Every room in your house has a purpose. The kitchen is not just a space for preparing food but also a place for the family to enjoy dinner and one where you entertain guests. With the right choices hardwood flooring can make a strong visual statement in your kitchen and suit any lifestyle.
Spills are no Problem
Hardwood floors are built to withstand the everyday wear and tear that can come from working in a kitchen. Finishes are applied to the top of the wood to seal it off from surface moisture and minor spills that can occur.
Harder species such as Oak, Hickory, Ash, and Exotics are popular for kitchens. They are more resistant to dents and scratches than softer woods like Walnut and Birch. They are also available in a wide range of visually appealing colors and grain patterns to help work with your overall kitchen design.
Plank Size Makes a Difference
Hardwood is installed by laying interlocking planks. Those planks can be cut to various widths and lengths, and you can choose how edges are cut, either beveled or square.
Instead of a beveled or scraped edge in the kitchen, you may be better looking at a square edge. Square edges create a smooth, almost undetectable seam from plank to plank and these tight seams block out debris helping to prevent food or debris from building up.
Plank width should be a consideration too. Wide planks can create an open, casual feel in large rooms, while smaller kitchens can benefit from a narrower plank which gives the appearance that the room is larger.
Easy to Maintain
Hardwood is easy to maintain. Sweeping, vacuuming and damp mopping are virtually all that you will need in keeping the wood clean, even in a kitchen environment where you might have spills and a lot of foot traffic.