The short answer
Kitchen flooring typically costs £20–£90 per m² supplied and fitted in 2026. Laminate is the cheapest at roughly £20–£40/m², luxury vinyl tile (LVT) £30–£70/m², engineered wood £40–£90/m², and porcelain or ceramic tile £40–£90/m² including fitting. For a kitchen, durability and water resistance matter most — which is why LVT and tile are the popular choices. See the pillar cost guide for how flooring fits the total.
Flooring is often left to the end of a kitchen project, but it affects both the look and the long-term durability of the room. A kitchen floor gets spills, dropped pans, foot traffic and the occasional flood from a dishwasher, so the right material matters. This guide compares the four common options on price, durability and suitability, with typical 2026 figures.
Flooring costs at a glance
- Laminate £20–£40/m²
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) £30–£70/m²
- Engineered wood £40–£90/m²
- Porcelain / ceramic tile £40–£90/m²
- Underfloor heating adds £40–£80/m²
- Most popular kitchen choice LVT or tile
The four common kitchen floors compared
Each material trades off price, water resistance, comfort underfoot and durability. Laminate is cheapest but least water-resistant; LVT is warm, quiet and waterproof; engineered wood gives a real-wood look with more stability than solid timber; and porcelain tile is the most hard-wearing and water-resistant of all. The table below sets out typical 2026 prices and how each suits a kitchen.
| Flooring | Cost (supplied & fitted) | Water resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £20–£40/m² | Low–moderate | Budget kitchens, low-traffic |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | £30–£70/m² | High (waterproof) | Most kitchens — warm and durable |
| Engineered wood | £40–£90/m² | Moderate | A real-wood look with stability |
| Porcelain / ceramic tile | £40–£90/m² | Very high | Hard-wearing, pairs with underfloor heating |
Which suits a kitchen?
For most kitchens, LVT or porcelain tile are the safest choices because they handle water and wear best. LVT is warmer and quieter underfoot and is forgiving of an uneven subfloor; tile is the most durable and pairs beautifully with underfloor heating, though it is hard and cold without it. Engineered wood gives a genuine timber look and copes with kitchens better than solid wood, but still needs care around standing water. Laminate is fine for a budget refit but is the most vulnerable to spills swelling the boards.
Fitting and subfloor preparation
The headline price is for the material; fitting and subfloor preparation add to it. An uneven or damaged subfloor may need levelling compound or new boards before the floor goes down, which adds cost but is essential for a lasting finish. Tile is the most labour-intensive to lay and grout; LVT and laminate are quicker. Always allow for a wastage margin on cuts, and order from the same batch so colours match. See our planning guide for sequencing flooring within the project.
How flooring appears in a quote
Some kitchen quotes include flooring and some do not, so check before comparing. Where it is included, confirm the material, the area in square metres, and whether subfloor preparation and underfloor heating are covered. Flooring is one of the easier elements to arrange separately if you prefer a specialist floor fitter. This is general information; flooring costs vary with material, area, subfloor condition and region.
Compare kitchen quotes
Flooring choice affects both budget and durability. Compare itemised quotes from kitchen design and fitting specialists so you can see what is included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best flooring for a kitchen?
For most kitchens, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or porcelain tile are the best all-round choices because they are waterproof and hard-wearing. LVT is warmer and quieter underfoot; tile is the most durable and pairs well with underfloor heating. Engineered wood and laminate are options for a particular look or budget.
How much does kitchen flooring cost?
Typically £20–£90 per m² supplied and fitted in 2026. Laminate is the cheapest at £20–£40/m², LVT £30–£70/m², and engineered wood or porcelain tile £40–£90/m². Subfloor preparation and underfloor heating add to these figures.
Can I have underfloor heating in a kitchen?
Yes, and a kitchen is a good place for it. Tile conducts heat best and is the natural choice, but LVT and engineered wood can work over underfloor heating within the manufacturer's temperature limits. It typically adds £40–£80/m² and is easiest to install during a full refit.
Is laminate flooring OK for a kitchen?
Laminate is fine for a budget kitchen and low-traffic use, but it is the least water-resistant of the common options — spills left on the joints can swell the boards. Water-resistant laminate ranges exist, but LVT or tile are more forgiving in a busy kitchen.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) — guidance on kitchen materials and specification
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations — standards relevant to flooring and heating work
- TrustMark — finding and checking registered tradespeople
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs and outcomes vary with material, area, subfloor condition and region.