Kitchen Flooring Face-Off: Tile vs. LVT vs. Engineered Wood
Choosing between tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood for your kitchen flooring depends on your priorities. Tile is durable and water-resistant, ideal for high-traffic areas. LVT offers comfort, affordability, and easy maintenance with a wide range of styles. Engineered wood provides natural warmth and aesthetic appeal but may require more care. Each option has pros and cons - your best choice depends on your budget, style preferences, and how you use your kitchen.
Comparrison table of LVT vs Wood Flooring
What Are the Best Kitchen Flooring Options?
Choosing the right kitchen flooring involves balancing durability, maintenance, style, and budget. Among the most popular types of kitchen flooring are tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood - each offering unique advantages for different needs and preferences.
LVT Flooring
Pros
Highly water-resistant or waterproof – ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
Durable and scratch-resistant
Easy to install, often with click systems
Low maintenance
Affordable compared to wood or tile
Wide range of designs that mimic wood or stone
Cons
Can feel less authentic than natural wood or tile
May fade over time if exposed to strong sunlight
Not eco-friendly – made from PVC
Can dent under heavy furniture or appliances
Engineered Wood Flooring
Pros
Real wood surface – offers an authentic, premium look
More stable than solid wood in humid conditions
Can be sanded and refinished (depending on thickness)
Increases home value
Warmer and softer underfoot than tile or LVT
Cons
Not fully waterproof – not ideal for bathrooms
More expensive than LVT
Susceptible to scratching and denting
Requires more maintenance (e.g., refinishing, cleaning with proper products)
Tiled Flooring
Pros
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Fully waterproof – ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens
Available in many styles, colours, and finishes
Resistant to stains and heat
Great for underfloor heating systems
Cons
Hard and cold underfoot (unless underfloor heating is used)
Grout can stain or discolour over time
Installation can be costly and time-consuming
Can crack or chip if heavy items are dropped
Slippery when wet (unless slip-resistant tiles are used
different lifestyles, making it important to choose based on your home’s specific needs.
What’s the Cost of Tile vs. LVT vs. Engineered Wood?
Choosing kitchen flooring involves more than just style — consider both upfront expenses and long-term value. Here's how the top three options stack up:
Tile Flooring
Material Cost: £20–£60 per m²
Installation Cost: £25–£50 per m²
Lifespan: 20–50 years
Value: High durability and low maintenance make it a great long-term investment, despite higher initial costs
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Material Cost: £10–£30 per m²
Installation Cost: £10–£20 per m² (often DIY-friendly)
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Value: Excellent for budget-conscious households with a focus on water resistance and easy upkeep
Engineered Wood Flooring
Material Cost: £35–£90 per m²
Installation Cost: £20–£40 per m²
Lifespan: 20–30 years (with proper care)
Value: Adds warmth and resale value to homes, but comes with higher upfront and potential maintenance costs
Understanding the true cost of kitchen flooring means looking beyond the price tag of materials. A thorough kitchen flooring cost comparison should include upfront material expenses, flooring installation costs, and long-term value. Tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood vary significantly in both initial investment and ongoing return.
Tile flooring falls into the mid-to-high price range. While standard ceramic tile is relatively affordable, porcelain and premium designs can increase costs. Installation is typically labour-intensive and requires professional expertise, especially if subfloor preparation or intricate layouts are involved. As a result, installation costs for tile are among the highest of the three options. However, its exceptional durability and long lifespan - often 20 to 50 years - mean tile can offer strong long-term ROI with minimal replacement or repair costs over time.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is often the most affordable kitchen floor option. Material prices are budget-friendly, and many products are designed for DIY installation, which can significantly reduce overall costs. Even with professional installation, LVT tends to be the least expensive flooring solution. While it may not last as long as tile or engineered wood, high-quality LVT can offer good value over 15 to 25 years, especially in households that prioritize ease of maintenance and water resistance.
Engineered wood flooring sits at the higher end of the spectrum in terms of both material and installation costs. Due to its layered construction and the need for careful fitting, professional installation is usually recommended. Although more expensive upfront, engineered wood can add value to your home and appeal to future buyers, particularly in open-plan layouts where cohesive flooring enhances visual flow. That said, potential hidden costs - such as refinishing or moisture damage repairs—should be factored into long-term planning.
When weighing kitchen flooring cost comparisons, LVT stands out for affordability and ease of installation, tile offers lasting value with higher initial investment, and engineered wood provides a premium look with a corresponding price tag. Consider both your short-term budget and long-term return on investment to choose the best option for your home.
Which Kitchen Flooring Is the Most Durable?
Durability is a top concern when selecting kitchen flooring, especially in homes with high foot traffic, active families, or pets. The kitchen is a space where spills, dropped utensils, and frequent movement are part of daily life. Choosing durable kitchen floors ensures your investment stands the test of time while maintaining its appearance and functionality.
Tile flooring, particularly porcelain, is one of the most durable options available. It resists scratches, stains, and water with ease, making it ideal for busy households. Dropped items are unlikely to damage the tile surface, though the impact could crack grout or chip edges. Proper grout sealing helps prevent staining and extends the floor’s lifespan. With proper care, tile flooring can last 20 to 50 years or more.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another strong performer. It offers excellent scratch-resistant kitchen flooring, especially in homes with pets or young children. LVT is also water-resistant and more forgiving when objects are dropped. While not quite as hard-wearing as tile, many high-quality LVT products offer a lifespan of 15 to 25 years and are specifically designed to resist dents, scratches, and wear.
Engineered wood flooring provides moderate durability. Its layered construction gives it more stability than solid hardwood, but it remains vulnerable to moisture damage if not properly sealed. Scratches from pet claws or heavy furniture can occur, especially with softer wood species. Depending on the product and level of maintenance, engineered wood can last 20 to 30 years.
When it comes to durability under daily use, tile leads for sheer toughness, followed closely by high-quality LVT for comfort and resilience. Engineered wood offers elegance but may require more upkeep to maintain its finish.
How Easy Is It to Maintain Tile, LVT, and Engineered Wood?
Maintenance is a key factor when choosing kitchen flooring, especially in households with busy schedules. The best easy-to-clean kitchen floors offer everyday convenience without sacrificing style. Tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood each require different levels of care, both daily and long-term.
Tile flooring is generally straightforward to clean, making it a reliable option for those seeking low maintenance kitchen flooring. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent keep surfaces looking fresh. However, grout lines are more porous and can stain or discolour over time, particularly in high-use kitchens. To maintain their appearance, grout should be sealed upon installation and resealed every one to two years. For long-term upkeep, avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade grout or glaze finishes.
LVT is widely regarded as one of the easiest flooring types to maintain. Its protective wear layer resists stains, scratches, and moisture, making it ideal for kitchens where spills are common. Daily cleaning usually involves a quick sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris, followed by damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. LVT does not require waxing or sealing, and many products are resistant to scuff marks and dents.
Engineered wood requires a bit more attention. While more stable than solid hardwood, it’s still susceptible to water damage and scratches if not properly cared for. Sweep regularly with a soft-bristle broom and clean using a wood-specific cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture during mopping. Over time, engineered wood may benefit from light sanding or refinishing, depending on the thickness of its top veneer.
For homeowners prioritizing simplicity, LVT offers the lowest maintenance, followed by tile with occasional grout care. Engineered wood, while beautiful, requires more consistent attention to preserve its finish and prevent damage.
Pros and Cons: Tile vs. LVT vs. Engineered Wood at a Glance
When comparing kitchen flooring materials, it helps to look at a side-by-side overview of how each performs. This kitchen flooring comparison chart outlines the key pros and cons of tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood to support your decision-making.
Tile flooring is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to water and stains. It’s available in a wide range of styles, making it highly versatile. However, tile can feel cold and hard underfoot, and installation tends to be more expensive due to the labour involved. Grout maintenance is also required over time to prevent staining or cracking.
LVT is valued for being affordable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. It resists scratches and moisture and can often be installed without professional help. On the downside, it may not have the same long-term durability as other materials, and lower-end products can appear less authentic.
Engineered wood offers a high-end look with the warmth of real wood, while being more stable than solid hardwood. It adds value to the home but comes with a higher price tag and requires careful maintenance. Moisture sensitivity and the potential need for refinishing are important factors to consider when evaluating tile vs. vinyl vs. wood floors.
What Is the Best Kitchen Flooring for You?
Choosing the right flooring depends on your lifestyle, budget, and design goals. If you’re prioritizing affordability and ease of care, LVT is ideal for busy families seeking low-maintenance durability. For those focused on aesthetics and resale value, engineered wood offers timeless style. If you need maximum durability and moisture resistance, tile is the most practical choice. When considering how to choose kitchen flooring, think about your daily routine and long-term needs.
