Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Kitchen Remodel
Your kitchen is more than a place to cook — it’s where family gathers, friends linger, and countless memories are made. And because it’s one of the most-used spaces in your home, the flooring you choose needs to work just as hard as you do.
As part of our kitchen remodeling services, we help homeowners in York, Mechanicsburg, and across Central PA choose flooring that’s as beautiful as it is durable. Here’s how to find the perfect fit for your remodel.
What to Consider Before Choosing Kitchen Flooring
Before you fall in love with a certain style, think about:
- Durability & Maintenance – Kitchens see spills, heavy traffic, and dropped utensils. Choose something that can handle it all.
- Comfort Underfoot – If you love cooking, consider how your feet and joints will feel after standing for hours.
- Style & Aesthetic – Your floor should complement your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.
- Budget – Different materials vary widely in price — both in product and installation costs.
- Local Climate – Central PA’s seasonal temperature swings and humidity can affect some materials more than others.
Popular Kitchen Flooring Options (Pros & Cons)
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Pros: Water-resistant, affordable, easy to maintain, and available in styles that mimic wood or stone.
Cons: Can fade in direct sunlight over time.
Best For: Busy families who want durability without sacrificing style.
2. Ceramic & Porcelain Tile
Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, and available in endless colors and patterns.
Cons: Cold and hard underfoot; grout requires upkeep.
Best For: Homes where water resistance and easy cleaning are top priorities.
3. Hardwood
Pros: Timeless look, warm underfoot, can be refinished for decades of use.
Cons: Susceptible to water damage; higher maintenance than synthetic options.
Best For: Homeowners prioritizing elegance and resale value.
4. Engineered Hardwood
Pros: More stable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood; still offers a beautiful wood finish.
Cons: Can’t be refinished as many times as solid wood.
Best For: Those who want the look of wood but with better water resistance.
5. Natural Stone
Pros: Unique, high-end appearance; very durable.
Cons: Expensive and requires sealing to prevent stains.
Best For: Luxury remodels where natural beauty is a focal point.
Design Tips for Choosing Kitchen Flooring
- Match undertones to other finishes in your kitchen for a cohesive look.
- Light floors can make small kitchens feel larger; dark floors can create warmth in open layouts.
- Textured finishes help prevent slips and add character.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking flooring based solely on appearance without thinking about durability.
- Forgetting to budget for underlayment and transition strips.
- Choosing high-maintenance materials for a high-traffic kitchen.
Our Local Recommendation
For most Central PA kitchens, we recommend waterproof LVP or engineered hardwood — both stand up well to family life, changing seasons, and the occasional spill, while offering a wide range of styles to match your design vision.
For example, in a recent Mechanicsburg remodel, we installed wide-plank waterproof LVP in a rustic oak finish. It perfectly complemented the homeowner’s white shaker cabinets and quartz counters — and could handle their three energetic kids and golden retriever.
Ready to Choose Your Kitchen Flooring?
Whether you’re dreaming of sleek tile, timeless wood, or a low-maintenance option that still wows, EA Building & Remodeling can help you find the perfect fit.
Share your project ideas today, and we’ll schedule a free in-home walk-through and consultation with Eric. After your visit, you’ll receive a clear, no-obligation quote to get your remodel started.