Cost of Installing Kitchen Flooring – Which One Is the Best?

The kitchen is the most popular room in the house, and floor coverings can significantly impact its overall look. When it comes to kitchen flooring options, there are many from which to choose.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of flooring options for you to consider when making your choice. Read on for everything you need to know about the cost of installing kitchen flooring.

Kitchen Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot

Before you can buy kitchen flooring, first you have to know the costs of installing it. There are many things to look at, such as the manufacturer’s warranty, the price per square foot, and installation cost.

This is the simplest way to make comparisons when you are choosing your flooring. It is also the way most pros and manufacturers would show you the cost.

Cost is usually the same from one manufacturer to another, or at least within a specific range. For instance, you will find the average cost to install kitchen flooring is anywhere from $1 to $12 per square foot, depending on what brand you are putting in your kitchen.

Different Types Of Kitchen Flooring Materials

Different types of flooring materials are available, and each has its benefits and certain limitations. The many choices make it easy to find the right floor for your space.

1. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a trendy type of floor, especially in the kitchen. Vinyl is durable, easy to clean and maintain, and has realistic wood-like designs. It comes as sheet vinyl or tile.

Cost to Install Vinyl Flooring in Kitchen

The cost to install vinyl flooring in the kitchen is between $1.5-$6 per square foot. It can be difficult to install if you are a DIY’er.

The biggest challenge in installing vinyl flooring is the adhesive. It would be best if you used a special machine to apply the tile. There are special tools you need for applying and removing the adhesive.

Pros:

• Easy to clean.
• Durable and resilient.
• Available in realistic wood-like designs.

Cons:

• Heavy.
• Vinyl flooring is not ideal for outdoor spaces.
• Vinyl flooring is not waterproof, so it should not be installed in the bathroom or kitchen.
• It not as visually appealing as tile flooring.

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an affordable option, and it comes in two-in-one that combines a plastic layer with wood or stone patterns. It is a popular choice in kitchens because of its ease of installation and maintenance.

Cost to Install Laminate Flooring in Kitchen

The cost to install laminate flooring in your kitchen will be around $2.7-$10 per square foot. This is more affordable than solid wood.

Your local home improvement store will sell laminate sheets that you can glue together. You stick the individual pieces together with an adhesive.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Easy to install.
• Available in various patterns and styles, including realistic wood and stone.
• Resistant to scratches, scuff marks, heat, and cold.

Cons:

• Not waterproof.
• Has low tolerance to moisture.
• It may have a sticky feel.
• Must be installed by professionals.

3. Bamboo Flooring

This type of flooring is appealing because it contains natural materials, like bamboo fibers and linseed oil. It is very durable and has a resilient finish.

Cost to Install Bamboo Flooring in Kitchen

Bamboo flooring can be installed either on concrete or directly on the sub-floor. It will cost $2 to $7 per square foot to install, with an average of $5 per square foot.

Pros:

• Durable.
• Resistant to scratches and other damage.
• Waterproof and easy to clean.

Cons:

• It can be expensive, depending on the supplier or brand chosen.
• It usually not available in realistic wood and stone patterns, so you are stuck with a primary color.
• Not all bamboo flooring is water-resistant.

4. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice in the kitchen because of its durability, and it comes in various styles and colors. It is easy to clean, but it is cumbersome.

Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring in Kitchen

The cost of installing hardwood flooring in the kitchen depends on the size of the room. You can expect to spend $4-$6 per square foot.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting.
• Resistant to scratches and scuffs.
• Available in various styles and colors.

Cons:

• Heavy, which makes it challenging to move around furniture.
• Not water-resistant, so it should not be used in the bathroom or kitchen.

5. Terra Cotta Tile Flooring

If you are looking for something more unique to add to your home, terra cotta tile flooring would be the right choice. The unique appeal of cement tiles can make the kitchen look stylish and also classic at the same time.

Cost to Install Terra Cotta Tile Flooring in Kitchen

The cost to install a simple flooring like terra cotta tile in your kitchen can vary greatly depending on the tiles. It can go anywhere from $20 to $40 per square foot.

Pros:

• The tiles are made using an ancient technique of making, which has been around for a long time. There is no such thing as a priceless object.
• The materials are environmentally friendly.
• It offers a rich color range and patterns to choose from.

Cons:

• The tiles are quite heavy, and therefore require a professional to install them.
• The pricing for these tiles is too high for a home that has not been remodeled already.
• There are no matching accessories available in the market with this tile; hence it might look out of place.

6. Stone Tile Flooring

This floor is considered the most durable and long-lasting, but it’s also the most expensive. It requires special installation techniques and high-level care of the floor to prevent water damage.

Cost to Install Stone Tile Flooring in Kitchen

The installation costs an average of $7 per square foot, and it varies depending on the materials and labor involved.

Pros:

• It is durable and maintenance-free.
• It’s beautiful and elegant.

Cons:

• It’s expensive.
• It needs special installation techniques.

7. Ceramic Tile Flooring

Ceramic tile is trendy among homeowners. It is easy to clean, durable, and timeless. It’s not as expensive as hardwood flooring and other tiles.

Ceramic tile installation is relatively easy if you have the right tools and help from a handyman.

If you want a unique kitchen look or a simple style, ceramic tile is the best choice for your kitchen flooring.

Cost to Install Ceramic Tile Flooring in Kitchen

The average cost for a ceramic tile installation is around $5 and up, depending on the specifics. Laying a ceramic tile floor in the kitchen is not difficult, even if you’re doing it for the first time. You’ll need the right materials and equipment, which aren’t very expensive.

Pros:

• Durable.
• Easy to clean.
• Elegant and great look.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Dusty.
• Difficult to repair.

8. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is another option in the kitchen, but it has a short lifespan and must be frequently milled for maintenance. This should be the least expensive of the options but will also require the most maintenance.

Cost to Install Cork Flooring in Kitchen

The cost for cork flooring can range from $2 to $12 per square foot, depending on the thickness and quality. The minimum thickness should be 1/2 inch cork.

At that thickness, a cork sheet would run approximately $300 – $500 and may take upwards of 4 hours to install.

Pros:

• Milling is inexpensive and can be done by you or for minimal cost if done professionally.
• Cork flooring can be laid out in a pattern with hardwood flooring to save money.
• This is an eco-friendly product that uses a renewable resource.

Cons:

• Milling and low lifespan should result in reduced cost.
• It requires more maintenance, which can be difficult.
• Cork flooring is not installed using standard flooring methods, so it may take longer to install.

9. Concrete Flooring

Concrete is another popular composition for kitchen floors. It is a simple and cost-effective flooring solution.

The material also has a beautiful appearance, making it look very appealing and amazing, especially if it is designed or installed properly.

Cost to Install Concrete Flooring in Kitchen

The price range for concrete flooring is from $2 to $6 per square foot. With that price, you’ll get nice-looking flooring. The cost does not include labor costs. The most expensive way of installing customized concrete flooring is to install it with mortar which costs between $15 to $30 per square foot.

Pros:

• It is quite an easy and straightforward flooring option to have. The material can be installed in any space.
• It is also effortless to clean.
• With good maintenance, the material can endure continuous use for many years.

Cons:

• Although this flooring is more durable than other flooring types, it cannot endure heavy or frequent use.
• Concrete floors are also more vulnerable to stains and marks, which can be a hassle in some instances.
• It needs to be sealed and maintained for good maintenance.

10. Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is one of the most popular choices for kitchen floors. It can be found easily in almost all hardware stores and home improvement centers.

Linoleum flooring uses linseed oil as its main component and cork and wood flour, giving it a beautiful texture.

Cost to Install Linoleum Flooring in Kitchen

If you wonder how much it would cost to have linoleum flooring installed in your kitchen, the average cost is $3.50 per square feet, which is the minimum amount to get the job done right.

Pros:

• This flooring is easy to install. You can do it yourself without hiring a professional. All you need is a simple hand-saw and linoleum flooring glue.
• It is affordable.
• It is easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• It doesn’t come in a wide variety of choices regarding colors, shapes, and patterns.
• The texture of this flooring could be aesthetically displeasing unless you find the right kind.
• It is not as durable as you would want it to be. Linoleum flooring does tend to get scratched easily and can even chip and crack.

Conclusion

If you have come to this page, congratulations on making the wise decision to replace that old, tired, finally, and probably cracked-up floor in your kitchen. The ugly floor in the kitchen was one of the first rooms to go through a major renovation.

If you think about it, the kitchen actually needs more maintenance than the rest of the house because of its high traffic and heavy use.

If you want to do a complete renovation, consider upgrading to one of the latest forms of flooring available: hardwood, laminate, or vinyl.