The Complete Guide to Reflooring Your Kitchen for Under $5,000
Is your kitchen floor looking worn out and dated? Are cracked tiles, stained laminate, or squeaky hardwood making you dread meal prep? Reflooring can totally transform the look and feel of your kitchen. But at what cost? Kitchen flooring projects can ring up a hefty bill if you're not careful.
With smart planning and cost-cutting tips, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Determine Your Budget
When setting your reflooring budget, first get an estimate of the square footage of your kitchen. Smaller galley kitchens can range from 50 to 150 square feet. Medium-sized layouts are often 150 to 300 square feet. For standard materials and professional installation, you'll spend:
- $3 to $8 per square foot for hardwood
- $1 to $5 per square foot for laminate
- $2 to $7 per square foot for vinyl plank
- $5 to $15 per square foot for tile
There are a few ways to lower costs if your dream floor is over budget:
- Choose a more affordable flooring material like laminate or vinyl.
- Opt for a floating floor rather than glue-down installation.
- Do the demolition and prep work yourself, then hire a pro just for installing the new flooring.
- For tile, use a peel-and-stick backsplash instead of hand-set tile.
- Consider refinishing existing hardwood floors rather than replacing.
Select the Right Flooring Type
There are many options when it comes to kitchen floors. Keep reading for an overview of popular types to help you select the right material for your needs and budget.
Hardwood Floors
Nothing matches the classic, warm look of real wood kitchen flooring. Hardwood comes in a variety of species like oak, maple, and exotic choices like Brazilian cherry. Expect to pay between $4 to $13 per square foot installed.
Pros:
- Timeless beauty and value
- Variety of colors from light to dark
- Can be refinished instead of replaced
Cons:
- Most expensive flooring option
- Susceptible to scratches and dents
- Not as water resistant; requires special treatment in kitchens
Laminate Floors
Laminate offers the look of real hardwood with easier maintenance and a more budget-friendly price point. Premium laminate floors can mimic wood grains and textures. Expect to pay $1 to $5 per square foot installed.
Pros:
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Affordable option for wood look
- Easy DIY installation
Cons:
- Not as moisture and water-resistant as vinyl or tile
- Can appear artificial next to real wood
- Shorter lifespan than real hardwood (15-25 years)
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank flooring offers the allure of wood or stone with unbeatable water resistance. Advanced printing technology offers convincing grain patterns and textures. Expect to pay between $2 and $7 per square foot installed.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Durable and scratch-resistant
- Comfortable underfoot
Cons:
- Can dent from heavy impacts
- Limited ability to refinish
- Not as luxurious as real wood or stone
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Nothing beats ceramic or porcelain tile for a sleek, waterproof kitchen floor. Mosaic patterns and natural stone looks elevate the design. Expect to pay between $5 to $20 per square foot installed.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and moisture-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Comes in countless styles and patterns
Cons:
- Hard, cold underfoot
- installation requiring mortar and precise grout lines
- Can crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped
There are also unique alternatives like polished concrete, cork, or slate which range from $3 to $20 per square foot. Refinishing your existing hardwood floors can cost $2 to $5 per square foot.
Hire a Professional or DIY?
Installing a kitchen floor yourself can save thousands of dollars in labor costs. With the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, DIY floors are absolutely achievable. However, for best results most homeowners opt to hire a professional installer.
The pros of hiring a flooring contractor include:
- Perfectly finished floors - no uneven planks or crooked grout lines
- Proper product acclimation and moisture testing
- Access to premium materials not available to consumers
- Knowledge of the latest techniques and building codes
Get quotes from at least three flooring companies, verify they are licensed and insured, and check reviews. Many retailers also offer professional installation.
Prep Work and Installation
Installing new floors is a multi-step process. Once you decide on flooring, order about 10% extra to account for mistakes and unusable boards. Here's the basic procedure:
- Clear kitchen of furniture and appliances and remove existing flooring
- Inspect and repair subfloor as needed to create smooth, clean surface
- Acclimate new flooring per manufacturer guidelines
- Install underlayment or vapor barrier if needed
- Lay planks in staggered pattern, leaving small expansion gaps as you go
- Roll or tap planks to adhere together
- Install trim pieces to finish edges against walls and cabinets
Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s detailed instructions. Some additional tips:
- Work from multiple boxes at once to mix color variations
- Use cut-pieces at edges and ends to minimize waste
- Apply protective layers like polyurethane on real wood floors
Completing these steps properly is key to getting beautiful, long-lasting results from your new floors.
Maintaining Your New Floors
All floors require some regular care and maintenance. Follow these floor-specific tips:
Hardwood
Vacuum then damp mop with hardwood cleaner weekly. Refinish as needed to restore luster. Place mats at entries to limit grit and moisture.
Laminate
Sweep, then damp mop weekly. Use laminate floor cleaner and avoid excessive moisture. Place foam pads under furniture legs.
Luxury Vinyl
Sweep and damp mop weekly with PH-neutral vinyl floor cleaner. Blot spills instantly to avoid staining or damage.
Tile
Vacuum grout lines with brush attachment weekly. Mop with tile cleaner avoiding excess water. Re-seal grout every 1-2 years.
For scratches, heavy cleaning, or finish restoration, call in a professional flooring contractor.
The state of your kitchen floors can make or break the enjoyment of cooking and entertaining at home. With smart planning, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look while staying under $5,000.
Focus your dollars on functional, durable flooring. Laminate, vinyl plank, and porcelain tile offer style and resilience at reasonable price points. Doing demolition yourself and hiring a pro just for installation also reduces costs.
Follow this guide to get inspired, create a budget, and master the installation process. Soon you'll be hosting dinner parties and holiday meals from your dream kitchen!