A Quick Guide to Using Hardwood Floors in Your Kitchen
In many ways, hardwood flooring isn't the most practical option for your kitchen; liquids can cause damage, and it can be scratched and dented over time. Be that as it may, wood has a timeless charm than many homeowners find appealing, and it can be used in the kitchen if you make the right choices. Here's a quick guide to help you get it right.
Go for Harder Species
Kitchen floors are typically in line for rougher treatment than other rooms in the house. People tend to walk around in them instead of sitting, and often in shoes. It's also possible to drop heavy items, such as pot and pans, when you're moving around and cooking. If you also sit and eat in the kitchen, chairs will frequently be drawn back and forth.
This is why it's so important to find a hard species of wood. Softwoods should really be avoided altogether; you'll do much better with tougher hardwoods such as oak and ash. You can look for something more exotic, such as jatoba, but many exotic woods are more sensitive to humidity, so make sure you check before you buy.
Look for Tighter, Darker Grain Patterns
Another characteristic that you need to think about is the grain pattern of your chosen wood. Hardwoods with lighter, more open grains, such as maple and birch, will let in spilled liquids more easily and be less able to hide any staining that does occur. Instead, look for a darker, tighter grain. Oak, once again, is a good example. If you're really set on using a lighter wood, you need to be extremely vigilant against dropped food and spilled drink.
Use an Underlay
Beyond the floor itself, you should think about installing an underlay. These provide a base for the floor, and the right one can limit noise and add insulation. If you're in a flat, the people living below you will thank you for the reduction in noise; if you live in a house, where the kitchen is almost always on the bottom floor, you'll commonly need insulation below the hardwood to stop it from getting too cold. Cork and foam work well, though vinyl and plastic-lined underlays are best for kitchens since they are better able to resist moisture.
If you keep this advice in mind, there's no reason why your kitchen's new hardwood flooring shouldn't come off as a resounding success. Just make sure you keep on top of maintenance work to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Contact a home renovation company for more information,
