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Everything You Need to Know About Installing Wooden Floors in the Kitchen

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, durable flooring option for your kitchen, wood floors may be the answer. It's been popular for centuries, and its timeless design never goes out of style. Plus, "we see this trend a lot because people love the feel of wood underfoot. Nothing else is like it," says Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and principal designer at Sho and Co. "With open floor plans, it’s also visually appealing to run wood throughout the house," Shapiro adds.

But maybe you’re worried about wood in a kitchen where spills from cooking and splashes from dishwashing come into contact with your floor. Isn’t water bad for wood? Not necessarily. Technology has come a long way, and today’s finishes can take a lot of abuse from kids, pets, and everyday living. "Of course, you never want to leave puddles of water on any type of wood flooring," says Shapiro. "Wood isn’t indestructible, but the technology has improved so much that it’s a popular option for kitchens. "

Ahead, discover what else you need to know about putting down wood floors in a kitchen.

What’s the difference between solid wood and engineered wood floors?

Solid wood flooring, which is also referred to as hardwood flooring, is made from one piece of wood from top to bottom so it can be refinished many times. Unfinished solid wood is sanded and stained in place, while factory-finished wood floors are pre-finished so they can be walked on immediately with no drying time after installation.

The most popular species of hardwood is red oak, which is affordable and readily available. White oak also is popular because it can take lighter stains without lending any pinkish undertones that may show through on red oak. Other types of woods such as maple and walnut aren’t trending right now.

Wood flooring suits this vacation home kitchen designed by Breeze Giannasio in Maui, Hawaii, proving that it looks great in tropical environments, too.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Engineered wood floors consist of seven to 10 layers of thin sheets of wood glued together with the grain going in different directions to provide stability. It’s then finished with a top layer of wood. This construction technique reduces the expansion and contraction that occurs with solid wood due to changing environmental conditions such as humidity levels, which fluctuate throughout the year, says Shapiro. Engineered hardwood is about 25 percent more expensive than hardwood.

Is solid wood or engineered wood better for flooring?

It’s really a personal preference. There are many factors that determine what the right flooring is for your home, says Shapiro. With solid wood flooring, areas may wear differently on hardwood flooring over time. But solid wood flooring can be refinished many, many times, and it doesn’t take that much sanding to get down to smooth wood again.

You typically don’t see wear marks as often in the finish on engineered wood, and you may be able to refinish some types of engineered wood floors once or twice. Ideally, choose engineered wood floors with a 5 to 7 mm wear layer on top. "That’s the sweet spot that makes it affordable and still allows you to refinish it," says Shapiro. In addition, if it’s an engineered floor that has a bevel between pieces, be aware that the bevel won’t be visible after sanding and refinishing.

Wood floors also set a strong foundation in this cosmopolitan New York City kitchen designed by Melanie Millner.

Emily J Followill

Finally, engineered wood is a way to achieve the popular wide plank look with planks that are 6-inches or wider. "If you like that look, engineered wood is a much better choice because you won’t have the movement of solid wood due to changing environmental conditions," says Shapiro.

Does wood flooring scratch or dent easily?

The hardness of solid wood is measured according to the Janka scale, which indicates how well a species of wood can resist dings. For example, white oak is 1360 while red oak is 1290 on the Janka scale. For cross-reference, a soft wood such as pine is 870, so it dents easily. Regardless, treat the floor with a little TLC by putting felt slides on furniture and placing rugs at entryways to prevent grit from being tracked in. Lighter finishes also tend to be more forgiving in terms of showing scratches, says Shapiro.

If you drop something on hardwood, it’s hardwood all the way through so the ding won’t show that much. But if you drop something very heavy—and it would have to be very heavy-- you potentially could gouge engineered wood. If that happens, you may be able to see the plywood underneath, says Shapiro.

The wood flooring spans this entire home designed by Tammy Randall Wood of Interior Archaeology.

Tessa Neustadt

How do you take care of wood floors?

Your floors will look better longer, regardless of the material, if you clean them regularly. Use a microfiber mop, a broom with exploded tips, or disposable electrostatic cleaners daily to pick up grit so it doesn’t get ground in and scratch your floor. It’s okay to use your vacuum’s hardwood floor head but never the beater bar, which can damage the surface.

Wipe up spills or pet accidents right away with a slightly damp cloth, but never use steam cleaners or mops. Finally, stick with the cleaning product recommended by your manufacturer. Although natural products such as lemon juice and vinegar often are suggested as DIY cleaners, they’re acids, which can dull the finish over time.

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Arricca Elin Sansone

Arricca SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

7 Tips for Wood Flooring in a Kitchen

Photo: istockphoto.com

It’s hard to beat the natural beauty of wood flooring, but it’s not a traditional choice for a kitchen, due to the greater risk of damage from water and traffic in this room. Yet wood flooring is currently trending in today’s kitchens, so if you’re considering it for your home you’ll want to be informed about species options, installation, and maintenance to reduce the possibility of damage.

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1. Learn why wood is trending.

In addition to its good looks, wood is becoming popular flooring for the cook space so as to create a visually seamless surface between the kitchen and an adjacent dining room or a great room. Many homeowners prefer this cohesive look to the start-and-stop feel of different flooring in adjacent rooms. Additionally, wood has a warm, soft sensation underfoot, unlike ceramic or porcelain tile, which can be uncomfortably cold on bare feet or on a crawling infant’s knees. Because the kitchen is such a busy, spill-prone area, however, it’s important to consider the potential downsides of wood before installing it in this room.

2. Remember: Wood and water don’t mix.

When wood becomes saturated, it can swell, warp, or even split—so even a small dishwasher leak that goes undetected for some time can damage a section of a hardwood floor. A splash here and there, however, especially if it’s wiped up quickly, poses less risk. Consider your family’s habits. If spills are rare and you’re vigilant about the state of your kitchen appliances, a hardwood kitchen floor should hold up just fine—as long as you give it a polyurethane sealant every four to six years to maintain a high level of water resistance.

RELATED: 7  Ways You May Be Ruining Your Wood Floors

Photo: istockphoto.com

3. Go the hard way.

The number of attractive wood flooring options at your local home improvement store can be confusing. So be sure to select a species that’s hardy enough to withstand the high-impact traffic typical of kitchens. Everyday comings and goings in street shoes, as well as movement of chairs and stools, could scratch or dent a wood floor. Pulling a major appliance away from the wall so a technician can work on it can also mar wood flooring, leaving deep scratches. (Fortunately, there are some effective ways to repair scratches on wood floors, but these often only minimize their appearance and rather than make your wood floors 100 percent again.)

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The wood flooring industry uses the Janka Scale to rate the hardness of various types of wood—the higher the rating, the harder the wood. To learn the hardness rating of the wood you’re considering, check out The National Wood Flooring Association’s Janka Scale. Wood with a Janka rating over 1500, such as hickory or Brazilian walnut, will withstand the increased traffic in a kitchen better than a softer type of wood, such as white ash or beech.

4. Let wood acclimate.

Whether you enlist a professional contractor or have the skills to put down the floor yourself, the wood must be allowed to acclimate to your home before installation for best results. Most wood flooring is stored boxed in unheated warehouses, where the climate is often quite different from the temperature and humidity of residences. If you install wood flooring before it acclimates, it could swell or shrink slightly and your floor could end up with gaps between the planks. Acclimation involves cross-stacking the boxes of planks in your home for anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on species. Recommended acclimation periods can be found in the manufacturer’s installation and warranty information.

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Photo: istockphoto.com

5. Compare prefinished and unfinished planks.

The simplest way to install wood flooring is to purchase prefinished planks, which provide a finished floor as soon as they’re nailed down. Yet when it comes to kitchens, prefinished flooring is not preferred. Prefinished planks typically have slightly beveled edges that give the floor a finished look, but these bevels create tiny tracks between the boards that allow spills to run down between the planks.

Even though it involves additional work, opt for unfinished planks, which are completely flat, for your kitchen. After the planks are installed, the entire surface should be sanded, stained, and then sealed. This offers a uniformly smooth surface, seals the gaps between the boards, and protects the flooring better against spills.

6. Seal and restore your floor.

A good sealant makes the difference between a wood floor that withstands traffic and spills in a kitchen, and a floor that’s easily damaged by water spots and scratches. Both water-based and oil-based sealants are available, but for kitchen use, a quality oil-based sealant, such as Varathane’s Clear Matte Oil-Based Polyurethane (available from The Home Depot), will provide the greatest protection. The downside to applying an oil-based sealant is the longer drying times, some requiring up to 24 hours before you can walk on the floor.

Photo: istockphoto.com

7. Take good care.

Whether you choose to put in a new wood floor in your kitchen, or you’ve moved into a house where it’s already installed, the following care and maintenance tips will help you keep it looking good.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Photo: istockphoto.com

Consult a flooring expert

Find licensed flooring experts in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

Find local pros

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Wooden floor in the kitchen, perhaps? - Articles

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» Wooden floor in the kitchen, perhaps?

Experience 12 years

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003


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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Wooden floor in the kitchen

Wood is a noble material that has been used in our homes for many years. It can be found on the floor and on the walls, on the ceiling, in furniture and furnishings. It makes the interior warmer visually and to the touch, gives elegance and creates comfort. This material is used in almost all interior styles in different forms, it is easy to care for, there are many ways to process and paint it. nine0003

Wood flooring is a classic that will never go out of style. But can it be used in rooms with high humidity and increased floor wear? Of course, yes, you just need to know about the features of care, choose the right type of wood, process it accordingly and cover the wooden floor in the kitchen with modern protective equipment. How to arrange a wooden floor in your kitchen will be discussed in this article.

Contents

  1. Wooden floor in the kitchen and its features
  2. Which wood works best?
  3. What else do you need to know about wood flooring in the kitchen?
  4. Alternative solutions
  5. How to protect a wooden floor?
  6. How to care for a wooden floor?

Wooden floor in the kitchen and its features

Of course, wood is a demanding surface, while in the kitchen the coating will be constantly exposed to dirt and even mechanical damage. Wood, however, is an extremely durable and resistant material. It just needs to be properly treated and it will serve us for many years. nine0003

There are several ways to protect the floor. Oiled wood, as well as treated with special solutions, is better protected from moisture and dirt. But wax is also used, however, such a coating does not withstand the effects of water and sand well, in addition, it is rather troublesome in terms of cleaning.

During operation, we must not forget about proper care, then the floor will look proper for a long time. It is recommended to use special wood cleaning products (e.g. resin-based). nine0003

Kitchen with wooden floors - photo

When deciding to lay a wooden floor in the kitchen, you should be familiar with some important nuances. One of them, as noted above, is the choice of the type of wood. We can choose from domestic or foreign wood species - oak, beech, sycamore, maple and exotic ones such as teak, merbau, Brazilian cherry or even bamboo. Regardless of the type of wood, care should be taken that all elements have the same uniform color and texture. Any knots and unevenness under the influence of operation can lead to distortion of the floor. nine0003

Photo - wooden floor in the kitchen in a wooden house

When choosing, remember that dark wood floors are more easily soiled, as any dirt, fallen crumbs and scratches are visible on them.

Another important consideration is the type of wood flooring for the kitchen and dining area. The market provides us with a choice of wooden parquet floors, laminated boards or laminate. While in the case of furniture it is recommended to choose products made of solid wood, in the case of flooring, this option requires a particularly professional approach, otherwise it may become deformed. nine0003

On the other hand, if everything is done professionally, this option will be durable, as solid wood is characterized by extreme strength, as well as the possibility of repeated cycling. Solid wood can be used in the form of parquet, mosaics and traditional boards.

Sandwich boards usually consist of two layers of softwood and one top layer of noble wood glued together. This design prevents any deformation. Sandwich boards are installed with or without glue. This type of floor is also suitable for scraping. This type of flooring is increasingly being used in residential areas. The panels are already protected at the factory with several layers of varnish or oil, which eliminates the need for sanding and varnishing immediately after installation. nine0003

The unique layered construction increases the board's flexibility while increasing its resistance to external conditions of use (changes in humidity and temperature). In addition, this type of panel makes it possible to install a hardwood floor under underfloor heating if you decide to install an underfloor heating system in the kitchen. Such a board is covered with a special high quality varnish in several layers. Each of the thin layers of lacquer is pre-hardened against UV rays. Thus, the flooring is carefully protected from damage. At the same time, the varnish coating does not form a thick and rough film, but an extremely thin, flexible and durable one. nine0003

Which tree performs best?

If you are dreaming of a wooden floor in your kitchen, be sure to choose wood with a uniform texture and uniform color, free from knots that can fall out under the influence of use and moisture.

What else do you need to know about wood flooring in the kitchen?

Among the available types of wood floors in the kitchen, it is best to use parquet or durable wood boards. The masonry technology must be with a sealing edge, so that under no circumstances water can penetrate into the joints. You can also use laminated wood panels. They are not as good as hardwood, but this material is guaranteed not to swell or dry out after installation. nine0003

The following types of wood work best on the kitchen floor:

It is necessary to choose wood of the first grade and uniform color, with a uniform surface without knots. It should also be noted that dust, scratches and traces of dirt are more visible on dark wood.

Alternative solutions

Pressed bamboo kitchen flooring is also an interesting solution. The pressed bamboo board is very resistant to moisture and incredibly durable. Its surface is covered with several layers of durable varnish. There is also a choice of several colors of bamboo plank. It is also a product for people who do not like the classic look of bamboo and the characteristic texture of this type of wood. Pressed bamboo slabs can be sanded and re-polished, giving us the ability to renew the floor. Such a purchase will reliably serve for many years. nine0003

Finally, we can buy laminated panels. Currently, there are products that imitate wood, they are made of fiberboard, HDF or chipboard and are distinguished by abrasion-resistant protective layers. When choosing this type of flooring, you need to pay attention to the abrasion class suitable for the kitchen.

How to protect a wooden floor?

This type of coating, when properly processed, is highly resistant to moisture, water stains, dirt and dust. Oiled wood shows itself well. No less stable coatings coated with varnish. Only water and sand subject the varnish to gradual destruction. It is difficult to clean a waxed floor because wet cleaning also removes the wax. nine0003

How to care for a wooden floor?

The best way to clean this type of finish is to dry clean it and use a wood care product from time to time. It is undesirable to use a large amount of water for washing. Dirty areas should be cleaned as soon as possible, preferably with products specially developed for this purpose (the best products are based on acrylic resins).

In the event of deep scratches, the entire floor must be renewed. Parquet repair is very complex and the renovated part will always differ from the general appearance of the surface. nine0003

In classic interiors, wood creates a very warm and cozy atmosphere, so despite the practical advantages of ceramic tiles for the kitchen, parquet or planks are highly desirable in such stylizations. In addition, such a coating is always warm and pleasant to the touch.

If you choose a flooring, you can read our other article - which floor is better for the kitchen.

In a small kitchen, a wooden floor can visually enlarge the room, since in this case there will be no dividing lines that optically reduce and divide the space into sectors. You can also choose a combined floor, finishing the work area, for example, with tiles, and the dining area around the dining table with wood, this will be a very practical solution. nine0003

The kitchen is a room that is usually associated with a lot of dirt and moisture, there can be spilled tomato juice, wine or berries falling on the floor, which have a strong pigment and can stain the surface. Therefore, often people refuse to lay a wooden floor in the kitchen. But this is not quite the right decision, because under certain conditions, wood can be a good alternative to cold stone or tile floors.

A kitchen floor should be durable, easy to care for and clean, but also aesthetic.

Learn more