Kitchen Flooring Installation
Built for spills, dropped pans and daily foot traffic. Durable tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl and more, installed on a flat, sound subfloor.
About kitchen flooring installation
Kitchen floors face water, heat, heavy appliances and constant traffic, so the material and the installation both matter. A flat, dry, well-prepared subfloor is the foundation of any flooring that lasts.
Continuing the same flooring into adjoining rooms is a popular way to make an open layout feel cohesive, and it can simplify transitions.
What's included
- Removal of old flooring
- Subfloor inspection and leveling
- Underlayment and moisture protection
- Material installation
- Transitions and trim
- Cleanup and finishing
Choices to consider
Porcelain or ceramic tile
Very durable and water-resistant with endless styles; a harder surface underfoot.
Luxury vinyl plank
Waterproof, comfortable and easy to maintain, with realistic wood and stone looks.
Hardwood or engineered wood
Warm and classic; engineered options handle moisture and seasonal movement better.
Cost drivers
- Flooring material
- Square footage including adjoining rooms
- Subfloor condition
- Removal of old flooring
Timeline
Most kitchen floors take a few days, with extra time for leveling or curing of some materials.
Before you start
- Decide whether flooring runs under the cabinets or stops at them.
- Keep leftover material for future repairs.
- Let wood flooring acclimate before installation.
Kitchen styles for inspiration
Classic paneled kitchen
Arched hood alcove, detailed millwork, brass lanterns and a marble island on wide-plank floors.
Glass-front cabinetry
Lit glass-front cabinets, a wood-trimmed range hood and a polished marble island.
Open plan with a view
A waterfall stone island, fluted wood detailing, floor-to-ceiling windows and generous natural light.
Featured designs are shown for style reference.
Kitchen Flooring Installation: common questions
Is it better to install flooring before or after cabinets?
It depends on the plan. Flooring installed first offers flexibility for future layout changes; installing after cabinets saves material.
What is the most water-resistant flooring?
Porcelain tile and waterproof vinyl are excellent choices for kitchens.
Can new flooring go over old?
In some cases, but removal typically provides a better result, especially with uneven subfloors.
You may also need
Open-Concept Kitchen Conversion
Remove or reshape walls to connect the kitchen to living and dining areas.
Learn moreKitchen Demolition & Tear-Out
Careful demolition, protection of the rest of your home and proper disposal.
Learn moreFull Kitchen Remodeling
Complete gut-and-rebuild renovations, from demolition to the final walkthrough.
Learn moreLooking for local pricing and tips? Find your city
Talk to us about kitchen flooring installation
Call to talk through your project, your budget and your timeline with a kitchen specialist.