For the longest time, hardwood was thought to be too much of a hassle for the kitchen. It requires more upkeep than some other types of flooring. Also, heat and humidity can cause some kinds of hardwood planks to warp. That led many people to use linoleum or other types of synthetic flooring instead of hardwood. HOwever, that has begun to change in recent years as hardwood flooring has returned to prominence. There are some ways that hardwood has even been adapted for the kitchen.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is one of the best solutions for hardwood in the kitchen. Engineered hardwood is made from three or more layers of wood. The base layer is typically a water-resistant layer. It can be made from treated wood or even a synthetic substance. The next layer is a layer of wood. The wood can be plywood or chipped wood that is glued together. Finally, the top layer is the actual hardwood that you want. It’s a thin veneer of wood for the surface. Engineered hardwood is great for the kitchen because it is less likely to respond to the heat and humidity of the kitchen.
The glue and the finishing process make the hardwood very durable. It’s less likely to cup or warp over time.
Dark Colors
In addition to engineered hardwood, dark hardwood of all types ifs very popular for kitchens as well. The dark hardwood is popular because light colors have become very popular for cabinets and paint in the kitchen. Dark hardwood helps to offset the color and really make your cabinets stand out. Also, dark hardwood has the benefit of hiding most types of dirt and spills. Choosing a matte or satin hardwood is also a great choice.
Satin
Glossy finishes on hardwood tend to reflect more light. That means the light reflection will be more obscured by dust and dirt on the hardwood. That will make the spills stand out even more. In the kitchen, spills are unavoidable. If you don’t want to clean the floor every day to keep it looking great, you should consider a satin hardwood.
Hardwood in the kitchen is possible if you plan ahead. The concerns for hardwood in the living room are not quite the same as hardwood in the kitchen. You need to ask a professional about different things that you will need to prepare the floor for the application. They’ll advise you on the best way to install wood floor in a kitchen.