Vinyl floors for kitchens: Pros, cons & care tips

Vinyl floors for kitchens: Pros, cons & care tips


One of the best flooring choices for the “heart of the home” is vinyl floors for kitchens. Vinyl floors are a good option because they can take all the spills and activity that goes on in this busy room.

Vinyl flooring options for kitchens

There are several vinyl floors for kitchens. All vinyl flooring products are available in a wide variety of styles that can match with any décor. They are also incredibly tough, but come with some notable differences that may make them the right vinyl flooring for kitchens.

Luxury vinyl plank

Luxury vinyl planks are similar to engineered wood and laminate planks in their construction. They are manufactured in layers. Some LVP flooring is manufactured for do-it-yourselfers in easy click-and-lock products.

The top layer of luxury vinyl plank flooring is a durable wear layer manufactured for heavy-traffic areas. Luxury vinyl planks are available in styles that resemble wood and tile.

Luxury vinyl tile

Luxury vinyl tile floors are available in peel-and-stick, floating floor, or glued-down options. LVT flooring is made in layers similar to luxury vinyl plank. Like luxury vinyl plank, LVT flooring looks like wood and tile.

Sheet vinyl

Sheet vinyl tile floors are incredibly durable because there are no seams for water to seep through. In some cases, sheet vinyl floors have even withstood minor flooding. These floors are available as a roll and are glued down with an adhesive. Sheet vinyl products are available in products that resemble cement tiles, classic tile styles, and traditional and modern wood flooring.

Vinyl flooring pros

Vinyl floors are water-resistant and durable.

Vinyl floors are able to hold up well in rooms with frequent spills and humidity, including kitchens. These floors are incredibly tough and can withstand spills. They are perfect for homeowners who want the look of wood flooring in the kitchen, but don’t want to worry about water damage. Vinyl floors are also available in commercial products that wear well in businesses with heavy foot traffic. In addition to water-resistant, vinyl floors are stain-resistant and comfortable underfoot.

Some luxury vinyl floors can be installed as a DIY project.
For handy homeowners, some vinyl floors are an easy DIY project without installation costs. These flooring products can be clicked together or installed as a floating floor without grout or adhesive. (Ask a flooring pro to see specific click-and-lock vinyl flooring products.)

Vinyl flooring is easy to keep clean.

Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest floors to care for, requiring only a regular sweep and vacuum. When spills do happen, they can easily be wiped up. Another easy way to protect vinyl floors is to place rugs in high-traffic areas and add mats by doors to catch gravel, water, and other debris that is tracked in.

Vinyl flooring con

Vinyl floor can scratch.

Vinyl floors may scratch or gouge from heavy objects. The risk of damage can be minimized with felt pads on furniture and by placing mats by exterior doors.

Care tips for vinyl floors

Sweep and vacuum regularly.

Regular sweeping and vacuuming remove debris that damages vinyl floors for kitchens. Choose brooms, vacuums, and mops that are soft scrubbing tools to keep vinyl floors looking like new.

Always use cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.


Follow manufacturer care instructions carefully to avoid voiding the warranty. Avoid abrasive cleaning products and hard-scrubbing mops, and brooms, which can damage vinyl floors for kitchens.

Add felt pads to furniture.

Inexpensive felt pads are an easy way to prevent scratching and punctures. If heavy furniture needs to be moved, use cardboard to make paths for moving and minimize the risk of damage.

Stay away from floor stripper.

If your vinyl floor has grout lines, avoid floor strippers. Floor stripper can breakdown grout, so don’t hesitate to ask the local flooring professionals before deep cleaning the floor.