along with their pros and cons.
Hardwood Floors
Although many consider it traditional and outdated, hardwood flooring remains one of the most popular options for a lot of homeowners. While it’s true hardwood flooring is among the more expensive choices, many agree it’s worth it because of its many benefits.
If you have a 200-square-foot kitchen, you can expect to spend between $1,050 and $4,200 on hardwood flooring. This means the average price per square foot is $5.25-$21.
Pros
- Can be laid in different patterns
- Comes in a wide range of colors
- Relatively easy to install and replace
- Can last for decades
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Can be slippery
Porcelain Or Ceramic Tile Floors
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If you’re looking for a great mid-range option for your kitchen floor, ceramic or porcelain floor tiles are an excellent choice.
Tile is ideal for rooms with frequent exposure to water, so it’s understandable that many homeowners install a tile floor in their kitchen.
While both porcelain and ceramic tile can last for decades, choose the latter if you want extra durability.
If you have pets, tile is the way to go because it’s incredibly easy to clean.
The costs of porcelain and ceramic tiles range between $5 and $20 per square foot. If you have a 200-square-foot kitchen, you’ll need between $1,000 and $4,000 to install a tile floor.
You can use our Tile Floor Cost Calculator to estimate the price of installing tile flooring in your kitchen.
Pros
- Various shapes, designs, and colors
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not easy to install
- Can be slippery
Keep in mind that not all tiles have the same quality. In most cases, the most affordable options are of the lowest quality.
Here’s what you should pay attention to when purchasing tile for your kitchen:
- Straight edges
- Finishing and glazing are in good condition
- No scratches, cracks, or holes
- Uniform dimensions, color, and texture
- Not thinner than 0.19 inches
Laminate Flooring
Laminate has been known as the less expensive version of hardwood flooring.
These days, you can find laminate that mimics tile or natural stone, allowing homeowners to get the desired look at a lower price.
One of the biggest advantages of this material is the ease of installation. Laminate planks are attached to one another and glued down. If the floor is uneven, the planks can “float.”
Laminate flooring costs between $5.50 and $11 per square foot.
Pros
- Mimics hardwood, tile, or natural stone
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t need a lot of maintenance
- Comes in various designs
Cons
- Not all kinds are waterproof
- Can’t be refinished
Vinyl Flooring
Another popular kitchen flooring option is vinyl.
This material can imitate wood or stone at a fraction of the price and belongs to the more affordable choices. If you want to update your kitchen floor but have a limited budget, look no further than vinyl.
Vinyl flooring costs approximately $2-$10 per square foot. The total cost of installing vinyl flooring in a 200-square-foot kitchen is between $400 and $2,000.
Pro Tip: if you like how laminate looks but want something moisture-resistant, choose vinyl.
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Easy installation
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Prone to scratches and dents
- Not sturdy
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring has become popular in the last few years because of its ease of installation and affordability.
This type of flooring is made of ground-up cork with resins and is available in a number of shades.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $4.50 and $13 per square foot for this flooring. On average, a homeowner with a 200-square-foot kitchen would need to spend $900-$2,600 for cork flooring.
Pros
- Noise-resistant
- Doesn’t conduct heat
- Soft
- Easy to install
Cons
- Retains moisture
- Needs resealing
Concrete Floors
Concrete may seem like a harsh material for a kitchen floor. However, many homeowners choose concrete flooring because of its exceptional durability, firmness, and waterproof properties.
Low price is another advantage of using concrete for your kitchen floor.
If you’re worried that concrete will make your kitchen too uniform, you’ll be happy to know this material comes in various designs.
You can choose options that resemble tile, wood, or stone. Plus, you can cover different parts with stylish rugs and mats, thus enhancing the style of your kitchen.
The average price range for concrete floors is $2.50-$11 per square foot. For a 200-square-foot kitchen, you’ll need between $500 and $2,200.
Pros
- Can be sealed for maximum water resistance
- Durable
- Affordable
- Can resemble other, more expensive materials
Cons
- Cold and uncomfortable
Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone flooring is one of the most expensive options.
Still, many homeowners decide to go with it. Natural stone tiles increase the property value of your home, give your kitchen an elegant look, and can tolerate heavy foot traffic.
Plus, tiles made of this material are water-resistant and durable.
Homeowners can expect to pay between $3.50 and $19 per square foot just for the material.
Installation costs can vary greatly and usually range between $2.50 and $6.50 per square foot.
The total costs for installing natural stone tiles are $6-$25.50 per square foot. The price can be even higher depending on the type of stone you choose.
Pros
- Enhanced property value
- Elegant
- Durable
Cons
- Some types require extensive maintenance
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for extra durability, choose granite tiles. This material ranks seven on Moh’s scale of hardness, a scale used to determine the durability and scratch resistance of different materials.
Granite is only three steps down from diamond, the hardest material.
