Hardwood flooring is generally considered to be completely inappropriate for the kitchen. However, that’s not actually the case. Wood itself is a fairly porous and absorbent material, which means that you need to be careful about moisture and heat in the kitchen. That does not mean that it can’t be done, though. In fact, hardwood floor that is properly maintained and treated can be as safe and effective as linoleum in the kitchen. You need to make sure you take a few steps and consider the best type of hardwood for your kitchen though.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is your best bet for the kitchen. One of the concerns about eh kitchen is the heat and humidity. The humidity can be absorbed by the planks of wood. The planks of wood will then start to cup, which is when the edges of the wood curve upwards. This is a problem with solid plank hardwoods, especially when they’re in a kitchen or basement. Engineered hardwood is made with layers of glued plies; the glue and the several layers help to keep that from happening. So, if you’re looking for the right hardwood flooring for your kitchen, consider engineered hardwood.
Engineered hardwood is also a great choice because they’re usually finished in the factor. The finish is applied with a machine. The finish on engineered hardwood is harder and more durable than the finish that is applied once it has been installed. That means engineered hardwood that is prefinished in the factory will be more durable and more waterproof.
Skinny Planks
To avoid cupping, you should also avoid wide plank hardwood. Wide plank hardwood flooring is a popular trend these days, but it is more susceptible to cupping. If you’re committed to wide plank flooring in the kitchen, it’s all the more important that you choose engineered hardwood. If you opt for skinny planks, you can likely choose solid hardwood instead of engineered wood.
Polishing
You should also make sure to wax or polish your kitchen floor frequently. Polish is generally a urethane-based liquid that forms an extra layer of protection on the surface of your floor. That will prevent cupping, water absorption, and warping. You will likely need to apply the polish every three months for a solid plank hardwood and every six months for a prefinished engineered hardwood.
You can have hardwood in your kitchen. You just need to make sure you pick the right hardwood and maintain it properly.