Kitchen flooring: Tile vs. LVT vs. engineered wood
Choosing the right kitchen flooring isn't just about picking a colour you like. It’s about durability under pressure, comfort during those long cooking sessions, and how your floor holds up to daily spills, splashes, and the odd toddler with a juice box. In short: it’s a practical decision with lasting impact.
Whether you're renovating a compact London galley or designing your dream open-plan extension, three contenders regularly top the shortlist — tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and engineered wood. Below, we break down how they compare on cost, resilience, style and maintenance — so you can decide which one belongs under your feet.
TL;DR
Tiles are durable and hardwearing, ideal for busy homes but can feel cold. LVT is softer, warmer and easy to maintain. Engineered wood offers natural warmth and timeless character but needs a little more care. Your lifestyle should lead the decision.
Comparrison table of LVT vs Wood Flooring
What It’s Like to Live With
Tile is brilliant for mopping up spills and standing the test of time. It’s the most durable of the three, but it’s also the hardest underfoot and can feel chilly — unless you’ve paired it with underfloor heating. You’ll get longevity and low maintenance, but not necessarily cosiness.
LVT is forgiving. It’s softer, warmer and quieter than tile, making it a favourite in family kitchens. You won’t get grout to clean, and installation is fast. For anyone renovating on a tight schedule or budget, it’s often the most pragmatic choice.
Engineered wood brings character. If your kitchen flows into a dining or living space, wood offers a seamless transition and a natural, tactile feel. But it’s more sensitive to moisture and requires a more hands-on approach to maintenance.
If you’re planning a full kitchen overhaul and wondering how to manage life during the works, our advice on coping without a kitchen during renovation offers practical help.
Durability in Busy Homes
Tile will handle pets, kids, high footfall and hot pans. If you need flooring that will still look good after 15 years, this is it. The only catch? Grout lines. They’re the weak link, often needing resealing or refreshing.
LVT stands up well in most situations — it's waterproof, scratch-resistant and more impact-absorbent than tile. It’s great in homes with pets or kids, and in flats where noise carries more easily.
Engineered wood lasts too — but only if it’s looked after. That means avoiding soaking spills, using gentle cleaning products, and being careful with dragging furniture. It’s not fragile, but it’s not bulletproof either.
For homeowners planning a high-spec space and looking at materials holistically, our guide to custom vs off-the-shelf kitchen units pairs well with this comparison.
Installation and Costs
LVT is fast and flexible. It clicks together over most flat surfaces and doesn’t need complex subfloor prep. It’s also one of the most cost-effective options, both in materials and labour.
Tiles take longer to fit — they need levelling, spacing, grouting and sealing. If you’re living through the renovation, you’ll need to factor in a bit more disruption and drying time.
Engineered wood costs more upfront, and fitting it takes care. It expands and contracts with temperature and moisture, so you need someone who understands the details. But once installed well, it can be a major asset to the feel and value of your home.
Considering your flooring as part of a larger renovation? Our piece on how much contingency to budget can help you anticipate hidden costs before they catch you off-guard.
Cleaning and Care Realities
If your priority is easy cleaning, tile is excellent. It shrugs off stains, wipes clean, and doesn’t flinch at hot pans or pet messes. Grout, however, will need attention over time.
LVT might be the easiest of the three. No special cleaners, no sealing, and no drama. It’s resilient and forgiving, ideal for those who want minimal fuss.
Engineered wood is beautiful but needs care. No soaking mops or harsh sprays — just gentle cleaners and quick spill clean-ups. If you're happy to commit to that, it can be rewarding, developing a patina over time that tells its own story.
Design Options and Style
Tiles give you maximum range. From oversized stone-effect slabs to intricate patterns and textures, they can anchor any design direction. They also pair well with underfloor heating — a popular choice in modern homes.
LVT offers wood, stone and abstract designs, often indistinguishable from the real thing at a glance. Because it’s manufactured, you get consistency across wide areas — ideal in open-plan layouts or rental properties.
Engineered wood is the most organic-looking option. It brings variation, richness and warmth, but only comes in certain finishes. You won’t get polished marble effect here — just authentic, grounded texture. If you’re pairing it with standout worktops, our quartz vs granite comparison may help narrow down your palette.
Beams Renovation’s Take
When our clients ask what flooring’s best, we don’t give a blanket answer — we ask about their lifestyle. Got young kids, time pressure and a busy household? LVT is often the practical hero. You’ll get speed, comfort and value with minimal compromise.
Working on a longer-term project where elegance and resale value matter more? Engineered wood is hard to beat. It elevates the space and pairs beautifully with bespoke cabinetry and feature lighting.
Tile, meanwhile, remains the classic. In period properties, minimalist spaces or anywhere with high traffic, it gives you that mix of toughness and versatility. We often recommend it for kitchens with peninsula-style layouts, where it helps define zones and holds up to more intense use.
At Beams, we match materials to people — not trends. Because good flooring isn’t just something you step on. It’s the thing that holds the rest of your kitchen together.
