Should I Use Hardwood Flooring in My Kitchen?

Hardwood flooring is a widely sought-after material for homes, and for great reason! It looks phenomenal in nearly every room in a house. Yet, despite hardwood’s reputation for being high-maintenance and a poor choice for moisture-prone areas, many homeowners wrestle with the idea of installing hardwood flooring in their kitchens. There are plenty of pros and cons to consider with this choice of flooring placement. Ultimately, homeowners must take it upon themselves to make an informed decision on what they are willing — or not willing — to do to make hardwood flooring work in their kitchens.

Reasons For Hardwood in Kitchens

Versatile Style

Kitchen styles across Maryland range from contemporary to traditional. Hardwood flooring’s natural beauty looks terrific on its own, and it fits into any kitchen design just as easily. There are plenty of wood patterns and stain colors to choose from. Hardwood’s versatility is unmatched.

Durable

Most hardwood floors today have been treated during the manufacturing process to be more water-resistant than past wood flooring materials. An occasional small spill won’t be much of an issue if it’s cleaned up quickly. By being mindful of basic flooring care and maintenance practices, homeowners can preserve the beauty and durability of their hardwood flooring for several years.

Comfortable

Compared to tile flooring, which is a popular choice in many kitchens, hardwood floors are much warmer and softer feel underfoot. For a room that gets as much use as a busy household kitchen, seemingly small factors like how comfortable it is to stand in the kitchen for long periods can weigh heavily on your decision.

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Reasons Against Hardwood in Kitchens

Cost

There’s no denying that high-quality hardwood flooring costs more than other types of flooring materials. The cost of labor to manufacture and install wood floors should also be a part of your decision-making process. Price shouldn’t be the only factor when considering your home flooring options, but it’s an essential factor, nonetheless.

Maintenance

Required maintenance for hardwood flooring goes beyond frequent and daily sweeping or cleaning — a must in everyday kitchens anyway. It’s recommended that hardwood floors get sanded and refinished about every ten years or so. Over the years, this process will require additional time and monetary investment from homeowners to protect their hardwood floors.

Weakness is Water

Kitchen messes are bound to happen. Even though many hardwoods are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. If you can’t be diligent about cleaning up spills and fixing moisture problems, you risk letting your floors warp or rot. At that point, there’s no repair, and the only option is to remove and replace your floors.

RPS Flooring is Here to Help

Is your home or commercial building in need of new floors? RPS Carpet and Flooring Wholesalers has over two decades of experience providing residential and commercial flooring throughout Maryland. Give us a call, or come and visit our showroom to check out our expansive selection. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.