Is Hardwood Flooring Suitable for a Kitchen?
Wood has for a long time been associated with the wealthy. Wood can certainly increase the market value of your home and it is certainly favored over vinyl or linoleum. Hardwood floors do not only add a touch of luxury to your home, but it is also a very stylish option. Therefore, a hardwood floor installation Schaumburg is worth the investment if you are planning to stay in your home for many years to come.
There are a variety of options available when it comes to hardwood flooring. We have compiled some important points for you to keep in mind before going ahead with your planned hardwood floor installation. Let’s get started!
Advantages of Kitchen Hardwood Flooring
Durability
A hardwood floor installation in your kitchen or any other area of your home, does require some effort. This is however easily offset against the fact that hardwood floors last for decades, provided you regularly care for them with proper cleaning and maintenance. By choosing hardwood flooring you are choosing both a stylish and a durable flooring solution. With regular maintenance you will not only be able to enjoy the natural beauty, but hardwood flooring Elmhurst also adds elegance to any room, which lasts for years to come.
Simple Cleaning
For a kitchen or dining room that exudes warmth and character, hardwood flooring is a great and fuss-free option. Hardwood floors are easy to clean with conventional methods like sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Furthermore, there are several modern wood cleaning solutions available that will help clean your floors and keep them looking good for longer. Hardwood flooring also does not accumulate dust and dirt the way other flooring, like a carpet, does.
Charm and Elegance
The kitchen can be transformed into a more sophisticated and inviting area by adding hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice as it has long been associated with both class and luxury. Hardwood floors can instantly upgrade any space and it is worth the investment. This is not only because it is a durable option but also due to the charm and elegance it exudes.
Warmth and Ambiance
Hardwood flooring provides the ideal balance of coziness and longevity to instantly make a space feel warm and inviting. This natural flooring option also provides a certain amount of cushioning, making it very comfortable to walk on. The range of options and colors that hardwood flooring comes in can be overwhelming, therefore you need to carefully consider which option is right for you and your home.
Disadvantages of Kitchen Hardwood Flooring
Expense
Hardwood flooring is certainly a great option for your kitchen due to the large variety of looks, styles and finishing options available. However, compared to other flooring options, going with hardwood flooring is usually more expensive. Also bear in mind that depending on the traffic your hardwood floor sees daily, you may have a hardwood floor refinishing project on your hands more frequently than just once every few years.
Vulnerable to Moisture Damage
All wood floors are in danger of moisture damage, however, routine maintenance should be sufficient to prevent this kind of damage. It is advisable though, to avoid a hardwood floor installation in places where there is frequent standing water.
Regular Maintenance Required
While hardwood flooring can add style and beauty to any home, it does require more maintenance compared to other flooring types. For instance, if you have dogs and children, you may not want to go with a hardwood floor. The grit and dirt that easily accumulates can quite quickly wear down the finish. A high-traffic and bustling home can cause hardwood floors to become damaged over a relatively short period of time.
How To Choose the Right Color for Your Hardwood Floor
You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the ideal kitchen hardwood floor. One of the more important choices you need to make is which color would be best suited for your kitchen floor. Whichever option you choose, you will want a floor that is easy to keep clean.
Continue reading for a brief summary of key points to consider:
Darker hardwood floors are less forgiving when it comes to wear and tear. Dust, footprints and other light-colored debris will stand out easier against a dark background. Hardwood floors that are lighter in color, like maple and oak, tend to hide certain flaws better as the colors tend to blend in. Dark hardwood floors like mahogany and walnut may not be the best option if you have small kids and dogs. The darker the floor, the more maintenance and regular hardwood floor refinishing projects you will need to undertake.
If you are easily bothered by scratches or other imperfections, choose a light-colored floor for your home. Scratches are much more visible on darker floors compared to the lighter versions.
Do keep in mind that hardwood floors tend to get lighter in color over time. This is due to natural light exposure. Rooms that get a lot of sunlight, like kitchens, foyers and living rooms, are therefore better suited for a lighter color hardwood floor installation.
Damage Prevention Tips
Your floor’s lifespan will increase through regular maintenance. Depending on the degree of damage you can either take care of the maintenance yourself or get professional hardwood flooring contractors in, like Idea Wood Floors, to take care of your hardwood floor refinishing project. The following advice will help you to keep your floors looking great for longer:
Make use of furniture pads: By placing furniture pads under chairs, tables, and appliances, you can avoid scratches and even cracks in your floor.
Avoid using water to clean your floors: Water tends to penetrate wood and leaves behind mineral deposits that can eventually cause the wood to swell and crack.
Take care of stains immediately: Make sure to clean spills immediately where possible, to prevent them from staining or creating dull patches on your floor.
Make sure to lift furniture, not drag it: Dragging furniture can cause scratches and damage to the floor’s finish. Once the damage is in place, it’s very hard to get rid of.
Sanding and refinishing: A thorough sanding of your floor is a great way to remove rough patches and surface scratches. Refresh and renew your floors by adding a color, followed by a sealant.
Professional Installation and Refinishing of Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors add elegance and value to your home, whether you are renovating or building from scratch. Idea Wood Floors have professional teams ready to assist you with all your hardwood flooring requirements. From hardwood floor repair work to a hardwood floor refinishing job, right through to a new kitchen hardwood floor installation. Rely on us to guide you through the process of choosing your perfect flooring solution.
