When you’re looking to remodel a kitchen, one of the big decisions you will have to make is the type of flooring. Do you go for laminate or tile? What about hardwood?

That’s right, we said hardwood flooring. Despite what you may have heard, it’s a perfectly viable choice for a kitchen— if you’re careful and choose wisely. Luckily for you, PT Flooring, Inc is here to set the record straight and help you figure out the best options for your Rhode Island kitchen.

You’ve no doubt heard tale that hardwood flooring can be difficult to care for or install; perhaps you’ve heard that it does not fare well in a kitchen. This can be true, but it can also be false.

Confused? Don’t worry. We’ll break it down— if your heart is set on hardwood flooring, you can make this dream come true without wasting a chunk of money.

Know What You Need

Different climates and moisture levels requite different woods. You also need proper sealant to protect against spills in addition to the regular wear and tear. Stain and treatment are other things to choose between, though these are more aesthetic than functional.

Hardwood floors have two main types: solid and engineered. Solid hardwood has been milled from a single piece of wood; it can be sanded and refinished repeatedly. However, it is susceptible to humidity— not the best choice for a kitchen.

Engineered Hardwood, on the other hand, is created by bonding layers together in a cross-grain fashion. This is more stable, withstands more humidity, and can be installed on top of concrete subflooring. Engineered is also eco-friendlier, using less milled lumber. Installation options are more flexible than solid, as engineered can be floated, glued, or stapled.

Know What You Want

Four key aspects of hardwood flooring are species, width, texture, and color.

Color. Stain colors for hardwood flooring include blonde, caramel, burgundy, brown, and everything in between. Matching a shade to your kitchen design is fairly easy, though some people note that the lightest and darkest colors show stains and spills more readily.

Species. The species of tree from which the wood comes affects color, graining, hardness, and stability. Domestic species like Oak are more common, but you can also find cherry, hickory, maple, walnut and more— you can even find some exotic hardwoods like jatoba.

Texture. From silky smooth to knotted and worn, hardwood flooring comes in a variety of texture. Distressing techniques like hand-scraping or wire-brushing can lead to an aged or rustic appearance, but the knotted look of aged hardwood will be harder to clean after cooking.

Width. Plank width varies, but they are often grouped into two categories: wide and strip. Wide planks are wider than three inches, while strips are skinner. The width you prefer depends mostly on the style of your kitchen.

Trend as Old as Time

Hardwood floors are a classic trend for Rhode Island homes, and this timeless flooring option isn’t likely to lose its luster any time soon. At PT Flooring, Inc., we can help you understand your options and find the best fit for your budget, goals and style.

‍