Is solid wood flooring suitable for kitchens
Wood kitchen flooring: Is wood flooring suitable for kitchens? The experts explain
(Image credit: Christopher Horwood)
Many homeowners are unsure whether wood kitchen flooring is an appropriate choice for their space.
Wood is an ultra-desirable flooring choice because it has natural beauty, appealing warmth, durability and a look that won’t be overtaken by the tides of interiors fashion. But is it suitable for kitchens?
Both heat and moisture in the environment affect wood, causing warping, swelling and shrinkage and, because of the activities that take place in a kitchen, wood kitchen flooring is far more exposed to changes in temperature and humidity than if it was in a living space or a bedroom.
Many different kitchen ideas feature wood flooring, and today it looks the part in both contemporary rooms, farmhouse kitchens and a whole host of designs in between, showing that our passion for the material is undimmed.
So should wood be seen as a good kitchen flooring option? We’ve asked the experts to provide the inside track on solid and engineered timber, as well as reclaimed wood, so you can find out if wood kitchen flooring is suitable for your space.
(Image credit: Ward & Co)
Is wood kitchen flooring a good option?
‘The average kitchen is a hive of activity and a hub for families to congregate in during the course of the day, so it is essential the choice of flooring is able to withstand this,’ says Rosie Ward, creative director of London-based interior designers Ward & Co .
‘Wood is not only a lovely natural resource that looks fantastic, but it also has great durability and therefore suits most kitchens well. In terms of style, I often like to keep the same flooring from one room to another; it provides great continuity and flow across spaces as well as helping to achieve a level of calmness.’
Bear in mind, though, that both the composition of your household and the kitchen’s location in the home should inform your decision, as a wood kitchen flooring won’t be right for every situation.
‘Many of my clients love the touch of warmth that wood floors lend their kitchens,’ says Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design ‘But regardless of whether they are engineered or real wood, they can take a beating in this high-traffic space.
'Kitchen floors are faced with spills of all kinds and the occasional drop of a dish or utensil while cooking. If you prefer a pristine or highly polished look, I suggest steering away from wood floors in your kitchen.' – so you may want to consider stone or different kitchen floor tile ideas instead.
‘On the other hand, if you prefer a home that celebrates a relaxed, casual environment, any dings and dents wood kitchen flooring might take on over time can play up the charm of a well-loved and oft-used kitchen.
'If you decide to go with wood kitchen flooring, consider a matte finish (in both real and engineered options) as it tends to be more forgiving, or go with reclaimed wood flooring that already has an inherent character from its previous life.’
The kitchen’s position should count when selecting the flooring too, because if it’s the space accessed directly from the garden, a pool deck or the garage, damp and dirt could get regularly tracked onto it, causing harm to the surface.
Although wood can be refinished if it’s damaged, these scenarios should give you pause before investing in a wood kitchen flooring, as other choices might need less care to stay looking their best.
Is wood flooring suitable for kitchens?
Yes, wood flooring is suitable for kitchens – but some wood types and constructions more than others. We've gathered the experts' advice on all types of wood kitchen flooring, and the answers to your wood flooring questions.
Solid wood kitchen flooring
(Image credit: Junckers)
If nothing but a solid wood floor appeals, is this a sound pick for a kitchen?
‘Wooden floors are a popular choice for kitchens as they feel warm under foot and lend an element of natural beauty to any style of kitchen, contemporary or traditional,’ says David Papworth, general manager of Junckers .
‘Shiny surfaces and hard materials often found in kitchens are instantly softened with a wood kitchen flooring; it gives the room a balance and makes it look more homely.
‘Hardwood timbers are perfect for busy living areas as they are durable and easy to maintain. There’s also the option to install underfloor heating, although not all solid wood floors are compatible: check with the manufacturer or installer. ’
Care of wood kitchen flooring needn’t be onerous. ‘Solid hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain,’ David explains. ‘Vacuum or use a clean, damp mop weekly and remove rubber heel scuff marks and other non-water dispersible marks with a little white spirit on a damp cloth. Remove any excess of water on the surface immediately.’
Engineered wood kitchen flooring
(Image credit: Ted Todd)
An engineered wood floor could be a suitable option for your kitchen. It is still a real wood floor, and can have an appearance that’s hard to tell apart from solid wood flooring. So how is it distinguished from solid wood kitchen flooring, and does it have any advantages over it?
‘The main difference is the way the planks of flooring are constructed,’ explains Robert Walsh, owner and founder of Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors . ‘Engineered wood floors are available as planks, parquet and panels and can be really transformative in any space.
'Created by layering sections of solid wood bonded together with the grain of each piece running in a different direction to its adjacent layer, it enhances the plank’s strength and resilience.
‘Layering wood in this way also reduces the wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract, meaning it is perfect to lay over underfloor heating and to use in areas like kitchens.
'The quality of an engineered wood floor is largely determined by the depth of the top layer of wood (known as the wear layer). The thicker the wear layer, the better in terms of look, feel, sound and durability.’
Reclaimed wood kitchen flooring
(Image credit: Ted Todd)
Reclaimed wood is another timber flooring option, and can be sourced either as solid wood or in the form of an engineered floor. But is it suitable for kitchens?
‘There is nothing to say that reclaimed and antique flooring shouldn’t be used in a kitchen area, especially if they have an engineered construction,’ says Robert Walsh. ‘It’s always best to avoid large build-ups of water when using a wood floor, but thanks to our in-house finishes, our antique and reclaimed woods are able to battle back against everyday splashes and spills.
‘Reclaimed pine, for example, is a wood that is naturally very clean and light, whilst having calming properties, making it ideal for use in the kitchen, whilst reclaimed teak resists rot, insects and decay, meaning it’s another lifetime choice for any room, including the kitchen.
‘Choosing reclaimed or antique wood kitchen flooring goes a lot further than buying character,’ he adds. ‘Reclaimed timber reduces environmental impact through re-use, helps to preserve forests by decreasing the need for new timber, and reduces any environmental footprints associated with producing a new wood floor.
'Wood flooring that has been crafted from reclaimed and antique wood not only gives the wood a new lease of life, it also prevents the need for more trees to be cut down.’
Wood lookalikes for kitchen flooring
If you’ve ruled out a wood floor for your kitchen because it isn’t appropriate for your kitchen’s location, your household, or your budget, there are alternatives which can create a similar look.
Luxury vinyl kitchen flooring ideas can have an authentic wood appearance thanks to today’s technology and manufacturing, and some vinyl tiles even have a wood-like texture. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Laminate has long been popular as an alternative to wood at a lower budget; it won’t look identical, of course, but can create a similar warm impression and caring for it isn’t hard work.
Consider tile, too. Both ceramic tile and porcelain can replicate the appearance of wood and prove easier to care for in a busy household.
What is the best wood floor for a kitchen?
The best wood floor for a kitchen will depend on your particular circumstances and lifestyle, but solid wood, engineered wood and reclaimed wood can all be possibilities.
‘One of the perks of solid wood is that it can easily be sanded down and re-finished in a different tone if you decide to re-decorate,’ says Rosie Ward. ‘I would go for a hardwood such as oak, maple or cherry, as opposed to a softwood, for greater longevity – it is worth the investment. Engineered wood is a more cost-effective option.
‘Reclaimed flooring is more expensive than solid wood, but is the most sustainable wood kitchen flooring option.’
When you’re selecting wood kitchen flooring, think too about aspects such as the color, thickness, size and style of boards, advises David Papworth.
‘A wide board wooden floor really comes into its own in a large, open space where the plank width and length can be fully appreciated,’ he explains. ‘A more rustic and country-style look can be achieved by using a floor with lots of natural variations in the timber.
'The grading of the timber flooring makes a big difference to the appearance of the finished room – a more natural or rustic grade can make a large area look interesting, whereas a more uniform floor can add a very polished look to modern kitchens.
‘While oak is a perennial favourite, very pale floors make the most of natural light by reflecting it back into the room. Choosing a dark floor can create wow factor and a more dramatic look. Parquet floors, especially herringbone patterns, are becoming more and more popular and they are now available in many different timbers and finishes.’
What is the best flooring for a kitchen?
The best flooring for a kitchen is one that has the visual appearance and feel you prefer, and suits your household and lifestyle in terms of durability and maintenance.
Balancing up these elements when choosing the best kitchen flooring for you is crucial for a successful room design and flooring that stands the test of time.
Wood kitchen flooring is the right choice for many and solid wood, engineered and reclaimed all have their individual merits.
If you are concerned about kitchen flooring costs, though, a wood lookalike in vinyl, tile or laminate (see above) can provide a similar appearance on a budget, although the feel will be different.
If you want a flooring material from nature but wood isn’t right for your home, natural stone tile, properly sealed, is easy to look after and hard wearing.
Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.
Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros & Cons
Hardwood is regarded as one of the most desirable of flooring materials, and it almost always adds value to a home. But it's also well known among professionals that hardwood floors are somewhat high-maintenance and are a poor choice for wet locations. Some flooring manufacturers make claims that the factory finishes make their products water-resistant, but it's worth noting that they are never described as waterproof. Hardwood is easily discolored by water and the fibers can swell, which can cause the entire flooring surface to buckle. Manufacturers always caution against the installation of hardwood in rooms where wet conditions are likely, and even installation against concrete slabs is questionable since moisture can migrate through the concrete.
And yet, there is a gray area when it comes to kitchens since these rooms can best be described as semi-moist, or sporadically moist. It may be possible to use hardwood as a flooring material, but much depends on the nature of your household. A very busy household or a home designed so that traffic comes directly into the kitchen from a pool deck or garage is probably not the best place for a wood floor. If you are considering wood flooring for the kitchen, you will have to take some precautions, and also keep in mind some of the other qualities of hardwood that might make you reconsider its use.
Cons
Susceptible to water damage, scratches, dents
High maintenance
Difficult for DIYers to install
Expensive
Types of Hardwood Flooring
Many aspects of hardwood flooring—costs, maintenance, installation, etc.—vary depending on what form is being used. Hardwood flooring used in kitchens and elsewhere generally falls into one of several types:
Solid unfinished planks: Installing solid hardwood planks, then staining and finishing them in place, gives the best possible wood flooring for a kitchen. With this installation, the boards butt up tightly together and are covered with a sealer coat that covers the entire surface, providing protection that won't be penetrated by water or staining materials. And solid hardwood planks have one very big advantage: They can be sanded down and refinished several times over the life of the floor. Solid hardwood floors have been known to last a century or more. This is the best form of hardwood for kitchens, though increasingly rare.
Solid prefinished planks: Many manufacturers now offer prefinished solid hardwood planks, which take some of the extra work out of flooring installation. Prefinished flooring has increasingly replaced unfinished flooring as the favorite. The planks are sanded, sealed, stained, and finished at the factory, which means the installer doesn't have to do it after installation. However, prefinished hardwood flooring is sometimes milled so that the planks have slightly beveled edges, and this design can be problematic in kitchens.
Engineered planks: This type of flooring is created by bonding a thin veneer of hardwood to a base of plywood or MDF. This type of flooring is always prefinished and is often created with a "click-lock" system in which the planks interlock at the edges. This makes it possible to install it as a "floating floor" with no attachment to the subfloor. This form of hardwood is the easiest for DIYers to install. Engineered hardwood is quite stable thanks to the plywood core, and many types are suitable for installation against concrete slabs.
Reclaimed planks: There is a growing market for using repurposed hardwood flooring, such as the materials salvaged when factories, office buildings, or bowling alleys are demolished. This option is very appealing to anyone interested in eco-friendly building practices since it uses recycled materials. Most larger communities have retailers who specialize in repurposed building materials, such as Habitat for Humanity's ReStore outlets. If carefully installed so that boards butt tightly and a good sealer is applied, reclaimed planks can be an acceptable choice for kitchens.
Watch Now: The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floor
Hardwood Flooring Cost
The cost of hardwood flooring varies greatly depending on the type of wood and the quality of the product. Surprisingly, there is not a huge difference between costs for solid hardwoods and engineered hardwoods. Although engineered woods use less actual hardwood, this is offset by manufacturing that is more complicated and costly. And these products provide an easier installation process that people are willing to pay for.
For solid wood flooring, the general range of costs for materials alone is between $5 and $10 per square foot for standard domestic hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry. Tropical hardwoods (mahogany, Brazilian walnut) cost $8 and up. For engineered hardwood, costs can be as little as $4 per square foot to as high as $13, depending on the type of wood, the thickness of the veneer, and the quality of the finish.
In addition to the cost of materials, expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $12 per square foot for professional installation. The wide range of labor costs is affected by local labor standards and the complexity of the job. For example, a floor installation that requires removal of an old floor or structural reinforcement will cost more than a floor laid on a fully prepared subfloor.
Maintenance and Repair
If the right type of hardwood flooring is installed and if it is kept properly sealed, a hardwood floor in the kitchen is fairly easy to care for. In kitchens, the best flooring installation is one where the boards tightly butt up against one another, and where the floor is kept well sealed to block moisture from penetrating. Under these conditions, maintenance is a very simple matter of sweeping and periodic wiping with a barely-damp mop or hardwood cleaner.
However, if these conditions aren't met, hardwood in a kitchen can create a much different experience. Scratches, traffic wear, and other issues can easily compromise the seal coat and allow moisture or stains to permanently damage the wood. And certain forms of flooring are less suited to kitchens. Many prefinished hardwood flooring products have beveled edges that create grooves that channel water down between the boards. This usually doesn't happen with solid hardwood that has been properly sealed with an uninterrupted top coat of polyurethane.
Despite their hardness, these floors are very susceptible to scratching and they will be damaged by toenails of pets and general wear-and-tear. Make sure to choose hardwood flooring that can be sanded down and refinished. This means that solid hardwood will be a better choice than most engineered hardwood flooring. There are, however, some upper-end engineered products with very thick veneers that can be refinished. The refinishing process can range from light screening to remove the surface finish to more aggressive sanding that removes a thin layer of wood to erase scratches and damage. Either way, a fresh coat of varnish is then applied.
Design
Hardwood is considered a premium flooring material and it almost always adds real estate value to a home. It offers visual warmth and texture and creates an earthy naturalness that can work with virtually any architectural style. If hardwood flooring has been installed elsewhere in the house, using the same hardwood in the kitchen allows for the flooring to uniformly flow throughout the house, unifying the decor.
Hardwood Flooring Installation
At one time, most hardwood floors were built with unfinished planks, but it has become much more common for new floors to make use of prefinished flooring.
The installation process for hardwood flooring varies according to different product types. Solid hardwood planks are usually milled with a tongue-and-groove design that allows the boards to lock at the edges. They are usually attached to the subfloor with nails driven down through the edges of the boards and into the subfloor, using a process known as "blind-nailing" which requires a special nailing tool. Solid hardwood boards are sometimes glued down using construction adhesives, such as when they are installed over concrete or an existing hard floor, such as ceramic tile.
Engineered hardwood and some prefinished solid hardwood planks are attached with a modified tongue-and-groove system, sometimes known as "click-lock." These floors are usually "floating floors" that simply rest on a thin dense foam underlayment pad without any attachment to the subfloor. The interlocking edges allow the flooring to float as a large mat over the underlayment. This method also has the advantage of allowing the floor to expand and contract with seasonal temperature and humidity changes.
After installation, unfinished flooring is stained by hand and is then coated with a polyurethane varnish that protects the finish and prevents moisture and stains from penetrating. This protective surface finish should be renewed every few years, especially for kitchen floors.
Solid hardwood flooring planks are usually installed by professionals since the installation is difficult and requires special tools. Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is often installed by DIYers; the process is similar to that used for other types of click-lock floating floors, such as laminates or luxury vinyl planks.
Top Brands of Hardwood Flooring
Almost all of the giant flooring brands now offer prefinished hardwood floor products, both solid and engineered. For unfinished hardwood, your best bet is to seek out a local specialty flooring store.
For prefinished flooring, consider these brands:
- Bruce: Owned and manufactured by flooring giant Armstrong, Bruce offers prefinished products in both solid hardwood and engineered planks. Bruce is available at both Home Depot and Lowe's stores, at specialty flooring stores, and from online retailers. Bruce offers moderately good flooring at affordable prices.
- Mannington: This flooring giant offers very good engineered hardwood flooring in more than 100 different colors, styles, and species. Its products are available at specialty flooring stores. Mannington flooring products are somewhat more expensive, but they are top-quality and extremely durable.
- Bellawood: This is Lumber Liquidator's house brand and features both prefinished solid hardwood and engineered hardwood products. These products, known to be good though not great, are priced very affordably.
- Carlisle: This company offers excellent wide-plank hardwood flooring in both prefinished solid planks and engineered planks.
- Kahrs: Although not a household name, Kahrs, a Swedish company, offers an impressive line of engineered hardwood flooring. Unlike many engineered products, Kahrs flooring has a very thick surface veneer that can be sanded and refinished. And the proprietary Woodloc joinery system makes this a very easy flooring for DIYers to install.
Comfort and Convenience
In kitchens, hardwood makes for a slightly more comfortable flooring surface than harder materials, such as stone or ceramic tile, but it is considerably harder than more resilient flooring materials, such as vinyl or cork. Dishware may well survive falls onto hardwood flooring, but at the same time, a dropped can of vegetables could dent the wood. Hardwood will also feel warmer underfoot than ceramic or stone tile, though not as comfortable as vinyl.
Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Since hardwood's real drawback in a kitchen is its susceptibility to moisture and scratching, a flooring alternative to consider is one that is fully moisture-proof and more resistant to wear—luxury vinyl flooring (LVF). Also known as vinyl plank flooring, luxury vinyl is a thicker form of resilient vinyl, manufactured in multi-layer planks that join edge-to-edge to form a floating floor that rests on a foam underlayment pad. New manufacturing techniques are allowing luxury vinyl to take on the look of many different materials, including stone and wood. So realistic are these floors that you may need to view them on you hands and knees to recognize that the planks are actually made of vinyl.
Luxury vinyl is completely impervious to water and most stains; it's easier to install than most hardwood flooring and much less expensive. Unless you are insistent on wood because it is a completely natural material, it is worth considering vinyl planks instead of wood for your kitchen.
Is Hardwood Flooring in the Kitchen Right for You?
Hardwood flooring is a good choice for your kitchen if you can afford it, are willing to be diligent about caring for it, and want the appeal of wholly natural flooring material. It will be a less successful choice if you have a busy or messy family, or if you have budget concerns.
Wooden floor in the kitchen, perhaps? - Articles
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Stanislav
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03.10.2017
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Often, when it comes to choosing flooring for a kitchen, most people lean towards choosing tile or linoleum. These floorings remain popular for their durability, ease of cleaning, and moisture resistance.
However, the right wood, with the right finish, can be almost as strong and durable, absolutely just as easy to clean, and surprisingly just as resistant to moisture.
Plus, the advantage of a wooden floor is that it remains relevant despite the times and can make your kitchen a cozy place not only for cooking, but also for relaxing.
Wooden kitchen floor features:
Unique design
Ask just about any interior designer and they will tell you - if you can afford wood flooring throughout your home, then do it throughout your home, including the kitchen. It looks especially good in studio apartments or in kitchens combined with a living room.
Beautiful wood flooring continuously links one room to another, creating a unified space. In addition, wood is less fashionable than floor tiles, so a wood floor installed today will still be relevant 10, 20, 30 or more years from now. During this period, you can always update it, re-varnish it and give it a completely new shade, it will look like it was just laid. The tile replacement process, on the other hand, is a much dirtier, labor-intensive and costly process.
Color
In the kitchen, as a rule, we spend most of the time, and due to high traffic, scratches can quickly appear on the floor. Turning to the choice of color, designers recommend choosing light shades, firstly because scratches are less noticeable on a light surface, and secondly, light colors give a feeling of comfort.
Comfort
Walking on a wooden floor is not only more pleasant, but also healthier. In winter, tile can get quite cold, and due to the high density of the material, walking on it puts a lot of strain on the back and legs.
Cost
To the surprise of many homeowners, the cost of a wood floor can be almost the same as a tile floor. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, tiles cannot be laid on a subfloor, and surface preparation leads to additional work and costs. Secondly, the purchase of the tile itself, high-quality and durable, suitable in color and texture, often costs more than a wooden floor that will meet the same requirements.
Care and washing
A quick wet mopping or vacuuming a couple of times a week and an occasional professional floor treatment will be enough to keep your floor beautiful for a long time. The main thing to remember is to remove dirt or liquid from the floor as quickly as possible and do not allow dirt to accumulate in places near doors, under carpets or pet bowls. Doing so can cause stains, scratches, and floor distortion, especially on hardwoods.
How to extend the life of a wooden floor in the kitchen?
Many homeowners find that wood flooring in the kitchen will not last long due to the high chance of spilling liquids and increased stress on the floor. The truth is that any floor can be damaged by liquid, even tiles. Grout and low-quality tiles can stain or crack, while the wood floor can warp and scratch. Simple precautions can prevent these unwanted effects.
Choosing the Right Top Coat
The main way to protect your wood floor from damage is to choose the right finish. A water-based polyurethane varnish is perfect for a kitchen floor, as ironic as it may sound, this varnish repels water better than others.
Speak with a technologist to decide which type of flooring is best for you - ready-to-install wood flooring with a top coat or a floor that you need to varnish yourself. By choosing a finished floor, such as hardwood flooring, you will get a very strong and durable coating, but the joints will be susceptible to liquid ingress. If you will cover the wooden floor yourself after laying, then the seams can be treated with special mixtures for sealing, and then apply varnish to the entire surface.
Use mats
In areas where it is almost unavoidable to get water on the floor, such as near the sink, dishwasher or refrigerator, you can put water-repellent carpets. Damage to your floor can only be caused by severe flooding or prolonged presence of moisture on the surface. There is no need to worry about drops of water or accidentally spilled sauce, you just need to eliminate the consequences as soon as possible.
We choose wood species responsibly
The kitchen in almost any house is a place with high traffic, the whole family gathers here, guests come, pets walk, so the type of wood on the floor should be chosen taking into account this feature, oak or ash is best suited. Of course, there are some exotic breeds that are stronger, but due to their characteristics, they can tolerate moisture, temperature changes, or other environmental conditions worse.
If you opted for a wooden flooring, then also think about what suits you best - solid wood flooring or parquet boards. Each of them has its own merits. The floor from the array can always be cycled, thereby extending its service life and updating its appearance. But at the same time, wood fibers are more susceptible to deformation from moisture. For this reason, many people choose parquet board as a floor covering.
Note the cortical floor.
Cork flooring has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, moreover, it is quite often used for kitchen flooring. Firstly, because, like wood, it gives a feeling of comfort and at the same time it is much softer than solid wood, which is better for your bones and joints. A professionally installed cork floor will last as long as a tile floor. The process of replacing a cork floor is quite quick and less expensive compared to a tiled floor.
If you want to learn more about installing a wooden or cork floor, call 8 (495) 120-09-50 technologists with 11 years of experience will be happy to answer your questions.
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Solid wood flooring in the kitchen - beautiful and practical
Administrator 03/07/2016 Design Leave a comment 1,189 Views
One of the most fashionable trends in design is the use of natural and environmentally friendly materials in the kitchen. Wooden floor coverings look very elegant and noble in any interior, do not harm health and create a favorable microclimate in the room.
Solid board is a modern finishing material with many advantages and positive characteristics. She is one of the varieties of piece parquet, but has a larger size . Its width is from ten to twenty centimeters, and its length is up to two and a half meters. Along the perimeter, such products have a thorn-groove, which provides them with ease of installation and a long service life. This coating can last more than ten years without deformation and retaining its aesthetic appearance This unique material has a rich color palette and a variety of textures. In its production, such types of tree species as ash, merbau, maple, oak, wenge and many others are used.
Wood flooring is perfect for both classic interiors and country-style kitchens, where it pairs well with wood furniture and the corresponding decorative elements. Such a floor looks expensive, elegant and respectable, but the price for it is quite high . Moreover, the price includes only the board itself, but also related materials, as well as the installation of products, since it is not recommended to install these coatings on your own.
Despite the fact that solid board is not one of the most economical products, there are few materials that can compare with it in terms of aesthetic and practical qualities. Natural wood is environmentally friendly, it has a positive effect on the health of the owners of the house, and the agent used to process the boards does not contain harmful substances.
Wooden flooring is durable, strong, solid and looks great in spacious rooms, visually increasing their area even more. Unfortunately, the wooden floor has not only advantages, but also disadvantages . These coatings are afraid of moisture and do not tolerate temperature changes . Designers recommend using such boards in the kitchen in the dining area, and tiling the floor in the working area with tiles or porcelain stoneware. On wood flooring stains are very difficult to remove, so you need to be careful not to spill water, juice or coffee on them. In order for the floor to be more wear-resistant and not absorb moisture and grease, it must be treated with special protective agents, such as varnish or oil. However, it must be borne in mind that a tree coated with various compositions needs even more careful care, in addition, the protective coating should be renewed annually.
Manufacturers now offer a wide range of products with a variety of colors and patterns i. A modern solution is the use of boards for finishing the floor, stylized as “antique” , which have various roughness and abrasions on their surface. Such coatings are perfect for rooms made in country or Provence style, and give the kitchen an attractive and unique appearance. For kitchens decorated in hi-tech style , coatings decorated with metal - brass or bronze are suitable. If the kitchen is made in a marine style, a light wooden floor in the form of a ship's deck will look spectacular on it.
These materials can be tinted to different colors, such as exotic wood shade , as well as black, white, turquoise or blue. In addition, brown, red, olive, purple and cream tones and a variety of original patterns can be used here. Oak boards with a light brown tint look spectacular in the kitchen. Over time, these products darken slightly, due to which the coating acquires a noble color of antiquity. Interesting solution - Merbau wood floor which has a brownish-red hue with yellow veins. In bright kitchens, massive maple boards with an almost white color will look elegant.
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