Although wood floors in kitchens are often branded as a bad idea, in reality, there’s no reason why you can’t use them in your kitchen, unless you’re particularly clumsy around water or are looking for a flooring option that requires no upkeep or maintenance. When it comes to laying wooden floors in your kitchen there are a few different things to consider, such as the type of wood you are going to use, if you will be using engineered wood or hardwood, and if you plan on using prefinished or site finished planks. Advantages of Using Wood Floors in Kitchens One of the most common reasons why people choose to use wooden flooring in their kitchen is that they have an open plan layout and using a different material in the kitchen would break up the flow of the space if the rest of the area has wooden flooring. The aesthetic appeal of wood floors is undeniable and it will be sure to instantly lift the entire look of your kitchen once installed. Unlike laminate flooring or tiles, wood floors tend to be much warmer so no icy feet as you get your morning cup of coffee! They’re also a softer and more yielding surface, so will be kinder to anything you drop or if you have small children that are likely to take a tumble. Engineered vs Hardwood Flooring Engineered wood floors and hardwood flooring both have their own merits. Site finished hardwood flooring may cost more than engineered wood, but it will also stand up the heavy foot traffic of a kitchen far better. Solid hardwood floors also have the benefit of standing up to years of resanding, while engineered wood floors can usually only be resanded 2to3 times. As with any type of hardwood flooring installation, it pays to use an expert like Just Wood Flooring, to ensure the best results possible. Especially when it comes to a tricky area like a kitchen, it’s best to leave the job to professionals rather than trying to DIY it. Type of Wood to Use When it comes to the type of wood you use for your kitchen hardwood floor, the main thing you need to look for is strength_you’ll want to use the hardest wood possible, like a Brazilian cherry. Other hardwoods you can use include jatoba and Santos mahogany, both of which will work well with an oil finish that will allow the wood to breathe as their moisture levels fluctuate. Site Finishing When it comes to hardwood floors, you have the option of installing prefinished hardwood or finishing it on site. Unlike prefinished hardwood, sitefinished hardwood is, as you would expect, unfinished with no stain or sealant. This means that the stain and sealant can be applied after the floor has been laid down, adding an extra layer of protection from spills. Site finished hardwood floors are also suitable for screening and recoating, which can be used to remove scrapes and scratches_both likely to occur in a busy kitchen environment. Maintenance Tips Make sure that if you have a seating area in your kitchen that all chairs or bar stools have a felt pad on the bottom to protect your hardwood floor from scratches. In areas where spills are most likely to occur, like in front of the sink, place a small rug or mat to protect your hardwood flooring.
