Replacing the flooring in your kitchen? Think long and hard about the ideal style of flooring for this area. While tile or vinyl may be common choices, wood flooring for your kitchen is also a great option. Find out the basics of hardwood floors for the kitchen, and update this busy hub of your home.
Is Wood Flooring Good For the Kitchen?
Most people know that wood flooring does not mix well with moisture. And since there is a lot of moisture and water in your kitchen, why install a wood floor? In reality, the right type of wood flooring can stand up well to the traffic and conditions of even the busiest kitchen. How? With a quality acrylic-impregnated finish, your wood flooring can resist normal wear and tear and deliver years of dependable performance. Choose wood flooring for your kitchen based on the following characteristics:
- Finish – choose water-based finishes where possible, since they offer better coverage and consistent color, even after years of use in high traffic areas. Oil-based finishes fade and can become rather splotchy with wear and may need to be re-oiled.
- Satin to Gloss – wood floors come in a wide range of sheen, from the duller satin styles to a shiny gloss. Wise designers and homeowners opt for a satin floor in the kitchen, as this level of sheen easily hides dirt and debris and delivers years of trouble-free performance.
- Species – certain types of wood species are better for a kitchen floor, including hard domestics like maple, cherry and oak and strong exotics like Asian Walnut and Brazilian Teak. Softer species tend to dent easily, not something you want to deal with in a busy family kitchen.
Maintenance for Your Kitchen Flooring
Using wood flooring in the kitchen may alter your cleaning methods. Solid hardwood and engineered wood floors need to be wiped up on a regular basis; clean any spills right away using a soft rag. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s direction for maintenance. Stock up on the specified cleaning products to keep the wood looking pristine and charming. Protect the finish and extend the life of your kitchen floor by using approved products and stated methods. Dry mops and non-abrasive brooms will become important tools in your arsenal, and a daily swipe will help to keep your flooring looking its best.
Design Considerations
Be sure to consider other wood features when choosing wood flooring for your kitchen. You want the trim, cabinetry and furniture to match well with your chosen wood floor, creating a clean and attractive look in this busy room. Think about the finish, grain style and plank size. Your hardwood flooring retailer offers a broad selection of quality wood floors that work with your existing kitchen or the features included in your kitchen renovation. The ideal option for wood flooring in your kitchen combines finish, sheen, species and edges, along with diligent maintenance and an overall eye for the room’s design. Choose well and this flooring will provide decades of dependable beauty in the hub of your home.