Materials & Finishes

Flooring Options for Kitchens and Bathrooms: Material Comparison

VicWide Renovations Team
2025-10-30
Updated: November 29, 2025
7 min read

Flooring endures spills, traffic and moisture. This comparison covers porcelain tile, vinyl plank, timber, terrazzo and polished concrete across durability, maintenance and cost for Melbourne kitchens and bathrooms.

Flooring Options for Kitchens and Bathrooms: Material Comparison

Porcelain Tile

Waterproof, durable, slip-resistant (textured). Cold underfoot (underfloor heating solves). Cost: $80-$200/m² installed. Versatile for both kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl Plank (LVP / Hybrid)

Warm, quiet, waterproof (quality brands). Softer underfoot than tile. Cost: $60-$140/m² installed. Ideal for families with young children.

Engineered Timber

Warm aesthetic, refinishable. Not suitable for bathrooms (moisture damage). Kitchen: acceptable if spills managed promptly. Cost: $100-$220/m² installed.

Terrazzo

Durable, timeless, premium aesthetic. Cold, hard underfoot. Requires sealing. Cost: $180-$350/m² installed. Suits heritage and high-end renovations.

Polished Concrete

Industrial aesthetic, seamless, durable. Cold, echoes sound. Requires professional sealing. Cost: $100-$180/m² (new slab grind + seal).

Key Takeaways

  • Porcelain most versatile for wet areas
  • Vinyl warm and family-friendly
  • Timber unsuitable for bathrooms
  • Terrazzo premium heritage choice
  • Polished concrete suits industrial aesthetic

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