Hardwood floors can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they require some extra consideration when installed in high-traffic spaces like kitchens. There are several factors to weigh when deciding whether hardwood is right for your kitchen. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about installing and caring for hardwood flooring in kitchen spaces.
Durability and Maintenance of Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
The kitchen sees heavy daily use, and hardwood needs to stand up to dropped dishes, shifting appliances, scraping chairs, and more. The good news is many modern hardwoods are engineered for extra durability. Still, certain maintenance practices are required.
How Durable Are Hardwood Floors in Kitchens?
With today’s advanced hardwood engineering, many options can rival or even exceed the durability of stone, tile, or vinyl. Hardness ratings help determine suitability for kitchen installation.
The Janka hardness scale measures how well wood resists dents and wear. Useful guidelines:
- Softer woods below 1000 Janka are not ideal for kitchens. This includes pine, cherry, and red oak.
- Medium hardness between 1000-1500 Janka offer good durability. Choices are hickory, maple, birch.
- Hardest woods above 1500 Janka have the best wear-resistance. These include exotic woods like Brazilian walnut, white oak, and African mahogany.
Modern finishes also improve durability and ease of maintenance tremendously. New urethane and aluminum oxide finishes allow hardwoods to better withstand heavy impacts, scratches, moisture, and daily wear.
Caring for Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
While today’s wood floors are tough, they still require some care to maintain their beauty. Recommended practices include:
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum daily to remove grit that can scratch floors.
- Place rugs in high traffic areas around sinks, stoves, and workstations. Rugs should be non-slip and cleaned regularly.
- Wipe up spills immediately to avoid moisture damage and warping.
- Use floor protectors on chair and table legs to prevent scratches.
- Avoid walking on floors with sharp heels that can dent wood.
- Refrain from rolling heavy appliances directly on floors. Use plywood underlay for protection.
- Clean floors regularly with approved hardwood cleaners, not just water.
- Consider re-coating floors every few years to renew protective finishes.
Proper care will help hardwood floors in kitchens retain their integrity and last for decades. Consult with flooring professionals for products and maintenance routines specifically tailored to your wood type and usage.
Moisture Resistance of Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
Kitchens inevitably involve lots of water and spills. Ensuring hardwood has adequate moisture protection is crucial to prevent damage.
Do Hardwood Floors Hold Up to Water?
Water can seep into unfinished cracks and cause planks to expand and warp. But moisture-controlling finishes like polyurethane create a protective barrier.
New water-resistant engineered woods also have enhanced stability. These multi-layer products sandwich moisture-prone solid wood between more stable plywood layers to minimize swelling and warping.
With proper installation and finishes, hardwoods can be very water-resilient for kitchens. Quick cleanup of spills is still important though.
Preventing Water Damage on Hardwood Floors
Several tactics can further guard against moisture issues:
- Select only engineered, factory-finished water-resistant wood. Avoid site-finished options.
- Use a thick wood with multiple cross-ply layers for best stability.
- Ensure a high-quality moisture-barrier subfloor underneath.
- Install planks tightly with water-resistant adhesives at joints.
- Apply extra finish coats to seal the wood fully.
- Caulk around cabinetry, pipes, and trim to prevent water seeping under.
- Air circulation under wood is key. Use subfloor ventilation if needed.
With smart product selection and installation methods, hardwood floors can perform very well in wet kitchen environments.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
Frequent cleaning is imperative for kitchen hardwoods. Floors should be swept daily and washed regularly with proper wood cleaners.
Daily Cleaning Tips
A quick daily sweep or vacuum is the easiest way to keep floors looking their best. This removes fine particles that act like sandpaper. Pay extra attention to areas around appliances, sinks, and prep areas.
Spills should also be wiped up quickly before they soak in. A damp microfiber mop works well for spot cleaning.
Using rugs can minimize daily cleaning needs and hide inevitable scuffs and scratches that occur. Be sure rugs have non-slip backing and are washed frequently.
Weekly Deeper Cleaning
It’s important to wash hardwood kitchen floors more thoroughly about once a week. Sweep first, then use a hardwood-friendly cleaner.
Popular options are Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Method Wood for Good, or Murphy’s Oil Soap. Avoid excessive water. Use a damp mop and work in sections, drying as you go.
Vinegar and water works for regular cleaning too. For tougher grime, add a squirt of dish soap. Rinse well and dry floors completely.
Be wary of using steam mops on hardwood as the heat and moisture can damage finishes. Check steam mop manuals for hardwood guidance.
Preventing Soaps and Abrasives
It’s vital to avoid using the wrong products on precious wood floors. Steer clear of:
- Vinegar, ammonia, or bleach full-strength – too harsh.
- Soap-based cleaners that leave residue.
- Detergents like laundry or dish soap that can dull finishes.
- Gritty abrasives like powdered cleansers that scratch.
Read floor cleaner labels closely and consult manufacturers if unsure. Treating hardwood gently will maintain its glow.
Hardwood Flooring Options for Kitchens
Kitchens demand hardwoods that are attractive yet durable and moisture-resistant. Many solid and engineered wood species fit the bill beautifully.
Best Solid Wood Options
Solid planks milled from a single wood piece maintain enduring classic appeal. Top choices for kitchens include:
- Maple – Very dense, resistant to wear, moisture, and impact. Shows some scratches. Offers warm tan/reddish hues.
- White Oak – Impressive hardness and stability. Range of tones from tawny beige to greyish brown.
- Teak – Prized golden wood. Natural oils repel moisture and prevent warping. Limiting factor is higher cost.
- Ipe – Exotic tropical wood with exceptional durability and rich brown/black color. Density makes installation challenging.
- Santos Mahogany – Hard, moisture-resistant, and visually striking, with mix of reddish, brown, and orange tones.
Always confirm solid wood planks are sufficiently thick, at least 3/4 inch, to stand up to heavy use.
Top Engineered Wood Options
Engineered hardwoods fused in cross-ply layers tend to offer enhanced stability and moisture resistance ideal for kitchens. Leading choices include:
- Engineered White Oak – A versatile mainstream option combining durability, stain-resistance, and affordable cost.
- Engineered Hickory – Known for impressive hardness and distinctive textured grain. Handles heavy impacts.
- Engineered Walnut – Brings richness of solid walnut in a more kitchen-friendly engineered form.
- Engineered Acacia – Exotic alterative with varied dark browns and notable durability and moisture resistance.
- Engineered Teak – Provides the valued properties of solid teak in affordable engineered planks.
Always opt for multiple ply engineered wood and confirm a thick enough wear layer, around 4mm, for the kitchen.
Appearance Considerations
Personal taste plays a big role when selecting wood species and color tones. Light, medium, or dark? Cool undertones or warm? Consistent grain or varied character? Samples and visualizing in the space helps narrow options.
Pre-finished options allow seeing the exact look. Site-finished allows for wider stain choices, but color accuracy can vary. Weigh the trade-offs for your goals.
Costs of Hardwood Floors in Kitchens
Hardwood flooring represents an investment that can pay off for years in kitchen beauty and enjoyment. Prices vary based on materials and installation factors.
Material Costs
The wood species chosen impacts price significantly. Domestic oak and maple are generally the most budget-friendly, starting around $3-5 per square foot. Exotic woods like teak can range from $6-9 per square foot.
Thickness and width of planks also cause variation. Thicker boards are pricier but more durable. Wide planks enlarge the overall look but cost more.
Advanced engineered woods and moisture-control treatments tend to add $1-3 per square foot. But enhanced stability and protection are worth it for kitchens.
Installation Costs
For materials alone, budget $3-9 per square foot for most kitchen hardwood projects. The national average for full installation is $10-15 per square foot. But numerous factors cause this to range widely:
- Existing subfloor prep work needed
- Removal of old floors if present
- Overall square footage of the space
- Basic vs. intricate tile layout patterns
- Standard planks vs. wider custom boards
- Plain installation vs. special treatments like staining
Always get quotes from several flooring contractors. Ask about potential added costs beforehand like subfloor repairs.
Should You Refinish or Replace Hardwood Floors in Kitchens?
Kitchen hardwoods naturally show scratches, stains, and dents over time. At some point, refinishing or replacing becomes necessary. How do you decide which?
When to Refinish
Refinishing restores protective wood coatings and provides a fresh new look. It’s a smart investment if:
- Floors are structurally sound with no extensive damage.
- Solid hardwood, not a thin veneer, exists to sand and recoat.
- Floors have not been refinished multiple times already.
- You want to retain the wood species and appearance.
Refinishing costs roughly $3-5 per square foot and is lower maintenance than replacement.
When to Replace
If hardwood floors are extensively warped, cracked, or worn down, replacement is the better route. Also consider replacing if:
- You desire a totally new wood species or color tone.
- Floors have been refinished to the max and can’t sand more.
- Low quality veneer floors are showing core laminate.
- Moisture damage has caused structural issues.
- Old existing floors don’t meet code or lack subfloor prep.
Replacement allows for a fresh new look and modern moisture-resistant materials.
Seeking Professional Guidance
The best method depends on your specific floor’s condition, construction, and refinishing history. Consult with wood flooring contractors to assess options.
They can advise on feasibility, costs, and if replacement may be necessary for a sound result. Weight factors carefully before deciding.
Prepping Existing Kitchens for Hardwood Floors
Installing new hardwoods in an existing kitchen requires careful planning and preparation for success.
Clearing Kitchen and Removing Existing Flooring
Empty the entire kitchen area as much as possible. Remove existing flooring if present, along with baseboards and trim. Assess the subfloor and remedy any needed repairs before laying new wood.
Subfloor Prep
The subfloor must be totally clean, dry, and flat for proper installation. Scrape off adhesives or debris. Grind down any bumps. Check for moisture issues or leaks. Install new plywood and underlayments as needed.
Cabinet and Appliance Considerations
Detach cabinets and move appliances to access floor edges fully. Use plywood to protect floors when sliding appliances back. Adjust cabinetry or trim before reinstalling for ideal fit with new floor height. Consider appliances on wheels or lift-pads to simplify future floor access.
Transition Planning
Plan transitions from kitchen wood flooring to other adjacent flooring materials. Remove existing strips and thresholds. Decide whether to use coordinating wood strips, metal strips, or matching flooring products like tile for seamless flow between rooms.
Moisture Barrier
A moisture barrier underlayment approved for kitchens helps protect wood from spills and high humidity. Many modern flooring products have this layer pre-attached. If not, install a suitable underlay like Aquabar “B” or Domtec’s Aqua-Tite.
With diligent prep work, new hardwood floors can perform beautifully in your kitchen remodel for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens
Is water bad for hardwood floors?
Water can damage hardwood if allowed to soak in. But engineered woods with protective finishes resist moisture very well. Regular mopping and quick cleanup of spills keeps wood stable.
Do hardwood floors scratch easily in kitchens?
Top-rated hardwoods with finishes rated 3,000+ on the Taber Test resist scratches, scuffs, and dents well under heavy use. But some signs of wear are inevitable over time.
What is the best hardwood species for kitchens?
White oak, hickory, maple, and walnut rate as excellent kitchen choices. Teak offers valued moisture-resistance if budget allows. Always opt for engineered wood planks.
Can you install hardwood floors directly over concrete?
Yes, floating engineered hardwoods work over concrete. Ensure a vapor barrier underlay is used. The concrete must be level, cured, and free of moisture.
Should appliances sit directly on hardwood floors?
Heavy stationary appliances should not sit directly on hardwood because movement over time can scuff and dent floors. Use plywood or floor protectors beneath appliances.
How long do hardwood floors last in kitchens?
With proper installation and care, hardwood floors can serve kitchens well for 50+ years. Refinishing restores appeal, and engineered woods facilitate replacements if ever needed.
Are hardwood floors healthier than tile or vinyl?
Yes, hardwood contains no adhesives or chemicals. Its natural composition deters allergens. Easy cleaning keeps floors hygienic. Hardwood promotes better indoor air quality.
Can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors?
It’s best to avoid steam mops. The heat and moisture can damage wood finish over time. For deep cleaning, use a hardwood-safe cleaner with a barely damp mop.
How long does it take to install a hardwood floor in a kitchen?
The installation timeframe can range from 3-5 days depending on the kitchen size. There is demo of old floors, subfloor prep, installation, transitions, and finish coats to complete.
What is the best mop for cleaning hardwood floors?
Choose a mop with a swivel head and removable washable pad. Microfiber pads prevent streaks. Favor mops designed for hardwood like Bona or O-Cedar. Avoid excess water.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors can make a beautiful and functional addition to busy kitchens with the right choices. Focus on durable woods with moisture-protection like oak or hickory. Engineered planks are ideal. Keep up regular maintenance with quick daily sweeping and weekly washing. Invest in quality materials and smart installation for hardwood floors that will provide lasting enjoyment and require only minimal care. With preparation and care, hardwood floors can withstand heavy kitchen use for decades and add warmth and value to the heart of your home.