There are some things that just don’t seem to go out of style. Among them is wood. They remain as elegant as they have ever been, greatly enhancing any room where they are used as walls, ceilings, and floors. Wood floors are usually installed in living rooms, bedrooms, study dens, hallways, and stairs.
Some people, however, would also like to see their kitchen floors covered with hardwoods, yet conservative contractors discourage this because of their potential to frequently get wet, which can result to warping, buckling, or even rotting. Other more progressive builders, however, argue that it is not entirely impractical to install wood floors in the kitchen, provided the homeowner is willing to perform additional maintenance work and spend extra for suitable sealants.
The greatest benefit of hardwood floors is their timeless beauty and elegance. They can complement your kitchen furniture, cabinets, as well as appliances regardless of their design or color. In contrast to ceramic and stone tiles, wood floors are softer to step on and thus are less harsh on your feet. Also, ceramics and stones, including glass, can be cold to walk on.
The downside to these beautiful floors is that they are susceptible to moisture problems. These can easily happen when water from the sink, and cooking oil or broth from the pots and pans are spilled on the floor. These can also stain the wood surface, permanently discoloring portions of the wood. You will also need to regularly check your floors and your plumbing for any sign of leaks. Atlanta plumbers can help you decide if the leaks could be damaging to your wood floors. Caring for your wood floors will extend the life of your flooring for years to come.
These issues, however, are not exactly insurmountable. There are now available sealants and polyurethane finishes in the market that can protect wood floors from moisture and stains. Some of these finishes may need to be re-applied annually while others can last a long time. Refinishing hardwood floors can be expensive, however, as it requires professional help and special power tools for sanding, application of finishes, and buffing. When properly sealed, wood floors can last as long as ceramic or stone tiles.
As for cleaning, it is not that different from other flooring materials. A broom and a mop are enough to keep them spic and span, if they are properly sealed.