The Complete Guide to the Great Hardwood Kitchen Floor Debate
With kids running around the house and delicious home-cooked meals being prepared daily, kitchens tend to be one of the most high-traffic rooms in a home. When considering different flooring options for your kitchen remodel or new construction project, durable and beautiful hardwood floors can seem tempting. But is installing hardwood in your kitchen really the best option?
From cost and maintenance factors to style and livability considerations, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the great hardwood kitchen flooring debate.
The Durability Factor: Can Hardwood Withstand Kitchen Use?
When evaluating kitchen flooring materials, durability is often the first concern. Kitchens experience heavy daily foot traffic, not to mention the spills, drips, and potential water damage that come along with cooking and cleaning. Can hardwood stand up to such rigorous use?
The answer depends largely on the exact species and grade of wood. Made from dense oak or maple, hardwood floors can be quite durable in kitchen settings when properly maintained . Exotic species like Brazilian cherry may be susceptible to scratches and dents. The construction and finish of the flooring also play a role.
Maintenance Requirements for Kitchen Hardwood
While today's hardwood floors are designed for family living, they do require some regular care and maintenance in a kitchen environment.
To keep hardwood kitchen floors looking their best:
- Sweep or vacuum daily to prevent gritty debris from scratching the flooring
- Immediately clean up any spills or messes to avoid stains and water marks
- Use cleaning products specifically formulated for hardwood
- Have the floors professionally refinished as needed, usually every few years with heavy use
Scratches and worn areas can also be repaired using wood filler and touch up kits. With proper care, hardwoods like oak and hickory will provide years of beauty and enjoyment.
How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost for Kitchen Installation?
Compared to basic vinyl and laminate, hardwood floors fall on the premium end of flooring options. However, prices can vary dramatically based on factors like:
- Wood species - domestic woods like oak tend to be lower cost than exotics
- Plank width - wider planks equate to higher square foot pricing
- Grade - higher grades have fewer natural imperfections
- Construction - solid vs. engineered wood
A professional installer can provide quotes for your specific project. Keep in mind that while hardwood costs more upfront, it often adds to the value of a home and provides years of enjoyment.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
Beyond just durability, many homeowners choose to install hardwood floors based on their sheer beauty. The rich, natural look of hardwood adds style, elegance and warmth to kitchen spaces.
Bringing Natural Beauty to Kitchen Design
From light and airy painted white oak to dramatic dark walnut, beautiful hardwood floors can complement any kitchen design aesthetic. The variety of wood species, colors and finishes available means tons of options for customizing your look.
Incorporating hardwood in your kitchen remodel or new home build introduces natural beauty, depth and timeless appeal. Hardwood also pairs well with natural stone, stainless steel, concrete and other on-trend finishes.
Livability and Comfort Underfoot
In addition to visual beauty, hardwood offers a literal warmness and softness underfoot that materials like tile and vinyl cannot match. The smooth, tactile feeling makes hardwood a comfortable flooring choice for rooms where you spend a lot of time standing.
Consider the finish when evaluating comfort. High-gloss urethane finishes can feel slick, while hand scraped and brushed finishes provide more grip. Exposed bevels add texture but may catch shoe heels and treads.
Acoustic Properties of Kitchen Hardwood
Unlike carpeting, vinyl and other soft surfaces, hardwood floors provide no insulation against sound. Dropped pots, running feet, and chair scrapes echo loudly. This can be either a pro or con depending on your acoustic needs and preferences.
If noise is a concern, consider installing a soundproofing underlayment when the floors are put in. Rugs and floor coverings will also dampen noises to an extent.
Tips for Deciding on Hardwood Kitchen Floors
When it comes to choosing hardwood or not for your kitchen floors, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Assess your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. Active households with kids and pets may fare better with very durable wood species.
- Examine wood floor samples in person to get a feel for the look and style you want.
- Consult with an experienced hardwood flooring installer for advice on options.
- Opt for moisture-resistant finishes and construction if spills are a concern.
- Install protective rugs in high-traffic zones to prevent wear and slippage.
- Read warranties closely to understand coverage and exclusions.
When cared for properly and matched to your needs and preferences, hardwood floors can be a spectacular and worthwhile choice for kitchen spaces.
Hardwood floors come with unique pros and cons for kitchen installation. While concerns like scratch resistance, moisture, maintenance and noise should be weighed carefully, many homeowners find the beauty and enjoyment of wood floors outweigh the downsides.
By selecting durable wood species, moisture-resistant finishes and proper acoustic underlayment, you can minimize potential pitfalls. When well-constructed and properly cared for, hardwood floors add timeless style, comfort and luxury to kitchen spaces for decades to come.