Choosing the right flooring for the kitchen is a crucial task since the kitchen is a part of the house with high traffic and is prone to water damage and stains. Hardwood floors are the popular choice among homeowners due to the charm and elegance they add to the house. Due to this reason, many homeowners want them everywhere in the house. But when it comes to installing hardwood floors in the kitchen, there is much confusion about whether they would work for the kitchen. So, let’s see if you should get hardwood floors for your kitchen.
Hardwood floors have been the first choice for flooring among homeowners for a very long time. They lift the areas with their charm and elegance. But since water and wood do not go well together, it creates confusion as to whether they are suitable for areas that have high traffic and where water is utilized the most, such as kitchens that are prone to high moisture, heat, and accidental spills which can cause damage to the wooden floors.
Many factories have introduced waterproof hardwood floors that are water-resistant and prevent damage to an extent. But there’s confusion about whether hardwood floors are the best option in the kitchen, where water splashes from the slabs while dishwashing or spills while pouring ingredients in the pot are common incidents. So here are some pros and cons of installing hardwood floors in the kitchen that may help you decide if you should get hardwood floors for the kitchen.
Pros of hardwood floors in kitchen
- Aesthetically pleasing Hardwood floors add elegance and charm to your place with their timeless beauty and traditional design. It brings out the luxurious look of the kitchen, making it look aesthetically pleasing. You may find a variety of hardwood floors in various colors, finishes, and wood speeches that match your aesthetics and taste and complement the other parts of the house.
- Durable For areas with high foot traffic, such as kitchens, durable flooring should be considered by the homeowners. When it comes to durability, hardwood floors are the most considerable option as they can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear or stains, which is common in the kitchen. The hardwood floors can be refinished with time to repair and remove the stains, making them brand new, thus increasing their life.
- Easy to clean Kitchens should have flooring that is easy to clean, since accidental spills while cooking may occur, which may leave stains on the floor. Hardwood floors allow quick and convenient clean up of the stains with a mop, without leaving behind any trace of the spill. The liquid spillage on the hardwood floors should be wiped immediately to avoid any moisture damage. Another advantage is that the hardwood floors do not have beveled edges, which may trap dust or spilled food, making it a tough task to clean the flooring. The smooth and square edges of the planks do not trap any dust, making it easier to clean the flooring by vacuuming or sweeping.
- Comfortable and warm The kitchen is part of the house where an ample amount of time is spent throughout the day, so everything in the kitchen should be bought considering comfort and safety. Tiles and marble flooring can be cold when walking barefoot and uncomfortable to stand on an extended duration due to their hard nature. Whereas hardwood floors are warm and comfortable to walk and stand for ample time. The hardwood floors wouldn’t feel cold when you walk barefoot and are easier on the feet than tiles or marble flooring.
- Increases resale value If you plan on reselling your property in the future, installing hardwood floors in the kitchen can be a great choice. Hardwood floors increase the resale value of the house by tenfold. Due to the aesthetic appearance and durability of the hardwood floors, the value of your house increases, compelling the buyers to invest in it.
Cons of hardwood floors in kitchen
- Expensive Hardwood floors may seem heavy on the pocket initially for the homeowners. It may be a lot more expensive to give a luxurious look to the kitchen using hardwood floors. As compared to the other flooring options like tiles and vinyl, hardwood floors are the most expensive option for kitchen flooring that may not be affordable for many homeowners.
- Prone to damage The kitchen is the most used place in the house, which bears heavy foot traffic and accidental spills and stains. So homeowners look for flooring that is durable enough to withstand heavy wood traffic and not prone to moisture damage. But hardwood floors require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep their original luxurious look maintained for decades as it is prone to water damage, scratches, dents, and stains. If not wiped off immediately, liquid or moisture may leave stains and damage the flooring, resulting in warping, cupping, or swelling of the planks.
- Requires regular maintenance To keep the original look of the hardwood floors, they require regular maintenance and refinishing. If left uncleaned and unmaintained, hardwood floors may look dirty and old. The old-looking hardwood floors may not give the same luxurious look in the kitchen and may not look appealing. Regular sanding and refinishing are required to make hardwood floors look brand new.
- Not waterproof Since the kitchen is the place that is most prone to excessive moisture, accidental liquid spillage, and water splashes, homeowners look for waterproof flooring that doesn’t get damaged due to moisture. Hardwood floors are not originally waterproof and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water and moisture. So hardwood floors may need to be replaced in the kitchen when not maintained properly and prevented from prolonged exposure to moisture.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors may add elegance and charm to your kitchen and provide a luxurious look. It is durable and can withstand heavy traffic and wear. If you give your hardwood floors regular care and attention, they could last for decades as a part of your home. So if you want your kitchen to be luxurious and can invest in the maintenance and refinishing of the hardwood floors, it may be the right choice for your kitchen.
