Can I have a wooden floor in my Kitchen?
There is a lot that happens in a kitchen that can cause damage to wood. So, one might assume that hardwood flooring wouldn’t be the best choice for a kitchen.
Having Wooden floors extending into the kitchen from the rest of the house is an beautiful way to create a seamless design.
Despite the challenges that Kitchen areas put on the flooring, hardwood floors, when treated and cared for properly, work well in kitchens and are a great option.
What are the challenges?
Kitchens have a huge amount of daily traffic, things get dropped daily, and a variety of liquids are often spilt, all of which a wooden floor can react to negatively. Most people focus on the durability of the finish, but there are other things to consider as well.
Consider these points:
- Durable and repairable finishes will have a more positive outcome in the long term.
- Textured Surfaces such as wire brushing and micro bevel edges to “break up” the surface will help disguise damage from dropped objects and general wear and tear.
- Avoid white or very light coloured floors as they will show stains and wear and tear more quickly (critical point if you are fussy!). although very dark or black finishes (just like your black car) will also require more regular cleaning to keep them looking good.
- “CLEAN” Grade and flat smooth wood floors will show damages faster than character grades.
- Wipe spills up immediately to avoid stains or liquid penetration.
- Place breathable floor mats in front of sink and cooktop areas where grease or oil may splash onto the floor (do not leave the mat on the floor if it gets moist).
- Maintain the surface regularly as per manufacturer’s instructions to ensure long-term durability and protection.
The Choices:
Kitchens are a stressful place for your wooden floor, no matter what type of finish used on the wood, it will be more sensitive in a kitchen environment.
Polyurethane finishes are hard, durable finishes that tend to keep liquids and stains out for a longer period, but once the liquids get in the joints or underneath the finish, it will start flaking, peeling and virtually have no protection whatsoever. Repairing liquid or other caused damage to a polyurethaned finished floor can be an extensive and painful process usually involving complete sanding and refinishing or board replacement.
Traditional penetrating oil finishes have the ability to be easily repaired and protect the wood from within, but liquids can more easily penetrate and stain the wood, especially when the Oil is new and unprotected. These stains can be usually be spot repaired with a cleaner and an Oil touch-up, however Oil does require more attention and maintaince to ensure liquid is wiped up and not left sitting on the surface. Trying to prevent stains from happening in the first place with mats is a good idea.
Hardwax Oil is another finish option to provide longevity and maximum protection from stains and liquid penetration as well as ease of repair in the case of stains or damage to the finish. The hardwax layer acts similar to a polyurethane in resisting penetration of liquids, stains and dirt, but still allows the wood to expel moisture without flaking, blistering or peeling to ensure long-term protection. The oil in the hardwax oil also penetrates into the wood beneath the surface adding protection, depth of colour and beauty. Hardwax Oil brings you all the benefits of both lacquer and traditional Oil finishes ensuring you get the best possible outcome you can receive from a wood floor in any living environment.
The following are benefits of an additional application of Hardwax Oil:
- Reviving the finish from any micro-scratches that occurred during construction
- Added layer of protection to enhance long-term durability and keep the floor looking desirable. With the above in mind, anyone should be able to have an impressive looking wood floor in their kitchen that performs to their expectations if your expectations are suited to the choice you make.