Make Your Kitchen Shine with Stunning Wood Floors
Wood floors are warm, inviting and natural. But are they really right for a room that sees heavy foot traffic, inevitable messes, and high humidity on a daily basis? If you choose the right wood species and take a few protective measures, wood floors stand up beautifully while increasing your home's value.
While any wood will bring rich style to your kitchen, density and hardness should guide your wood flooring choice. Opt for durable domestic hardwoods like oak, walnut, and maple with a high Janka hardness rating. Their tight grain better resists the dings, scratches, and moisture damage inevitable around ovens and sinks. Where style permits, also consider resilient moisture-resistant species like teak or bamboo.
Choosing a Wood Species for the Kitchen
Oak remains America's most popular wood flooring choice thanks to its attractive grain, light to mid-range hardness, and affordable cost. Red oak with dramatic arching grains resists kitchen wear slightly better than more subdued white oak.
For a richer, darker look many homeowners love, black walnut stands up to heavy impacts while bringing a refined, contemporary edge. Comparable in hardness, maple flooring impresses with subtle blonde hues but requires more vigilant moisture protection.
The Janka Hardness Scale
A wood floor's density affects its susceptibility to dents and scratches. When choosing wood kitchen flooring, refer to the Janka Hardness scale which measures force required to embed a steel ball halfway through a sample. Red oak, for example, has a middling Janka score of 1,290, while exotic Brazilian walnut measures over 3,500 for maximum durability.
Grain Patterns and Durability
Wood flooring consists of strips adhered together along the grains. In kitchens, opt for straight or arching grain patterns over swirling grains which show wear quicker. Knots and varied dark streaks add interest but make moisture damage and traffic patterns more visible over time.
Protecting Wood Flooring from Moisture
Without protection, water can warp wood floor boards, dull finishes, allow mold growth between planks, and more. Use these tips to safeguard your investment:
- Install underlayment below your wood floor to prevent subfloor moisture wicking up from concrete into planks.
- Choose a water-resistant finish like durable polyurethane which resists cup rings and spills.
- Consider a floating floor installation allowing wood room to expand and contract with moisture changes versus rigid nail-down methods.
Underlayment Types
Underlayments create a moisture barrier between your wood floor and the concrete subfloor where moisture naturally accumulates. Many also provide insulation against sound. Options like cork, felt, or rubber sheets effectively protect floors from condensation damage.
Water-Resistant Finishes
Polyurethane finishes build an impermeable moisture barrier across your new wood floors. Traditional oil-modified urethanes also offer water-resistant protection. Newer water-based urethanes use less harmful VOCs but require more frequent recoating to maintain durability.
Maintenance Tips for Wood Kitchen Floors
With extra care, your wood floors will age beautifully:
- Sweep daily using electrostatic mops designed for wood floors to lift dust from cracks.
- Clean spills quickly to prevent moisture damage then use a lightly damp mop for occasional cleaning.
- Consider mats near appliances and prep areas to limit direct water contact.
- Protect high traffic zones like entries with woven rugs.
- Schedule professional recoating every 3-5 years to maintain the protective finish.
Preventative Cleaning
Vigilance prevents lasting stains and damage. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry towel then damp mop area. For greasy messes, spray lightly with vinegar-based cleaner then dry immediately. Avoid excess moisture which can warp planks.
Achieving the Warm Wood Kitchen Look
Wood brings a welcoming glow to any design style. The rich patina of oak suits traditional farmhouse spaces. Matte black walnut offers sleek contrast in modern designs. For contemporary edge, blend multi-tone woods like maple and Brazilian cherry in striking parquets.
Beyond species choice, stains can create a full spectrum of wood hues from weathered grey to espresso brown. Or select a gray-toned whitewash for light and airy spaces. Match your cabinetry stain for beautiful cohesion. For lasting protection with low-maintenance, we recommend a satin polyurethane finish.
Creative Applications
While wood flooring runs affordably $3-9 per square foot installed, creative applications provide big impact for less investment. Opt for wood on a popular accent wall to establish warmth then use more affordable porcelain tiles underfoot. Or make a bold statement by extending wood ceiling beams, cladding a bar area in planks, or designing an inlaid bordered medallion for the center of your kitchen.
Wood flooring brings ageless beauty and value to kitchens if durability and moisture precautions suit your lifestyle. For best results, select dense, high-hardness woods like oak or walnut. Safeguard against humidity and spills by installing proper underlayment, using woven area rugs, and recoating on schedule. With extra care in prep and maintenance, your wood floors will shine for years to come.