STEP INSIDE KITCHEN Wood it


be a Good Idea?


Flooring and doors retailer A


Wood Idea outlines the key points homeowners should consider if they


are thinking about installing a wooden kitchen floor.


When determining which material is best for kitchen flooring, there are a number of things that need to be considered.


You need to think about the practical elements of working in a kitchen. First of all, it is a high-traffic environment, so flooring will be exposed to some wear and tear. There is also the potential for spillages, so durability and the means to support heavy items such as ovens and washers are a must.


There are also the aesthetic aspects of the floor to consider. How could it impact the look of the kitchen overall? Will it tie- in with décor? Will it stand the test of time?


With the choice of so many types of flooring, it can be difficult to know which option is best. In recent years, wood flooring has become more of a consideration for kitchens.


Preconceptions


It is widely known that wood flooring is more suited to rooms with little exposure to moisture, such as hallways and bedrooms. Rooms that are exposed to more moisture, like bathrooms, are thought to be unsuitable, as the wood can absorb the moisture and expand.


Rooms with a fluctuating temperature are also thought to be unsuitable for wooden flooring, as the temperature causes the wood to expand and contract, which can impact the appearance or damage floorboards.


As the kitchen is known for having rapid changes in temperature and humidity, some may be reluctant to consider wooden flooring for these rooms. The potentially negative impacts of the kitchen environment can be combated by choosing engineered wooden flooring instead of untreated wood. This wood is constructed into multiple layers, which means it is stronger, denser and more stable than untreated wood; and therefore resistant to changes in environment.


Benefits Wooden flooring in a kitchen presents a number of benefits.


Once fitted, wood flooring is strong and durable, so it will 24 | Tomorrow’s Retail Floors


“Wooden flooring makes an attractive addition to any style of kitchen. It has a classic, timeless appearance, which complements any style of décor.”


stand the test of time, even in a very busy kitchen with a lot of day-to-day traffic.


Wooden flooring is also very easy to maintain and care for. There are a number of products on the market that can help to preserve the condition of the floor, and improve the finish when you think it’s needed.


Alongside this, wooden flooring makes an attractive addition to any style of kitchen. It has a classic, timeless appearance, which complements any style of décor, so will remain a solid staple for a number of years.


Considering hardwood kitchen floors?


There are a number of general maintenance points that coincide with introducing wood flooring into the kitchen. Our tips would include:


• The floor should be treated regularly to keep it in excellent condition. As a retailer, you should advise your customer on the correct course of treatment for their flooring, including what products to use and how often.


• Spillages should be cleaned up quickly. Engineered wooden flooring can withstand much more moisture than untreated wood, but it’s best to keep its exposure to spillages to a minimum.


• Cleaning products are to be used sparingly. Wooden flooring is easy to clean and, as a result, will only need a light sweep, or buffing with a damp mop. Using too many additional cleaning products will expose the floor to more moisture.


www.awoodidea.co.uk www.tomorrowsretailfloors.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36