Kitchen Remodeling: Why Not Go Hardwood for Your Kitchen Floors?

Your floors play a big role, not only in the design of your kitchen, but it’s functionality as well. It’s key to ensure that when you’re doing kitchen remodeling that you not overlook this crucial component.

The flooring you choose should distill beauty, durability and style for your kitchen design. But there are many different types to choose from, including ceramic, laminate, stone and concrete.

If you’re going through your options for kitchen floors, why not go with hardwood? There are more reasons than one to go this route. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the reasons why it’s a good idea for you to go with wooden floors for your kitchen remodeling project.

Let’s dive in.

Kitchen Remodeling: Hardwood Flooring 101

Now, there are some key things you need to know before you decide to go with hardwood floors. For instance, hardwood is the term used for floor boards¬ that are manufactured using timber.

If you’re worried about the maintenance, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll get out what you put in. In other words, if you treat your floors right, they can last you a lifetime.

Just be wary if you have pets or like to wear high heels because both can leave unsightly scratches and dents on your hardwood floors. Also, make sure to wipe up water quickly – standing water can lead to mold and mildew problems.

Be careful not to have your floors in direct sunlight. You can limit sunlight pouring into your windows by using window treatments.

Then beneath the hardwood is the underlayment. This is what acts as a base for your wooden floors. It also helps to minimize noise and provide insulation. It’s common for cork and form to be used beneath floating wood flooring.

But for areas that have moisture, plastic and vinyl-lined underlayment is a better option. You can choose between underlayment options provided by the manufacturer. Just pay attention to the benefits and pricing.

What Are the Types of Hardwood Floors?

Next up are the types of hardwood floors you can find on the market. For instance, there’s solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both come with their pros and cons, so it’s ideal to do your research before choosing.

Let’s review both.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors are crafted from a single piece of wood. Wood purists tend to like this option the best. It’s easy to sand and refinish over and over, which keeps it looking great. But since it is prone to being damaged by humidity, it’s best to avoid moist locations, such as the bathroom.

Make note of this if spills happen frequently inside of your kitchen.

You can opt to have your solid hardwood floors prefinished, which makes for an easier installation. Or have it unfinished, so that it can be finished on-site. The latter gives you the option to choose your stain.

Generally, the wood is nailed or stapled to the wooden subfloor. Then for the thinner slabs, glue is sometimes used.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is crafted by bonding together layers of hardwood, also known as plies. It’s done in a cross-grain construction methods. This type of hardwood floor is more stable and able to handle damp locations like kitchens and bathrooms.

Typically, the subfloor is made with concrete. And in many cases, engineered hardwood comes already finished. It’s an eco-friendlier option, since it doesn’t use as much milled lumber. Engineered hardwood is also flexible, allowing it to be stapled or glued to the subfloor. Or you can float it, which is when it’s attached to itself vs a subfloor.

Things to Consider When Kitchen Remodeling with Hardwood

The beauty of hardwood floors is that you can find one that suits whatever style you’re going for. There are key aspects you should consider about the hardwood before deciding, such as the following:

• The species: This will determine hardness, durability, graining, color (oak, maple, birch, etc.)
• The Width: Wide is 3” + and offers a rustic feel, while anything less is sleeker contemporary looking
• The Texture: Go for something older and more historical or newer and less timeworn
• The Color: Choose between caramel, brown, black, burgundy and everything else between

Finding a Hardwood Floor for Your Kitchen Remodeling

At Fairfax Kitchen and Bath, we help homeowners like you remodel their kitchens with beautiful products and materials. Hardwood floors happens to be one of the materials we have to offer.

Our hardwood comes from quality brands like Armstrong and Bruce. Not only do we sell hardwood floors, but we will prep, stain and finish the project for you. With us, you’re getting a one-stop shop experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Have your pick of hardwood that comes in an array of color options.

What Makes Fairfax Kitchen and Bath Better?

We are a locally owned and operated business in Fairfax, VA. You can stop by our showroom to view the hardwood selections we have available.

What you see is what you get, so you have more control of how your new kitchen floors will look and feel. Compared to our competition, we offer the best deals, the best quality products and warranties.

All our products come with a manufacturer warranty. You can learn more about this by giving us a call.

In fact, contact us today to schedule an appointment for your free consultation and estimation.