Flooring guide
Best kitchen flooring: SPC vs LVP vs laminate vs hardwood
For most kitchens, waterproof SPC (stone plastic composite) flooring is the practical choice. It's a rigid-core vinyl plank that shrugs off spills, is dent-resistant, looks like wood, and clicks together as a floating floor. Hardwood is warmer and can be refinished but dislikes water; tile is the most water-proof but hard and cold underfoot.
Comparison
| SPC (rigid core) | LVP (flexible vinyl) | Laminate | Hardwood | Porcelain tile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Waterproof core | Waterproof | Water-resistant at best; seams can swell | Damaged by standing water | Waterproof (grout needs sealing) |
| Dents | Very resistant (dense stone-plastic core) | Softer; can dent | Resistant | Dents and scratches | Very hard; can crack if heavy items drop |
| Feel | Firm, slightly warmer than tile | Softer, quieter | Firm | Warm, natural | Hard and cold |
| Subfloor | Rigid core hides small bumps | Shows bumps | Needs flat | Needs flat | Needs very flat and stiff |
| Install | Click-lock floating floor | Click or glue-down | Click-lock floating | Nail, glue or float | Mortar and grout |
| Refinish | No (replace planks) | No | No | Yes, sand and refinish | No |
What to look for in SPC
- Wear layer: the clear protective top layer, measured in mils. Thicker wear layers last longer in busy kitchens.
- Total thickness and attached pad: thicker planks with an attached underlayment feel more solid and quieter.
- Plank look: longer, wider planks make a room look larger; matte finishes with real-looking grain look most natural.
- Matching trim: stair nose, reducers and quarter round in the same color finish the job. We carry matching stair nose.
Floors in our showroom
22 plank styles in warm oak, natural and grey tones. See them all on the products page.
Cabinets first or floor first?
With floating floors like SPC, most installers set the cabinets first and run the floor up to them, because a floating floor needs room to expand and shouldn't be pinned under heavy cabinets. Some manufacturers allow other methods, so follow the installation guide for the floor you choose, and plan for the floor height under the dishwasher and range so appliances still slide out.
Questions
Is SPC flooring good for kitchens?
Yes. SPC's core is waterproof and dent-resistant, which suits kitchens with spills and dropped pans. Wipe up standing water promptly so it doesn't seep through the seams to the subfloor.
What is the difference between SPC and LVP?
Both are vinyl plank floors. SPC has a rigid stone-plastic core that's more dent-resistant and hides small subfloor bumps; standard LVP is more flexible and softer underfoot.
Is SPC better than laminate?
For kitchens, usually. Laminate has a wood-fiber core that can swell at the seams if it gets wet; SPC's core is waterproof.
Can I put SPC flooring under kitchen cabinets?
Most floating-floor manufacturers recommend installing cabinets first and running the floor to them. Check the specific floor's installation guide.