Hardwood Floors For Your Kitchen

Wood has long been the domain of the rich and famous. However, it does add value to a home and is almost always preferable to vinyl or linoleum. Moreover, hardwood floors are not only a sign of luxury, but they also can make an ordinary kitchen look stylish. So if you plan on staying in your home for years to come, hardwood floors for your kitchen are likely worth the extra cost.

With the different types of hardwood flooring options available, we’ve outlined key factors you should consider before getting it installed. Let’s dive in!

Pros of Hardwood Floors in Kitchen

Durable

Although putting down hardwood in a kitchen or any other room does involve some work. Generally, a good quality hardwood floor can last for decades, if not longer, with regular cleaning, maintenance, and care. What’s more, you don’t need to choose between style and durability. When properly maintained, your wood floor will not only look great but will also add an elegant ambiance to your room, along with years of enjoyment.

Fairly Easy To Clean

Hardwood floors for your kitchen or dining room can be a great way to add personality and warmth to your style without sacrificing cleanliness. Besides sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming, modern wood cleaning systems further ease the process and are designed to keep wood surfaces looking their best. Additionally, unlike other flooring options such as carpets, hardwood floors do not accumulate hidden dirt.

Beauty and Charm

Hardwood floors give kitchens an appealing, elegant appearance. They are synonymous with upscale kitchens, which is why they are so popular. For a small investment, hardwood floors can enhance the look of any room where you want something attractive and durable.

Adds Warmth

When it comes to flooring, hardwood offers the right level of warmth and durability to make a room instantly look and feel inviting. In addition, these floors have just enough cushioning to make walking around on them a pleasant experience. There is also a wide range of types and colors available, so take some time to consider what will best suit your needs.

Cons to Hardwood Floors in Kitchen

Expensive

With various looks, styles, and finishes available, hardwood flooring can be an excellent option for your kitchen. However, this option is often more expensive than other types of flooring. Additionally, hardwood floors need to be refinished every few years, and sometimes more often, depending on the amount of traffic.

Prone to Moisture Damage

With all wood floors comes the risk of damage from moisture. Usually, standard maintenance will prevent this type of damage from occurring. However, you should avoid installing wood flooring in areas with large amounts of standing water.

Requires More Maintenance

Hardwood can be a beautiful addition to any home, but it requires more maintenance than many other types of flooring. For example, if you have pets or small children, hardwood may not be the best choice, as the dirt and grit may damage the finish reasonably easily. A busy household with lots of traffic may put more wear and tear on hardwood floors than they can handle.

Why Certain Colors of Wood Might Be More Forgiving

When it comes to picking out the right floor for your kitchen, you have a lot of choices. One crucial decision is whether the floor should be light or dark in color. However, one of the main things to think about is how easy it will be to keep clean.

Here is a brief overview:

• Darker hardwoods will show dust, footprints, and light-colored debris more than lighter-hued woods like maple and oak. These lighter woods tend to hide any imperfections better than dark-hued woods like walnut and mahogany. If you have kids or pets, darker floors may not be the best option for you because they will need more maintenance than light-colored woods.
• If scratches bother you, go with a light-colored floor instead of a dark one for your kitchen. Darker hardwoods tend to show scratches more than lighter-colored woods.
• One more thing to remember about hardwood flooring is that it will change color over time with exposure to natural light. That is why people generally choose lighter-colored woods for rooms like kitchens, foyers, and living rooms that get a lot of sun exposure.

Tips To Prevent Damage

The best way to protect your flooring is by having regular maintenance done on them. This can be accomplished by a professional, or you can do it yourself. It all depends on the condition of your floors. Here are some tips that should keep them looking great for many years to come:

• Use furniture pads: Furniture pads placed under chairs, tables, and especially appliances can prevent scratches on the floors and cracks in the wood.
• Avoid cleaning with water: Water can cause damage over time because water tends to seep into the wood and leaves mineral deposits behind that cause the wood to swell and crack over time.
• Don’t let stains sit: Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen to avoid staining or dulling your floors.
• Avoid dragging furniture: This can leave permanent marks that are difficult to remove.

Floor Sanding or refinishing: Sanding helps make hardwood flooring look new by removing rough patches and color damage. This allows for the application of a new finish and color.

Expert Refinishing & Installation in Minnesota

Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, hardwood floors offer value and beauty that can add significant value to your home. If you would like help installing, restoring, or refinishing your floors in your kitchen, call or contact Dave’s Floor Sanding & Installation, Inc.