The kitchen is often the heart of the home and one place that even a single update like a gorgeous hardwood floor can immediately add property value.
While we often want to find ways to save money during a kitchen remodel, when it comes to the best hardwood floor for a kitchen, it can be a significant portion of the budget.
All hardwood floors have pros and cons, depending on the types of wood, type of flooring, and installation. There’s more to it than just that, though, there’s also the finish to decide.
We won’t be covering wood laminate flooring as it is not wood, but we’ll briefly cover engineered wood as a lower-cost, durable option.
The Lowdown on Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen
Kitchens are high-traffic areas that many feel are the heart of the home. Everyone is in the kitchen every day, and it’s where you drop dishes, drag stools, and occasionally slide across the floor in sock feet just because you’re happy. That means you want to choose a hardwood, not a soft one.
So, when it comes to the flooring choices you make, you should consider that abuse, as well as the finish and look of the wood.
The color of the complete floor comes from the finish or stain you choose—also, the amount of sheen you want matters, especially if you have kids or pets.
Let’s take a look at the different types of wood floors and other considerations for choosing the best for your kitchen.
Hardwoods to Choose From
Hardwoods stand up better to the abuse that a kitchen floor goes through without becoming scarred or damaged.
Woods like oak, maple, and cherry are among those durable options that are best in a kitchen. You should avoid softwoods like pine, as they are not going to last in good condition.
The Look and Finish
Do you want a high gloss look or a matte one? We’ll let you in on a secret here; you want a lower gloss satin sheen finish on your floor. Because it demands less regular cleaning. That’s because this finish is best at looking clean, even if you didn’t mop today.
When it comes to the finish, this refers to the stain or sealant on your hardwood.
The wood you choose doesn’t govern the color of your completed floor; the finish does. Dark or deeply red stains tend to look a little dated, especially if you are going for a modern look, you may want to choose a lighter stain.
The Room
Keep in mind the other wood surfaces in your kitchen. You want a contrast between the floor and the existing or installed wood cabinetry.
That is unless you are looking for a monochromatic look in your kitchen. It’s far easier to get a nice contrast than it is to match existing structures to a new floor, however.
If you want a rustic look, go with a deeper cherrywood or dark mahogany tone in a satin sheen finish that is the most economical hardwood and you’ll. If you’re looking for a modern, bright space, we suggest a brilliant silvery-white stain in the same satin sheen, and you’ll adore the room.
Your Wallet
Speaking of money, if you want to cut costs, you may wish to consider engineered hardwood.
This type of flooring uses thin slices of actual hardwoods on a multi-layered plank with a plywood core. This choice is not only going to save you some money, but it is also good for the environment.
The slicing process means that less wood lost as sawdust, and more wood objects made from fewer trees. Because this kind of timber is slower growing, that’s a massive advantage to the forest and your wallet.
Your Kitchen, Your Choice
Now you know, the best hardwood floor for your kitchen is the one that matches your look, stands up to the way you use the room, and hides the dust between cleanings.
Choosing maple, oak, or cherry wood and a finish you love is a recipe for a kitchen floor you’ll fall in love with every time you enter it. Don’t forget to think about the type of polish you’ll need, or if you want to add a rug to your decor!
