Question 1

What's the best flooring material for a New Orleans kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank handle this climate the best. Both resist humidity, standing water, and heavy foot traffic without warping or staining. Engineered hardwood works in kitchens with consistent climate control, but it requires more care than either tile or LVP. Your best option depends on your budget, how your slab tests for moisture, and whether you prioritize the warmth of wood underfoot or the near-zero maintenance of tile.

Question 2

How long does kitchen flooring installation take?

Accepted Answer

Two to four days for most kitchens. Tile takes longer because thinset needs cure time between stages, while LVP installs in one to two days. If your subfloor needs significant leveling or old flooring has to be torn out first, add a day.

Question 3

Can you install new flooring over my existing kitchen floor?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the existing surface. LVP can often go directly over tile or vinyl as long as the surface is flat, clean, and well-bonded to the subfloor underneath. Tile-over-tile is possible in specific conditions, but it adds height that affects transitions to adjacent rooms and can create clearance problems with dishwashers and under-cabinet refrigerators. In some cases, the adhesive holding the old floor has failed in spots that aren't visible from the surface, and overlay would trap those weak points underneath the new material. We check all of this during the evaluation and give you a direct answer on whether overlay works or tear-out is the better investment.

Question 4

Do I need to move my appliances out before installation?

Accepted Answer

No. Appliance disconnection and reconnection are part of the project.

Question 5

Is luxury vinyl plank actually waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Rigid core LVP (SPC and WPC construction) is waterproof at the plank level, meaning water won't damage the material itself. The caveat: water can still seep between plank seams if it pools for an extended period, which is why proper installation with tight-locking joints matters. For everyday kitchen spills and splashes, quality LVP handles them without issue.

Question 6

Will my kitchen flooring choice affect resale value?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain tile and hardwood (including engineered) carry the highest perceived value among buyers in the New Orleans market, but LVP is gaining ground fast. Condition and installation quality matter more than the material category: a well-installed LVP floor will impress buyers more than a poorly installed hardwood floor with visible gaps and cupping.

Question 7

Should flooring go in before or after kitchen cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Before. Flooring goes down first, then the cabinets sit on top. This makes future appliance replacement easier (no height mismatches at the dishwasher opening) and prevents water damage from leaks reaching the exposed subfloor under the cabinets.