4 Wood Floors Perfect for Your Kitchen
- Solid Hardwood Flooring. When you think of hardwood floors, you probably think of traditional solid wood planks, each made from a single piece of natural wood.
- Engineered Wood. Made by bonding several layers of natural hardwood together, engineered hardwood is designed to be more stable and versatile than traditional solid hardwood.
- Laminate Flooring. ...
What Wood is best for kitchen flooring?
Aug 25, 2015 · For a rustic look, go with a classic like wide plank Eastern white pine or heart pine. Its knottiness will lend a traditional, down-home feel to the kitchen: For a hip, rustic look, go with handscraped or distressed wood flooring. For a simple, classic look, go with white oak coated with a natural, clear finish: For more ideas, search Houzz for ...
What is the best durable flooring for kitchen?
Jan 08, 2011 · Top Brands of Hardwood Flooring. Bruce: Owned and manufactured by flooring giant Armstrong, Bruce offers prefinished products in both solid hardwood and engineered planks. Bruce is ... Mannington: This flooring giant offers very good engineered hardwood flooring in more than 100 different colors, ...
Which kitchen floors are the most durable?
Nov 10, 2021 · Many products are only water-resistant, though some are completely waterproof. 4. Bamboo Floors. When shopping for bamboo floors, be aware that not all types are ideal for kitchens. Strand woven bamboo is dense and durable—even more so than hardwood—while engineered bamboo actually features a waterproof coating.
What is the best wood floor for a kitchen?
Cork flooring is quickly becoming a popular trend in kitchen flooring, as it’s a more comfortable option than some traditional materials. This material has a unique look that can add to your home’s design aesthetic. It’s also an eco-friendly choice for flooring.
Is it OK to put hardwood floors in a kitchen?
“Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn't absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring.Aug 18, 2020
What is the best flooring to have in a kitchen?
In terms of practicality, vinyl is the best option. It's built to withstand a high level of wear and tear and any spills can quickly be wiped up without the worry of water damage. Waterproof laminate – If you want something a little more luxurious, waterproof laminate flooring is a great choice.Jul 14, 2016
What is the most durable floor for a kitchen?
Ceramic tilesCeramic or Porcelain One of the most durable, and most popular tile for kitchen floors or walls. Ceramic tiles are man-made from natural materials – in this case, clay – and baked to a finish. They are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and patterns.
Should I put engineered hardwood in my kitchen?
Types of Hardwood Floors Choose from two types of hardwood: solid or engineered. Both are suitable for the kitchen and offer benefits. Solid Hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood. The typical choice for wood "purists," this type of floor can be sanded and refinished repeatedly.
Should kitchen floor be darker than cabinets?
It is not necessary for your kitchen floor to be darker than the base cabinets or wall cabinets. The color of your kitchen floor can actually be a little lighter or darker than the cabinets. This creates a proper balance in the room.
What is the easiest kitchen floor to maintain?
For kitchen flooring, durability and ease of cleaning are top criteria. Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile--both very common--and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and provides an easy-to-clean surface and comes in countless designs. Ceramic tiles are even better.
What type of flooring is most scratch resistant?
Consider engineered hardwood with the most scratch-resistant finish available. Go for the hardest wood you can find, such as teak, mesquite, or hard maple. Wood with a matte or low-gloss look will do a better job at hiding scratches. And be sure to finish your floor with a scratch-resistant finish.Nov 20, 2017
How do I protect my hardwood floors in the kitchen?
3 Best Tips for Protecting Hardwood Floors in Your KitchenKeep Them Clean. The best tip for caring for hardwood floors anywhere in your home is to keep them clean. ... Use Area Rugs. ... Don't Forget Furniture Pads. ... RPS Flooring is Here to Help.Aug 28, 2020
Should kitchen and dining room have same floor?
Matching your kitchen floor with the rest of the house can create a nice consistency, but laying a different floor can make the kitchen a unique area with better durability. You have to consider both the floor's color and the material. It is generally best to use flooring that can withstand the kitchen's environment.
What are the disadvantages of engineered wood flooring?
10 Major Disadvantages of Installing Engineered Wood FlooringEngineered Hardwood Can Be Pricey. ... A Low-Quality Core. ... There's a Danger of Fading. ... You Need to Let the Wood Acclimate. ... Wooden Floors Require Specific Care. ... Engineered Hardwood Is Susceptible to Water Damage and Moisture.More items...•May 27, 2021
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.
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 a click lock?
Engineered hardwood and some prefinished solid hardwood planks are attached with a modified tongue-and-groove system, sometimes known as "click-lock.". These floors are usually "floating floors" that simply rest on a thin dense foam underlayment pad without any attachment to the subfloor.
What is an engineer plank?
Engineered planks: This type of flooring is created by bonding a thin veneer of hardwood to a base of plywood or MDF. This type of flooring is always prefinished and is often created with a "click-lock" system in which the planks interlock at the edges.
How much does tropical hardwood cost?
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 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.
Is solid hardwood better than engineered wood?
Make sure to choose hardwood flooring that can be sanded down and refinished. This means that solid hardwood will be a better choice than most engineered hardwood flooring. There are, however, some upper-end engineered products with very thick veneers that can be refinished.
Why do people put wood floors in their kitchens?
If installing wood floors in the kitchen, be prepared for imperfections and a little maintenance. As more homeowners gather in their kitchens for meals, special projects and socializing, the trend to install wood floors in kitchens is growing. Many homeowners choose wood flooring for kitchens because they want to create one big great room, ...
Why is engineered flooring better than solid wood?
Bateman says engineered flooring also works better over a slab floor because it was designed to withstand the changing conditions in the concrete subfloor. “It takes longer for engineered product to move with humidity than a solid product. It’s less vulnerable to humidity.”. Like solid wood, engineered flooring comes with a downside.
What is engineered wood?
Engineered wood is made from layers of compressed wood that's bonded together with heat and adhesive. The top layer, known as the wear layer, can’t be sanded and refinished as often as one solid strip of wood flooring. “If engineered is worn in one area, someone can bust through to the other area and it won’t look good,” Bateman says.
What is white oak wood?
Wells says white oak or wire brushed wood do a better job of hiding the foot traffic and mishaps that occur in a kitchen. In addition to being very strong, with a tighter, straighter grain pattern, white oak wood is sold in a wide spectrum of colors from white sapwood to dark browns.
When does solid wood shrink?
Solid wood floors shrink, usually in the winter when there’s less moisture in the air. Likewise, they expand during the spring and summer when there’s more humidity in your home. A home humidifier can help maintain appropriate moisture levels.
Do you need a humidifier for wood floors?
However, kitchens with wood floors will likely need buffing and a fresh coat of polyurethane every few years. If you prefer a smooth, dent-free, lower maintenance wood floor, consider engineered flooring.
Can you replace engineered wood planks?
While you can replace some engineered wood planks, Cobb says the replacements should come from the same dye lot. If you need to replace more planks than you have left over after laying the floor, it will not match.
Why is hardwood flooring used in kitchens?
Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for kitchen flooring because it gives the home a warm, natural feel. It’s an especially great option for homes with open floor plans. Hardwood flooring can easily blend from the kitchen into a home’s living space.
What color flooring is best for a contemporary home?
Grey: This color of flooring can cool down a space and create a contemporary look. It’s a good option for many homes because it easily complements most decor. Honey: This shade for wood flooring gives a warm and welcoming tone, while still being pretty light.
What is cork flooring made of?
Cork flooring tiles and planks are made from tree bark , which means they’re sustainable materials. This warm, soft flooring can help relieve the strain of standing in your kitchen for hours when preparing family meals. Cork flooring is affordable and a great option for the DIY homeowner.
How often should cork flooring be replaced?
It can require a higher level of maintenance, needing to be replaced every 3-4 years.
What is LL flooring?
If you’re remodeling or making repairs to your kitchen, LL Flooring is a company to consider for your flooring needs. With nearly three decades of experience in the industry, LL Flooring offers a vast selection of hardwood, tile, vinyl, and cork flooring options to suit every style and need.
What is the difference between white tile and white wood?
Whitewashed wood can give it a beachy vibe, while white tile modernizes your space. High variation: Many floors are designed with patterns or multiple colors to add character and personality to your space. When you’re shopping for new flooring, consider choosing colors that contrast with your kitchen.
Can you remodel a kitchen with new flooring?
It’s not only a place where you cook meals, but it’s also a gathering spot for your loved ones and guests to spend time and make memories. To give your kitchen a new look, remodeling with new flooring can be a fun project . Or maybe it’s just time to repair some wear and tear after decades of using the same floors.
What to Look for in the Best Kitchen Flooring
Looking for great kitchen flooring is a lot like looking for the best flooring for dogs. You want it to be durable, easy to clean, and at least water- resistant (features that also make for great mudroom flooring ).
The Best Flooring for Kitchens: 10 Great Options
As you can imagine, there are many types of flooring that can be installed in a kitchen! Here’s a quick breakdown of our favorites.
Best Flooring for Kitchens: The FAQs
Now that we’ve gone through our favorite options for the best kitchen flooring, let’s cover a few important FAQs.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Flooring for a Kitchen?
The best flooring for a kitchen often comes down to how you plan on using your kitchen.
What is the best tile for kitchen floors?
Ceramic or Porcelain. One of the most durable, and most popular tile for kitchen floors or walls. Ceramic tiles are man-made from natural materials – in this case, clay – and baked to a finish. They are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and patterns.
What is the best flooring for wet areas?
Tile. A classic and durable look, tile flooring has long been the go-to option for wet areas. If installed, grouted and sealed properly, tile can last a lifetime and sometimes longer. Tile is, anecdotally-speaking, the number one most popular option for kitchen flooring.
What will be the trend in hardwood flooring in 2021?
Trends to watch for with hardwoods in 2021: lighter finishes and variety. While the deep walnut and cherry finishes are somewhat traditional and timeless, hardwood flooring for 2021 will feature lighter, more “natural” wood colors. Look for terms like “blonde” and “honey” to be big players, along with grays and whitewashes.
Why is waterproof flooring important?
Waterproof options are also a good idea to prevent floor failures from splashes and spills. These are the Top Flooring Options, built to last in your kitchen this year. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What is the kitchen used for?
Unlike other rooms in the home, the kitchen gets used daily – either for food storage and preparation, group or family dining, or just as a rallying point for activities. Kitchens take a beating unlike any other room – save maybe the bathroom. It’s no coincidence that both are regularly exposed to moisture. From washing dishes, sinks, cooking, ice makers/refrigerators, to regular foot traffic, moisture is a real consideration that affects every surface in the kitchen, especially the floor. When choosing flooring for the kitchen, waterproof is key.
What is LVT flooring?
Vinyl floor ing today, which was formerly a purely commercial product, is most popularly offered in tiles and planks, and popular varieties of vinyl will be referred to as LVT or LVP. These stand for “Luxury Vinyl Tile” and “Luxury Vinyl Plank”. Basically – you’re getting good vinyl either in a tile or plank.
What is the trend for 2021?
Much the same as hardwood, lighter finishes will be the trend for 2021. Gray washes, light woods, and mixed colors will lead the style parade. Also look for longer plank lengths, even up to 36” and 48”, combined with wider planks (as wide as 8”!) to be a trend for all wood and wood-look laminates.
