The ease of installations is likely a top consideration
The ease of installations is likely a top consideration

When selecting kitchen flooring materials, the ease of installation is likely a top consideration. This article will focus on the various installation methods for vinyl, stone, and laminate kitchen flooring. By examining the options, you can make an informed decision about the flooring material that meets your needs and is easy to install.

Vinyl Flooring Installation: Luxury Vinyl Tile

H·FLOR ACRUX from Pike's Peak Collection / H·FLOR CARAMEL SPECTRUM from PRESTG SPC Collection
H·FLOR ACRUX from Pike's Peak Collection / H·FLOR CARAMEL SPECTRUM from PRESTG SPC Collection
H·FLOR ACRUX from Pike’s Peak Collection / H·FLOR CARAMEL SPECTRUM from PRESTG SPC Collection
Recent upgrades in vinyl flooring manufacturing have made vinyl an excellent choice for busy kitchens. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) mimics the look of natural stone, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) closely resembles hardwood flooring. Both options can enhance your design.
 
Vinyl flooring boasts a waterproof core made of either wood or stone plastic composite. Vinyl is known for its soft feel and easy-to-clean surface, making it a popular option for do-it-yourselfers, particularly in the kitchen. 
 

Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

  • LVT is fully waterproof
  • Vinyl tiles can be installed without professional assistance
  • LVT replicates more expensive flooring material

Cons  

  • LVT is not as durable as other material like tile
  • Vinyl can be scratched or dented easily because it is so soft

Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost

Installing luxury vinyl tile for your kitchen floor can run anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot. Installation costs will depend on the type of tile you choose.
 
You can expect to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot for professional installation of luxury vinyl plank flooring. When selecting a professional installer, make sure to understand what they include in the costs. Installing the vinyl yourself will lower the total cost of your project. 
 

Installation Tips

Luxury vinyl tile is easy to work with, comes in various natural-looking selections, and provides a strong, durable floor. Here are some tips to follow if you choose to install it yourself.

  • Always read and follow the product directions for your vinyl tile
  • Remove the baseboards first, so there are no gaps
  • Avoid angle cuts; try trimming the cabinets to slide the tile under
  • Consider filling holes on the underfloor with caulk
  • Start on the long side of the room
  • Avoid obvious pattern duplicates next to each other

Stone Tile Flooring Installation

Stone tile flooring is perfect for high-traffic areas
Stone tile flooring is perfect for high-traffic areas
Stone tile flooring can add sophistication and natural beauty to your home. It comes straight from the earth, so it’s naturally distinct, with no two tiles precisely alike. Not only does stone tile add style to your kitchen, but some of the more porous products can also help prevent slips and falls.
 

Stone Tile Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Stone tile can withstand heavy foot traffic
  • It creates a naturally sophisticated look
  • Most stone tile does not attract dust  

Cons

  • Stone tile flooring can be more expensive
  • Stone can scratch easily
  • Stone tile is more difficult to replace when damaged

Laminate Flooring Installation

Laminate flooring installation requires cutting and applying process
Laminate flooring installation requires cutting and applying process
Laminate flooring is made of high-density wood fiberboard and comprises up to five layers sealed together during the lamination process.
 
Most knowledgeable do-it-yourselfers can install laminate flooring. It does require cutting to size and applying an underlayment to the subfloor, so you may want to consider hiring a professional flooring installer if you aren’t accustomed to home renovations. 
 

Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Laminate flooring is durable and can stand up to high traffic
  • Laminate is affordable
  • Most laminate flooring is made of recycled material

Cons

  • Laminate floors are not waterproof, and exposure to liquid can cause staining and buckling
  • Can’t be repaired or restored
  • Some laminate flooring can have an artificial appearance

Laminate Flooring Installation Cost

Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of prices. At discount flooring stores, it may cost as little as $0.50 and up to $3.00 per square foot. Name brand laminate will usually cost between $3.00 and $8.00. Unless your warranty calls for a professional install, most laminate flooring can be installed by a DIYer, saving further costs.

Installation Tips

  • Install the underlayment perpendicular to how the laminate will be installed, to reduce bubbling
  • Be sure the subfloor is completely flat to avoid soft spots in the laminate flooring
  • Use laminate shears to cut the flooring to size
  • Start on the wall that has the most doors
  • Use a portion of your new flooring to tap a plank into place, so you don’t damage the laminate
  • Consider connecting the ends of a whole row then snapping it in as one long piece

Get Advice for Easiest Kitchen Flooring Installation in LX Hausys

H·FLOR VINTAGE from Savana Collection
H·FLOR VINTAGE from Savana Collection

Let’s talk about your next project. If you need help finding the easiest kitchen flooring to install, contact us today and one of our helpful professionals will be in touch soon.

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