Compare Pros & Cons of Hardwood in Your Kitchen

Hardwood floors have been around for centuries, and they remain one of the most popular options for kitchen flooring. Wood floors are regarded for their beauty, timelessness and durability. However, as with any flooring option, there are both pros and cons to choosing hardwood.

Cost of Hardwood Flooring

The cost of hardwood flooring varies widely based on the type of wood, the amount of flooring you need and the type and condition of your existing floors. Solid hardwood usually costs anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot for materials, $3 to $5 per square foot for installation and about $2 per square foot for removal and haul away of your old flooring.

Engineered wood floors, which are made by mounting a layer of real wood on top of a composite material, run $3 to $10 per square foot, not including installation or haul away.

Kitchen Hardwood Flooring Pros

• Attractive - Hardwood floors have a warm, elegant look. Many people consider hardwood floors to be the most attractive flooring option available. Wood floors are also timeless - they never go out of style.
• Long-lasting - Properly maintained, hardwood floors can last a century or more. Periodic sanding and re-staining will return your kitchen floors to their original beauty and sheen.
• Easy to clean - Kitchen floors get dirty quickly, but hardwoods are easy to clean. Simply sweep as often as needed and mop the floors periodically. And as long as you clean up spills promptly, wood floors will resist staining.
• Good for resale value - Hardwood floors increase the resale value of your home. Wood flooring is high on the wish list of many modern buyers.

Kitchen Hardwood Flooring Cons

• Cost - Hardwood floors are more expensive than most other materials you might consider for the kitchen, including tile or laminate.
• Susceptible to water damage - Hardwood floors can be damaged or destroyed by water. Spills need to be cleaned up promptly. If an appliance such as the refrigerator or dishwasher leaks and you don’t catch it in time, you might have to refinish or replace the entire floor.
• Prone to wear and tear - Wood floors are more likely than tile floors to be damaged from years of high traffic. They can be scratched by pets or dented by dropping heavy objects onto the floor.

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