Should You Use Hardwood Flooring in Your Kitchen?
October 28, 2021
Hardwood flooring is easily one of the most coveted flooring materials among homeowners simply because of the visual appeal it offers.
But it’s no secret that natural wood flooring can be vulnerable to damage from excess moisture, water, and dents/scratches from lack of care. For this reason, it’s not usually the first option when it comes to flooring choices for kitchens.
But many homeowners still opt for this material for their kitchens. The question is, should you use hardwood flooring for your kitchen?
It might be possible to use hardwood flooring as your material of choice for your kitchen space, but whether you should or shouldn’t opt for it depends on your household. More specifically, a very busy household with tons of traffic might find hardwood flooring in the kitchen more of a challenge. This is especially true if the kitchen is a gateway for other spaces in the home, such as outdoor spaces like the backyard, garage, or even a swimming pool area.
If you’re serious about installing hardwood flooring in your kitchen, make sure you take some precautions, such as being careful with water and dropping sharp utensils.
Here are some pros and cons of using hardwood flooring in your kitchen:
Pros:
-Stylish surface
-Boost home value
-Can be refinished in case it’s damaged or worn
-Warmer feel compared to ceramic tiles
Cons:
-Expensive
-Vulnerable to water damage, dents, and scratches
-Lots of maintenance and care required
-Professional installers usually needed
If you do decide to go with hardwood flooring, here are a few material options available for your consideration:
-Natural unfinished planks
-Natural prefinished planks
-Engineered planks
-Reclaimed planks
How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
The overall cost of your hardwood flooring will depend on a few things, including the size of the surface to be covered and the exact type of wood you are using. S
olid wood flooring ranges from anywhere between $5 to $14 per square foot, and sometimes more. Engineered hardwood is slightly cheaper and costs anywhere from $3 to $13 per square foot. And that’s just for the material itself.
You’ll also have to pay for the installation itself, which can range in cost from $3 to $8 per square foot.
Hardwood flooring can be a great option for your kitchen, if you’re ready and willing to take the time and effort to care for it while enjoying the visual appeal of natural flooring. That said, it could be a bit of a nuisance if you have a particularly busy household that’s a bit on the messy side. Plus, hardwood is typically more expensive than traditional ceramic tile options.
Get in touch with Hope Designs whenever the need to redesign your kitchen arises!