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Wood floor kitchen


7 Tips for Wood Flooring in a Kitchen

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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

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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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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

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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. 

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15 beautiful wooden floors in the kitchen

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There is so much going on in the kitchen, no matter who lives in the house. This is daily cooking for several dishes, splashes of oil during frying, spilled flour. Everything in the kitchen makes sense, and the floor gets the most wear and tear from splashes of grease and crumbs. Therefore, the kitchen needs a floor that will withstand all culinary experiments. That's why wood floors in the kitchen are a great choice. Take a look at these 15 beautiful wood floors and decide which style would look best in your own kitchen.

When many people think of parquet floors, they think of warm wood tones. And in principle they are not mistaken in this, especially when their kitchen is white. Instead of staining your floor, choose wood with a nice brown tint first. Then just add sealant on top and voila! The most beautiful kitchen floor you could ever dream of.

Does your kitchen have rustic décor? Then you've probably already looked after wooden floors. Stick to light-colored, rustic-style pieces, but with gray-toned wood flooring in your kitchen. A wood floor will look really cute with your cool color palette in the kitchen.

While wood has slight color variations, this doesn't mean you should stick to just one type of wood for your kitchen floor. While the rest of your kitchen will be modern and sleek, colorful hardwood flooring will add a homely feel to it.

If your kitchen is modern, consider installing a black wooden floor. It will really transform and highlight your stainless steel kitchen appliances and white accents. Plus, if you love a neutral color, you can style the rest of your kitchen however you like.

As opposed to black, a white wooden floor can be used. It is the perfect addition to your rustic kitchen. If you prefer Scandinavian style with all those cream and white tones, you can't go wrong with a white floor.

What about birch? Being a fairly common parquet flooring material, birch kitchen flooring guarantees durability. It will look like new for a long time.

Whimsical kitchens aren't the only place for birch floors. Even a modern kitchen can use birch floors to give it a light and airy feel. Even if your kitchen has other shades of wood, don't be afraid. As we said above, a birch floor really pairs with different materials, whether it's a marble countertop or an amazing architectural chandelier.

If you find birch an outdated option and honey-woody tones don't quite suit you either, then ... It's time for a different approach. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when choosing your parquet. If you like to make accents in your home, then a two-tone floor in your kitchen will certainly be much better than just birch.

For some people, plain wood floors never go out of style. If you live in a cabin in the woods or a small lakeside cottage, you might want to have a house with history. Gather all the flat wood you can find, paint and varnish it, and you have a wood floor with a color and texture you just can't find in a store.

Not all floors need to be installed a certain way. To give your space a little extra dimension, try setting your hardwood floor in line diagonally across your kitchen. It will seem unexpected and modern, no matter what style the rest of your kitchen is. Think if this floor ran all the way through the house, how amazing and unique it would look.

You must have seen them, those beautiful herringbone floors. Having this pattern on your floor is a chic accent for any kitchen. If you're taking off your old kitchen floor to replace it with something new, you'll definitely want to consider the herringbone pattern. It's like wallpaper for your floor, but better.

Hardwood floors used to be more common than they are today. These tiny pieces of wood, pressed together to make a beautiful pattern, are mostly seen in old houses. However, this floor can also be recreated in your home. Find a craftsman you trust to lay it out, choose your pattern and your shades, and let it work its magic. Because your kitchen will seem magical when it's done.

When an older house already has a wooden floor, sometimes you just need to freshen it up nicely to bring it back to its former beauty. Sand the wood floor in the kitchen and use a mixture of varnish and caulk to give it a checkerboard pattern. Thus, the old floor will be more durable than laminate or tile.

Sometimes there is no hope of returning a wooden floor to its former glory.

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