Hardwood Floors in a Kitchen: Benefits & Drawbacks

Hardwood is currently one of the most popular flooring options for modern homes. However, when it comes to kitchens, many people think twice. Though hardwood flooring can work well in most parts of the home, some worry it isn’t suitable for a high-traffic, high-moisture area like the kitchen. To figure out whether you should use hardwood flooring in your kitchen, the experts from Unique Flooring, a trusted supplier of hardwood flooring in San Diego, suggest you take the time to think about these pros and cons.

Pro: Comfort for Standing
Since people spend most of their time in the kitchen on their feet, you need a surface that’s comfortable for standing on. Solid wood is considered one of the more ergonomic options. Unlike stone, tile, or laminate, it has a little give to it that keeps it from putting too much pressure on feet.

Con: Risk of Scratches
Accidents can always happen, and the kitchen is one of the most accident-prone areas of the home. When it comes to hardness ratings for home flooring options, wood is okay but not great. It’s not destroyed by wear and tear, but it’s difficult to maintain a pristine, even appearance. Just one can of tomatoes or a metal spatula dropped on the floor could damage your beautiful finish. The risks are even higher if your kitchen has a breakfast nook or bar where chairs get dragged back and forth across the floor.

Pro: Increased Home Value
For the past few decades, hardwood flooring has been one of the most in-demand flooring options for homes. Putting it throughout the main areas of your home, including your kitchen, makes the space very appealing to buyers. You might end up getting a few thousand dollars added to your home’s value just by putting hardwood in this small space.

Con: Potential for Disaster in Case of Leaks
Most quick exposures to moisture, such as spilling a cup of water and wiping it up, aren’t going to have much of an effect on hardwood floors. However, this isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. Thanks to the dishwashers, sinks, and refrigerators found in most kitchens, this area is often the site of disastrous leaks. Any major plumbing incidents will most likely end up warping and ruining your floor.

Pro: Beautiful Appearance
The reason hardwood boosts home values and is so highly sought after is due to its incredible appearance. Even the most realistic laminate cannot truly mimic the depth and uniqueness of wood’s texture. Hardwood works well with a variety of interior design schemes, from contemporary to farmhouse chic. For many homeowners, any scratches or scrapes add to the beauty of the wood, since they help it develop a patina over time.

Reach out to the flooring experts at Unique Flooring for advice on which flooring options work best for the rooms in your home. We can also assist you with our floor installation services or spruce up your existing floors with high-quality floor refinishing. San Diego homeowners should drop by our showroom or give us a call at 760-454-1436.