Installing the best kitchen hardwood flooring from National Floors Direct

What Is the Best Hardwood Floor for a Kitchen?



Hardwood flooring is a great choice for a kitchen. Here's the best hardwood floor to use in your next kitchen remodeling project.

When people think of kitchen flooring, they often think of tile, vinyl, or linoleum. But wood flooring actually makes a beautiful (and smart) choice.

Isn't wood susceptible to water damage? Isn't even the best hardwood floor a bad idea to put it in your kitchen?

Well, yes and no.

Wood flooring is sensitive to moisture and water. However, the amount of water in your kitchen shouldn't cause any problem for your floor. This is especially true if you know how to take care of it.

Because of this, hardwood floor is just as good an option for your kitchen as tile or vinyl, if not better. We've put together this guide to help you choose the pick the best hardwood floor for your kitchen.



How to Choose the Right Hardwood Floor for Your Kitchen


There's no one type of hardwood flooring that fits all kitchens. The right choice for yours depends on the design of your home and your personal preferences. However, there are a few tips that'll help you make the best choice for your space.

Here's what you should consider when you start shopping for kitchen flooring.



The Wood Species


All wood species fit into one of these categories: hard or soft. For example, woods like oak and maple are harder than walnut and pine.

As you're choosing your hardwood floor, make sure you think about the species. Harder woods are more durable than softer ones. This means they won't dent or warp as easily, which often allows them to last longer.

Since your kitchen is a high traffic area (and also an area that'll get a lot of spills), you might want to consider a hard type of wood for your flooring.



The Design


Hard floors are often a better choice for your kitchen, but if they don't fit in with the overall aesthetics of your home, you might want to expand your options. After all, the design is an important part of your flooring as well.

So think about the color.

Some woods are lighter in color while others are darker. Lighter colors can make a small kitchen feel larger, but darker colors are better at masking crumbs and stains.

You should also consider the grain pattern. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to grain pattern, but make sure you choose something you like.

If you aren't sure what type of flooring matches your kitchen well, it might be a good idea to talk to a professional interior designer to get some tips.



Your Budget


Don't get carried away by all the beautiful wood floor choices out there and forget about your budget. Some wood floors are much more expensive than others, and they can exceed your budget in an instant.

Remember, flooring is priced by the square foot. So while a flooring option might seem affordable, that small price can add up fast.

Set your budget before you start shopping and stay away from options that don't fit in your price range. Otherwise, you might fall in love with something you can't afford.



Maintaining Your Hardwood Floor


Hardwood floor is a beautiful choice for your kitchen, but you have to remember to take care of it. Unlike tile or vinyl flooring, hardwood is more susceptible to damage, especially around water (which there's a lot of in your kitchen).

Because of this, there are a few things you have to do to maintain it. Here are a few tips that'll help you keep your floor in good condition.



Wipe Up Spills Right Away


If you spill any water or other liquids/foods on your hardwood floor, wipe it up right away. Letting anything like this sit on your floor can lead to damage and, in some cases, costly repairs.

Water will absorb into the wood, and if you spill a lot of water often, it can lead to warping, bubbling, or molding. Foods and other liquids can leave stains on your wood, especially if you have a lighter color.

Don't let anything gather on your floor.



Sweep or Vacuum Often


It's also a good idea to sweep or vacuum your hardwood floor often. This will keep any crumbs or other debris off the floor, which will prevent anything from sticking to or discoloring the wood.

You should do this at least once a week. However, if you can, you should sweep or vacuum every day.



Deep Clean


If you sweep your floor and clean up spills, you won't have to worry about deep cleaning your floor too often. However, you should use a hardwood floor cleaner in your kitchen every few months.

Make sure any cleaner you use is safe for your wood. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the finish or even the appearance of your wood.



Refinish When You Need To


You'll also need to refinish your hardwood flooring every few years (usually three to five). This will create a protective layer over your flooring, which will make it harder for spills to damage or stain the surface.



What Is the Best Hardwood Floor for Your Kitchen?


The best hardwood floor for your kitchen depends on the style of your home, your budget, and your personal preference. Spend some time researching the different options and shopping around for a wood you like.

Not sure where to look?

We can help! Make sure you take a look at our hardwood flooring choices or get in touch with us if you have any questions!