Is hardwood flooring right for your kitchen?
Hardwood flooring is one of the more costly flooring options in any room of the home. It is often more expensive than ceramic tile or luxury vinyl flooring, both of which make popular kitchen options.
How do you install wood flooring in a kitchen?
The simplest way to install wood flooring is to purchase prefinished planks, which provide a finished floor as soon as they’re nailed down. Yet when it comes to kitchens, prefinished flooring is not preferred.
Is engineered wood flooring a good option for a kitchen?
Remove any excess of water on the surface immediately.’ An engineered wood floor could be a suitable option for your kitchen. It is still a real wood floor, and can have an appearance that’s hard to tell apart from solid wood flooring. So how is it distinguished from solid wood kitchen flooring, and does it have any advantages over it?
What is the best hardwood floor for a kitchen?
Solid hardwood floors have been known to last a century or more. This is the best form of hardwood for kitchens, though increasingly rare. Solid prefinished planks: Many manufacturers now offer prefinished solid hardwood planks, which take some of the extra work out of flooring installation.
How much does hardwood flooring cost?
For solid wood flooring, the general range of costs for materials alone is between $5 and $10 per square foot for standard domestic hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry. Tropical hardwoods (mahogany, Brazilian walnut) cost between $8 and $14 per square foot, and sometimes more. For engineered hardwood, costs can be as little as $3 per square foot to as high as $13, depending on the type of wood, the thickness of the veneer, and the quality of the finish.
What is luxury vinyl flooring?
Also known as vinyl plank flooring, luxury vinyl is a thicker form of resilient vinyl, manufactured in multi-layer planks that join edge-to-edge to form a floating floor that rests on a foam underlayment pad. New manufacturing techniques are allowing luxury vinyl to take on the look of many different materials, including stone and wood. So realistic are these floors that you may need to view them on hands-and-knees to recognize that the planks are actually made of vinyl.
What is reclaimed plank flooring?
Reclaimed planks: There is a growing market for using repurposed hardwood flooring, such as the materials salvaged when factories, office buildings, or bowling alleys are demolished. This option is very appealing to anyone interested in eco-friendly building practices since it uses recycled materials.
How much does engineered wood cost?
For engineered hardwood, costs can be as little as $3 per square foot to as high as $13, depending on the type of wood, the thickness of the veneer, and the quality of the finish. In addition to the cost of materials, expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot for professional installation.
Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
The cost of hardwood flooring varies greatly depending on the type of wood and the quality of the product. Surprisingly, there is not a huge difference between costs for solid hardwoods and engineered hardwoods. Although engineered woods use less actual hardwood, this is offset by manufacturing that is more complicated and costly. And these products provide an easier installation process that people are willing to pay for.
Do you have to do prefinished hardwood after installation?
The planks are sanded, sealed, stained, and finished at the factory, which means the installer doesn't have to do it after installation. However, prefinished hardwood flooring is sometimes milled so that the planks have slightly beveled edges, and this design can be problematic in kitchens.
What to look for when choosing hardwood flooring for kitchen?
If you are choosing new hardwood floors, look for a wood species with a higher hardness scale rating. The stronger the wood species, the more resistant it will be to the daily traffic and moisture a kitchen sees.
What wood is best for kitchen floors?
Fir and pine are soft, making them a poor choice for kitchen floors. Brazilian walnut and Patagonian Rosewood are two of the hardest and most durable Consider the finish of the cabinets and dining room furniture and choose a finish that complements the existing colors and tones in the space.
What is the best flooring to walk on?
When it comes to the level of hardness, hardwood flooring falls somewhere in between ceramic tile and linoleum. The warmth and softness makes it comfortable to walk on. Choose a finish with yellow undertones and it will provide visual warmth as well.
Why is hardwood flooring considered luxurious?
Hardwood flooring is revered as luxurious because of the many benefits it brings to a space. It is lovely to look at, timeless in design, and easy to refinish whenever styles change. Consider all the advantages of using hardwood flooring in your kitchen when deciding which flooring to install.
How to protect your kitchen from grease?
Protect them from grease or light splatters at both the stove and the sink by adding padded orthopedic mats in the areas you frequently stand to work. Because the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the home, expect to need to refinish the floors somewhat regularly.
What to use under a dining chair?
Using pads under stool legs and dining chair legs will help to prevent scratches, dents, and dings on wood flooring in the kitchen. In particularly high-traffic areas, such as just inside a sliding glass door or under a dining table, area rugs can also provide an added layer of protection.
Can you use polyurethane on hardwood floors?
The same oil finishes you use for hardwood floors in a living room just aren’t strong enough for kitchen use. Instead, opt for a polyurethane designed to keep spills from penetrating the wood, reducing the chance of water damage and food stains. A polyurethane makes the floor easy to wipe up as well.
What is the best wood floor for a kitchen?
The best wood floor for a kitchen will depend on your particular circumstances and lifestyle, but solid wood, engineered wood and reclaimed wood can all be possibilities.
What is reclaimed wood flooring?
(Image credit: Ted Todd) Reclaimed wood is another timber flooring option, and can be sourced either as solid wood or in the form of an engineered floor.
Why is my wood flooring warping?
Both heat and moisture in the environment affect wood, causing warping, swelling and shrinkage and, because of the activities that take place in a kitchen, wood kitchen flooring is far more exposed to changes in temperature and humidity than if it was in a living space or a bedroom. Many different kitchen ideas feature wood flooring, ...
Is engineered wood flooring a good choice for a kitchen?
An engineered wood floor could be a suitable option for your kitchen. It is still a real wood floor, and can have an appearance that’s hard to tell apart from solid wood flooring. So how is it distinguished from solid wood kitchen flooring, and does it have any advantages over it?
Is wood flooring good for kitchens?
Yes, wood flooring is suitable for kitchens – but some wood types and constructions more than others. We've gathered the experts' advice on all types of wood kitchen flooring, and the answers to your wood flooring questions.
Is engineered wood flooring real wood?
Engineered wood kitchen flooring. An engineered wood floor could be a suitable option for your kitchen. It is still a real wood floor, and can have an appearance that’s hard to tell apart from solid wood flooring.
Is natural stone tile hard wearing?
If you want a flooring material from nature but wood isn’t right for your home, natural stone tile, properly sealed, is easy to look after and hard wearing.
Where is wood flooring stored?
Most wood flooring is stored boxed in unheated warehouses, where the climate is often quite different from the temperature and humidity of residences. If you install wood flooring before it acclimates, it could swell or shrink slightly and your floor could end up with gaps between the planks.
Why is wood flooring trending?
In addition to its good looks, wood is becoming popular flooring for the cook space so as to create a visually seamless surface between the kitchen and an adjacent dining room or a great room. Many homeowners preferable this cohesive look to the start-and-stop feel of different flooring in adjacent rooms.
What is the best sealant for wood floors?
Both water-based and oil-based sealants are available, but for kitchen use, a quality oil-based sealant, such as Varathane’s Clear Matte Oil-Based Polyurethane (available from The Home Depot ), will provide the greatest protection. The downside to applying an oil-based sealant is the longer drying times, some requiring up to 24 hours before you can walk on the floor.
What to do if you discover a leak in your kitchen?
If you discover a leak, shut off the water to the kitchen and call a plumber. Use rugs and floor mats liberally to protect the wood flooring in high traffic areas. Rugs will also absorb small spills before they can reach the flooring.
How to stop a kitchen sink from leaking?
Put soft furniture pads on the bottoms of kitchen tables and chairs to keep them from scratching or denting the wood floor. Check frequently under the sink and around the dishwasher and fridge for signs of leaking. If you discover a leak, shut off the water to the kitchen and call a plumber.
Do you need to sand kitchen planks after they are installed?
Even though it involves additional work, opt for unfinished planks, which are completely flat, for your kitchen. After the planks are installed, the entire surface should be sanded, stained, and then sealed. This offers a uniformly smooth surface, seals the gaps between the boards, and protects the flooring better against spills.
Can scratched wood floors be repaired?
Everyday comings and goings in street shoes, as well as movement of chairs and stools, could scratch or dent a wood floor. Pulling a major appliance away from the wall so a technician can work on it can also mar wood flooring, leaving deep scratches. (Fortunately , there are some effective ways to repair scratches on wood floors, but these often only minimize their appearance and rather than make your wood floors 100 percent again.)
What are the advantages of hardwood floors?
Advantages Of Hardwood Flooring: 1 The look – Hardwood floors add a homey, rustic feel to any kitchen. 2 Add value – Real hardwood floors can add value to a property. 3 Easier to repair – Solid hardwood is usually easy to repair if you have water damage or pet stains, unlike other flooring materials. 4 Possible to refinish – Solid hardwood can be sanded down and refinished many times.
How thick is hardwood flooring?
Just like the name suggests, hardwood flooring is solid wood from a variety of sources. It is usually cut to around 3/4″ in thickness and can be finished in a wide array of styles. The price of hardwood can vary depending on the type of wood chosen and the area needed to cover.
How long does engineered wood last?
Although the lifespan of engineered wood flooring depends on the thickness of the plank and usage, they last for a significant amount of time. Thinner types will last 20-30 years, while thicker ones may last 40-80 years. While over time the wood will break down (just like any other organic material), overall, it’s a long-lasting flooring option.
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a more modern version of wood flooring. It is constructed of different layers, with the main core or body of the boards made up of layers of plywood.
Can you refinish engineered wood floors?
Engineered wood floors with a quality top layer, however, can be sanded down and refinished if there is damage. Alternatively, you can repair scratches to wood flooring using a wax repair kit.
Can engineered wood be scratched?
As with all types of wood, engineered wood flooring can be scratched. Having a good quality product with a thick real wood veneer layer can help to limit scratching. However, you should expect to see a few scratches and dents over the years. That’s just how it goes!
Does engineered wood have a thicker top layer?
The thickness of engineered hardwood can vary, although higher quality engineered woods should have a thicker veneered top layer. This will help to provide more durability and can also mean that the floor could be sanded back and re-treated. The thicker this top veneer, the more times it can be sanded back.
What is so complicated about hardwood floors in a kitchen?
Having hardwood floors installed in a kitchen is not something new. In fact, when houses were first being built in the United States, hardwood was mostly all we had to work with. Laminate flooring wasn’t invented until 1977. Carpet was around back in 1791 but was typically reserved for the wealthy. Tile was has been around since 4,000 BC in Egypt but was extremely expensive and process intensive.
Is floor installation the same as painting?
Floor installation shares the same result as painting. Everything comes down to the prep work. Getting all the tools and materials for the job in order prior to starting the project is important. Here is a list of the tools I use for installing a hardwood floor. This list may have some things missing as there are SO MANY different tools you can use to accomplish this task.
Why do you seal hardwood floors?
When hardwood floors are installed in your kitchen, they are sealed to provide a certain level of protection. The trouble is that protection often can’t stand long term abuse. Hardwood is most often installed as hardwood planks. If the seams aren’t tightly placed together, if the sealant doesn’t fully cover every inch of the hardwood material, ...
What is site finished hardwood?
With site finished hardwood, unfinished hardwood planks are installed in your home. The surface is raw wood, without stain or sealant in place as it is nailed or stapled into place. Once the flooring is completed, only then does the installer stain the wood if desired, and after the staining process is completed and dry, a sealer is placed over the top, protecting hardwood and the seams.
What is the busiest room in your home?
There’s no doubt your kitchen is the busiest room in your home.
Can you sand down hardwood floors?
Over time, you may start to see these paths worn into the wood. The good thing with hardwood, however, is you can sand it down, stain and seal it all over again for a new look.
Do kitchens have humidity?
But what about kitchens? They don’t deal with water spills on a daily basis as you jump out of the shower. They don’t have nonstop humidity from the length of your showers.
Is hardwood flooring good for you?
If you have a lifestyle that reduces the risks associated with hardwood flooring damage, hardwood floors might be the perfect choice for you.
What to consider when selecting hardwood floors for kitchen?
What to Consider When Selecting Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen. Species – this refers to the wood’s quality including its stability, hardness, color, and graining. Oak is regarded as the most commonly used for domestic species. Other species include the maple, cherry, hickory, walnut, and birch.
How much does hardwood flooring cost in a kitchen?
Hardwood can be costly especially the exotic hardwoods like the rosewood or teak. Typically ranging fro $9 to $12 per square foot of flooring.
Why are wood floors so noisy?
Wood floors are susceptible to moisture fluctuations and require careful attention to maintain the floors beauty. Wood floors can be cold in the winter months or for those who reside in colder climates. These types of floors can be noisy with increasing amounts of creaks as the flooring ages.
Why is solid hardwood used as flooring?
Solid hardwood is commonly used as material for flooring because of its quality, able to be restored and durability. These kinds of floors are perpendicularly installed to wooden support beams of buildings which are otherwise regarded as the bearers or joists.
How long can hardwood floors be used?
With proper maintenance, hardwood floors are durable and can be used for many years and still look amazing.
What does hardwood look like?
Hardwood floors look beautiful, warm and inviting. It provides a seamless look especially between the kitchen and the other parts of the house. Wood floors are easy to maintain by sweeping or vacuuming when they are dirty, and with an occasional application of wood cleaner to maintain its attarctive appearance.
How much does engineered wood cost per square foot?
Moreover, it offers greater flexibility when it comes to installation during stapling, gluing, or floating. (Installed cost for engineered wood floors are $4 to $9 per square foot) Read more about engineered hardwood in the kitchen here.
How do you install hardwood flooring in an existing kitchen?
Are you convinced that installing hardwood in the kitchen is the right choice for you? We have a couple other suggestions for you.
What is the difference between vinyl and tile flooring?
Tile gives you a flooring that can stand up to whatever your family can dish out. Vinyl gives you maintenance-free living with softness and water-resistance thrown into the mix. But with hardwood, you’ll have to be more on your toes to ensure it stays clean.
What is the most versatile flooring?
Versatile – What’s your idea of a perfect kitchen? Country? Modern? Traditional? An eclectic mix of the three? Whatever you desire, hardwood is one of the most versatile flooring choices, accenting any look perfectly. Even within the hardwood flooring industry, there are many different choices available. From wide planks to exotic hardwood, to colors and stains from light to dark, you can find any look and feel you’re going for.
Can you block appliances in a kitchen?
This ensures proper height of both your kitchen cabinets and your appliances. If you try and install hardwood around existing cabinetry and appliances, you can sometimes “block” appliances in. If you replace them in the future, it can be a mess trying to pull them out. You might damage the flooring, or have it be improper size, meaning you’ll face a lot more headache in what you thought was a simple job.
Is hardwood flooring good for a kitchen?
It will require more care. Of course, there are reasons why you’ll love hardwood floors in your kitchen. Durable – If you install solid hardwood flooring in your kitchen, you’ll have one of the most durable flooring choices around. Today’s hardwood is better than even a few short years ago. Because manufacturers are continually trying ...
Can you mix hardwood and kitchen cabinets?
Some experts tell you hardwood and kitchens don’t mix. If you install them, you’ll be sorry very quickly as they fade, are damaged, and may begin to warp.
Is it safe to put hardwood flooring on cabinets?
The hardwood will simply flow underneath. It’s also safer on your cabinets. There’s a lot of pounding and placement that goes into installing hardwood flooring. All of that work can mean nicks and scratches in your cabinets. If you install it first, your cabinets will look their best after your remodel is through.
