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The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we cook, eat, and converse with friends and family. Many of us spend more time in the kitchen than in any other room in the house. Hardwood flooring for kitchens is a popular choice for these and other reasons. Not only is it warm, elegant, and inviting, but it’s also a bit “softer” under foot than tile and concrete, making it easier to stand while cooking and cleaning.

At the same time, your choice of hardwood flooring for the kitchen is very important. Kitchen floors take a lot of wear and tear from constant foot traffic. There’s also a risk of scuffs, scratches, spills, etc. For best results, you want a floor that is durable enough to stand up to this extra activity. Let’s explore some of the best hardwood flooring choices to keep your kitchen looking its best.

 

What Kind of Wood Floor Should You Choose for the Kitchen?

Generally speaking, harder woods like white oak or maple work best for kitchens because they are denser and more resistant to wear and tear. Softer woods like pine or walnut might feel better under your feet (or look better in the context of the entire home), but they are also more likely to sustain damage. There’s no right or wrong answer–just more or less risk. You must decide whether to trade off comfort for durability and be willing to exercise more care if you choose a softer wood.

What Kind of Wood Finish Is Best for Kitchens?

Some finishes work better than others for kitchen floors. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes can yield an attractive high-polished look, but they also show scratches and scuffs very easily, so many people don’t like them for kitchen floors. For kitchens receiving lots of use, a natural matte finish is usually best. Better yet, if you prefer a more textured look, distressed floors are excellent for hiding scratches and scuffs.

Additional Tips for Protecting Wood Floors in the Kitchen

Regardless of the type of wood flooring and finish you decide to go with, the following tips for care and maintenance will help keep your kitchen floors looking their best:

  • Clean spills immediately. Even leaving a spill for a few minutes can cause unwanted moisture to absorb into the wood.
  • Use protective rugs/pads under the stove, sink, and other high-risk areas. These are places where spills and splatters are most likely to happen. A strategically placed rug provides added protection against damage while adding support for your feet.
  • Clean floors regularly. Use a brushless vacuum or a soft dry mop on the floor at least once every few days to remove crumbs and dirt that could grind into the kitchen floor.

When choosing hardwood flooring for the kitchen, you want to be sure it’s expertly installed and finished for best results. The expert craftsmen at Renaissance are here to help. For a complimentary quote on wood floor installation in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Glenpool, Oklahoma City, and throughout Green Country, call Renaissance today at 918-298-4477.