Hardwood is one of the most coveted materials used in flooring thanks to the beauty it brings and the value it can add to a home. These benefits are known by many. However, it’s also widely thought that hardwood floors don’t mix well with moisture and water. So what can a homeowner do if they want hardwood floors in their kitchen? Can hardwood floors be a good flooring material there?

Like with most property questions, the answer isn’t straightforward. Whether or not hardwood flooring is the right material for your kitchen is going to depend on a number of factors and your particular situation. At Artisan Wood Floors, we specialize in hardwood. As hardwood flooring experts, we’ll walk you through the factor’s you’ll have to consider if you want hardwood floors in your kitchen.  

Why Hardwood Floors Are Good for a Kitchen

Hardwood floors have a lot of inherent positive traits. The number one trait that people tend to prize most is its beauty. A hardwood floor gives a warm, stylish look to any space. What’s great is that you can also customize your wood types and finish colors to find the perfect match for the space or create the ambiance that you want. 

Another benefit of hardwood floors is that they’re very durable. When taken care of properly, a quality hardwood floor will easily stay in good condition for over 30 years. On top of that, what surface damage does occur can usually be refinished without much hassle. Since the hardwood has a finish on it, as long as the damage doesn’t go too deep, it can normally be sanded out and then refinished just like new.

For some, value is an important factor when considering what to install. Hardwood floors will generally increase the value of a property, helping to pay for themselves. This holds true for the kitchen as well. Not only does hardwood create a warmer, more welcoming space it’s also physically warmer than other materials like stone or tile.

When Are Wood Floors Bad in a Kitchen?

There are some downsides to having wood floors in a kitchen. Kitchen’s usually get somewhat wet between splashes of water, spills, and food debris. This moisture can be damaging to hardwood. This is because hardwood can be discolored by water. Another danger is that the water can cause the fibers of the wood to swell, causing the wood to warp and bend.

Hardwood Flooring Installation in the Kitchen

While there are a number of damaging threats to look out for, if you get the right kind of hardwood installed and maintain it well, hardwood flooring is fine in the kitchen. If you’re installing hardwood floors in a kitchen you want to be sure to avoid any wood planks that have beveled edges. Beveled edges create slight divots between planks that can allow moisture to collect there and eventually damage the wood. You’ll want to install planks that lay tight and have a thick seal finish to protect the wood below.

In terms of maintenance any scuffs or scratches of the finish will eventually allow moisture to damage the wood. The best way to prevent scratches is to clean regularly (ideally with a microfiber mop) to catch any loose debris before it has a chance to scratch the floor. 

So whether or not hardwood flooring is right for your kitchen depends on your personal preference. If you don’t mind maintaining the floor diligently to clean up any debris, crumbs, and splashes quickly, then hardwood flooring will be a great choice for your kitchen.

If your home requires hardwood installation for a luxurious kitchen renovation, don’t hesitate to call us at 215-515-7355, and ask for Steve!