Wood floors have never really gone out of style. They’re the ideal option for those looking to enhance the look of their kitchen with a classic touch. Taking into consideration installation costs, durability in a busy room, and style, it might be difficult to choose between all the different options out there. Hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate all have pros and cons that you should evaluate before installation to ensure you get the finest kitchen wood flooring.

Hardwood

Rustic, elegant, and long-lasting, hardwood is the traditional option for a stylish home. You really can’t go wrong with hardwood. But how does it fare in a kitchen?

Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors

Not only is hardwood easy to clean, natural, and durable, but it also retains heat and adds value to any home it’s used in. Damages or stains can be fixed by resealing, so with the right care, these floors can last a lifetime.

One of the drawbacks of this flooring is that installation can be costly. Hardwood is thick, and in the kitchen it requires a lot of cutting to be properly laid out. This floor should be properly sealed to avoid being ruined by water, stains, and wear. You can purchase pre-finished hardwood, which has a sealant applied before installation, or have the wood finished on site.

Bottom Line

Despite the amount of flooring options trying to imitate the look of natural wood floors, nothing is better than the real thing. If it fits your budget, it’s a great option for your kitchen.

Laminate

Laminate is essentially made out of fiberboard, a photographic image, and a protective coating. Known as the budget-friendly option, laminate may look great in some areas of the house, but its quality is questionable in the kitchen.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are cheaper than hardwood and easy enough to install. There are endless style options and some types are made with a waterproof core. Many consider this option to achieve the natural look of hardwood without emptying their wallets.

However, laminate floors might do more damage than harm in a kitchen. Laminate can’t retain a lot of moisture, so extra care will need to be taken to extend the life of this investment. It also can’t be resealed, so it will need to be replaced with any wear or damage.

Bottom Line

Put simply, it’s not the real thing, and even the best brands usually can’t achieve the look of natural wood with laminate. In a busy kitchen, this may not be the best investment.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood is different from laminate in that it’s made from several layers of pressed wood. The middle ground between laminate and real hardwood, this flooring option might be the solution for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood

This flooring is flexible, less susceptible to water damage, won’t react to changing humidity levels. It’s a beautiful option for kitchens, but can also be used in basements or upper story floors. Engineered wood also mimics the look of natural wood beautifully, so many can’t tell the difference.

But although it’s a budget-friendly option, engineered hardwood can’t be sanded or refinished, so it won’t be as long-lasting as natural hardwood.

Bottom Line

If you’re a stickler for the natural wood look but are on a budget, this is probably your best bet.

Masterful installation

Kitchen wood flooring installation can be tricky, but Priano’s team of professionals can deliver high quality results to achieve your desired look. A team you can trust with your investment, Priano personalizes your space and follows a seamless end-to-end process different from the discord of standard industry methods. Contact us to see your dream kitchen come together.