The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring in Your Kitchen

Wooden floors are a sought-after solution for homes of distinction. It adds elegance and luxury to any space and gives it that classic, warm feel. It is a traditional floor option that many homeowners wish to install throughout their homes. Style magazines and online interior-decor blogs are also quick to boast spacious country kitchens with stunning wood floors – but many never explore the practical implications thereof. As with any installation in your home, there are pros and cons to hardwood flooring, and researching these factors will assist you in making the right decision.

What many people do not realise, however, is that there are some great alternatives to hardwood flooring too, Let's explore these below, as well as the pros and cons of installing hardwood flooring in your kitchen.

The Pros You Can Expect

Hardwood flooring is desirable – and not just because it adds to your home’s overall resale value. People seek out residences with wooden floors for several reasons, but its reputation as a status symbol for those who live in opulent homes is a major reason. Within a kitchen, it can add a lot to the space, though one must be careful to not accidentally damage it.

Nothing is More Beautiful

There is no getting around it – wood is gorgeous. It introduces a natural element into the home that instantly warms up a room. It is inviting and because the kitchen is a space where families and friends often get together, wooden floors make an impressive addition. There are also various woods, grains and stains from which to choose, so you will never be out of options when it comes to your aesthetic preference. It’s easy to match it with any style of decor – from rustic- or vintage-styled kitchens to modern, minimalist kitchens.

You’ll Get to Enjoy Durability

Apart from a few factors such as water and scratches, hardwood flooring is usually considered to be more on the durable side. Wood of higher quality (and thicker, more solid planks) can last for decades when cared for correctly. When weighing up the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, you’ll find more pros for wood that ranks higher on the hardness chart. There is also a misconception that a small liquid spill is enough to permanently damage wooden floors, but if cleaned up quickly, the plank’s finish should prevent any absorption of moisture.

The Surface Can Be Refinished

Another major draw in the pros and cons list is that hardwood flooring can be refinished. The finish is important because it prevents damage from small spills, stains, splatters and light scuffs. Hardwood flooring that wears down or suffers minor damage can be sanded down and refinished to your liking, and you are free to change the colour of the stain as your tastes change.

It’s More Comfortable Than Tile

Underfoot feel and texture are important factors to consider when choosing new floors. One of the pros of hardwood flooring is that it is softer underfoot than tile and is a naturally warmer material too. For many homes, tiles make rooms like the kitchen exceptionally cold in winter.

The Cons You Can’t Ignore

While it is no secret that wood forms part of a high-style home, many homeowners would prefer not to bring it anywhere near a kitchen. If, however, you are planning to install hardwood flooring in your kitchen, it is essential that you fully understand some of the real practical aspects that will play a role in your installation.

Water and Wood Don’t Mix

Wood is incredibly porous and absorbent; if it comes into contact with water, it will eventually soak it up. This will cause it to warp in shape, swell, buckle, split or even start to rot. It makes sense then that wood is often a material that home decorators avoid in high-moisture areas of the house. A sprung leak can cause immense damage that requires a complete flooring overhaul. One cannot wet-mop hardwood flooring and this is one of the cons that drives people to seek alternatives to wood.

Maintenance and Upkeep Are Tricky

Another one of the major cons to installing hardwood flooring is that after introducing it to your home, you will still need to maintain your floor. Real wood requires specialised products for cleaning, and daily sweeping to keep dust and debris at bay.

Expect a Knock to Your Wallet

No pros and cons list is complete without an honest look at the costs involved. Hardwood flooring is expensive. Not only are the planks costly, but the installation process is as well. It is also not a DIY-friendly product, so homeowners cannot install it themselves without specialised tools and expertise.

How Do the Alternatives Compare?

Is there a way to enjoy the pros of hardwood flooring without any of the cons? There are currently products on the market that are much more durable for kitchen use and they won’t break the bank. Luxury vinyl tiles and engineered-wood flooring, for example, are both excellent options that emulate wood quite well. Fortunately, we at Top Carpets and Floors can assist you with solutions that mimic the luxury of real wood, with none of the unpleasant impracticalities.

For more information on the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, and which alternatives would suit your home best, be sure to get in touch with us today.