The 7 Worst Kitchen Flooring Choices (And A Better Alternative To Consider)

New floors are a fantastic way to spruce up a dated kitchen. Kitchen upgrades are considered among the most essential investments worth making before putting your home on the market to yield the greatest return. Even if you don't plan to sell right away, replacing worn out kitchen floors is always a good idea. It's especially important if you suspect that your floors have incurred water damage, as they may be trapping bacteria or mold, which could become harmful over time. The million-dollar question is which floor type is best suited for your kitchen, as there are many options out there to choose from.

Though every material has its pros and cons, some are decidedly more impractical than they are beneficial. For example, natural hardwood floors are intolerant of moisture, which could have disastrous consequences in a kitchen. Stone tiles with a glossy finish are incredibly slippery when wet and prone to scuff marks. And if you so much as drop a sharp knife on a cork floor, you can be certain that it will leave a noticeable gouge. One material stands apart from the rest for its stylish versatility, durability, affordability, and popularity among prospective home buyers. Without further delay, let's dive into the seven flooring choices to avoid in your kitchen and the best alternative to consider instead. 

Laminate remains a popular flooring choice because it is lower maintenance and more affordable than other materials. However, there are pros and cons to installing laminate flooring in your kitchen. Laminate is prone to water damage as it's a composite material. If spills are not cleaned right away, the floor could become permanently damaged. Repairing the damage is often tricky and it's not always possible to restore it to its original condition. Laminate is also one of the top flooring choices that will make it harder to sell your home, as it is often considered to be low quality.

Hardwood is an elegant flooring choice preferred by many homeowners and potential buyers, but in the kitchen, it could be a nightmare. Solid hardwood is highly sensitive to moisture, and overexposure could cause the planks to expand, warp, split, and become stained. If the water is not dried thoroughly, hardwood floors can even attract mold. Engineered wood is slightly more resilient, but should still be avoided as it is not immune to water damage and can also become easily scratched and dented. Over time, engineered wood deteriorates and must be completely replaced.

While marble is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, it often lacks practicality as a flooring option, particularly in wet environments and high-traffic areas such as kitchens. Marble is a softer natural stone, making it more vulnerable to scratches, stains, and discoloration. Acidic liquids are particularly damaging, but even water that is not cleaned right away could cause blemishes. Though you can apply protective waterproof coating on top, it is not completely effective. Marble floors can also be hazardous, especially with a polished finish. Polished marble becomes slippery when wet, which could lead to accidents.

Carpeting in a kitchen is far from ideal. People are getting rid of carpet flooring in their homes for many reasons; it is difficult to keep clean, absorbs dust and odors, and susceptible to water damage and mold growth. With the kitchen being a space for cooking, entertaining, and gathering, it is obvious why carpeting is not a suitable option. Though it's nice to have a soft plush surface under your feet while you wash dishes, it's better to opt for an area rug that can be easily cleaned and deodorized if necessary. 

You may recognize linoleum floors from your grandmother's old kitchen, and that's because they were popular until around the 1960s. Linoleum is made from a combination of natural materials that can be printed in a wide variety of designs. It is durable, long-lasting, and scratch resistant. However, frequent spills and exposure to moisture will cause damage and discoloration. It can also become dented by heavy objects such as big kitchen appliances and furniture. Though it is one of the most affordable flooring types to install, it's not the most practical and could make your kitchen look cheap and dated.

Cork flooring is an eco-friendly option, but it has other benefits, too. It's long lasting, mold and mildew resistant, easy to keep clean, and comfortable to walk on. Cork also provides natural soundproofing, making it an excellent flooring option in a bedroom or home office. This material should be avoided in the kitchen, however, as it could face damage from appliances, table legs, or dropped cutlery. It can also become stained by dirt and oil or faded due to excess sunlight in the space. Repairs can be costly and cork floors must be resealed every few years to preserve their condition.

Glossy finishes are widely used on ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles because reflective surfaces make spaces appear brighter and more spacious. Glossy tiles are also easier to keep clean than flooring with a matte finish. However, it should be avoided in wet environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms, as the polished surface becomes very slippery when it's wet. A small water spill can become a dangerous hazard as the glossy finish provides very little traction. It also tends to put water spots, stains, scratches, and dirt on full display, especially in rooms with plenty of sunlight.

Luxury vinyl flooring is widely considered to be the gold standard for kitchens. It looks almost identical to real hardwood and stone, just without the impracticalities (and premium price tags) of natural materials. Luxury vinyl comes in a wide variety of styles, from faux hardwood planks to elegant lifelike porcelain and marble tiles. It is among the most durable materials available, lasting for up to 50 years with the proper care. It's easy to maintain and resistant to moisture, damage, and fading, making it a fantastic choice for a high-traffic space like the kitchen.