Forget Hardwood: HGTV's Erin And Ben Napier Have A Better Idea For Your Floors

Planning on updating your floors in the new year? Elegant hardwood flooring might be many homeowners' go-to pick, but it's not the only option that interior design pros recommend. In a recent interview on TODAY, HGTV hosts Erin and Ben Napier shared their expert-approved tips for renovating a kitchen on a budget. One of their suggestions was to use vinyl flooring that locks into place. "It wears great," Ben noted, hence why this husband-and-wife design duo recommended it as one of the best flooring options for kitchens. "It has a really long lifespan, it's cheap, kid-proof, waterproof, pet-proof, etc." 

Unlike traditional vinyl tiles, which peel off and adhere to your floors, newer lock-and-place tiles click together neatly and easily. Vinyl tiles are generally more affordable than hardwood flooring; high-quality luxury vinyl tiles, or LVT, can mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone. Since vinyl flooring is tough and easy to wipe clean, you won't have to be super precious about maintenance. In many cases, it can even be installed over your existing floors without having to tear anything up. It's no wonder the Napiers love this innovative flooring option for kitchens and don't care whether other people think it's going out of style.

We've already explored the many pros of vinyl tiles that lock in place, but what about the cons? There are some downsides that should be on your radar. For one thing, vinyl tiles are typically made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and release harmful chemicals into the environment in the manufacturing process. If that's a concern for you, then you may want to take a cue from fellow HGTV host Mike Holmes and steer clear of vinyl flooring for kitchens. This flooring material isn't easy to remove, either. And that durability Ben Napier mentioned all depends on the specific kind of vinyl tiling you purchase. 

That being said, as a replacement for hardwood, LVT flooring is your best bet. These lock-and-place tiles are durable, luxe-looking, and slip-resistant — but even then, they're not impervious to damage. Dropping a sharp knife or moving heavy appliances around on LVT tiles' surface can still scratch or ding them. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause them to fade too.

You can purchase vinyl tiles that lock together from most big hardware stores and popular flooring retailers, including Tilebar. Like any home renovation project, replacing your flooring can get pricey. Selecting the right tile for your space ultimately comes down to your budget and home design preferences. Some people may prefer the sleek look of classic wood-effect or stone-effect LVT flooring, while those who are looking to embrace the 2026 trend of maximalist home decor might enjoy patterned vinyl tiles that make a bold statement.