Hardwood flooring looks amazing in any room and the kitchen is certainly no exception. But, if you are considering gracing your kitchen with hardwood floors from a reputable flooring company such as Chestnut Flooring, there are a few things you should consider before sealing the deal.
About Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors bring a wonderful look and feel to a room. The practice of using wood planks for flooring dates back centuries because people used what they had to accommodate their needs. In modern days, however, wood flooring is considered a luxury and an up-grade. They do require maintenance so many homeowners question if hardwood flooring is a good fit for them.
The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring in the Kitchen
Figuring out if hardwood flooring is right for your kitchen or not is more of a personal choice than a right or wrong answer. Here are some facts to help you make an informed decision:
Pros
- Wood flooring brings an attractive element to the floor’s surface and can set whatever mood you chose, like modern, rustic, or classic.
- If your wood floor gets beat up or needs a lift, you can always refinish it.
- Wood flooring in any room increases the value of a structure.
- Wood floors are warmer and softer than tile or marble options.
Cons
- Hardwood flooring is expensive. Covering any room in wood will cost you and a room that is subject to spills and other abuse may not be wise.
- Hardwood floors require maintenance, especially certain types of woods such as Baltic pine which is a soft wood. Being in the kitchen, wood will take more in the way of maintenance, especially since it is a high-traffic area.
- Generally, wood floors are not optimal for wet locations and kitchens certainly have their fair share of moisture. The fibers in the wood can swell when they get wet or are exposed to dampness.
- Wooden kitchen floors take a beating and tend to scratch and dent when things are dropped on them or they aren’t properly taken care of.
- Difficult to install. Wood floors can be difficult to install and kitchen flooring may be even more so because of the layout.
Kitchen-Worthy Wood Flooring
If you have read the advantages and disadvantages of installing wood flooring in the kitchen and have reached the decision to go for it, you will want to carefully consider which type of wood to use. Maple, cherry, and oak are exceptionally good for the kitchen because they are hardwoods. Softwoods are less desirable since they tend to dent, even when treated.
When matching the décor of your kitchen, you might choose a durable wood coupled with the effect you are looking for. Distressed pine is soft and might scratch and dent easily but if you’re going for a rustic appeal, you will nail it.
Another important decision is what type of planks to purchase for kitchen wood flooring. Solid unfinished planks butt tightly together and can be sealed in order to provide protection against water. Solid pretreated planks are even easier to install and are milled so the edges are simpler to fit together. Engineered planks are easy to install and are quite stable when holding up heavy appliances such as refrigerators and stoves. Reclaimed planks are the rage right now so if you are into the distressed look, you might save a ton of money going that route.
How Hardwood Flooring for Kitchens Boils Down
While it is true that hardwood flooring is sometimes problematic in the kitchen, it is also a fact that the beautiful look and feel it creates is second to none. If you are willing to choose a wood that is suitable for a kitchen and are willing to keep up the maintenance on it, you can’t beat a hardwood floor in any room, including the kitchen.
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