Functional Kitchen Flooring for your Family’s Busy Life

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The Holidays are here… Are your floors ready?

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that home and family are more important than ever.  As the holidays approach, your kitchen is likely the busiest place in the house.  Whether the house cook is working overtime, or hungry kids and teens seem to be coming through a revolving door that never ends, your floors take the brunt of the traffic.  The question is… do they take it well?

If it’s been awhile since you considered new flooring options, Hardwood Specialties reminds you that now may be a great time to take another look.   It’s time to trade dated and worn for something truly divine: a functional floor that weathers high traffic well and offers serious style to boot!

Make damage repair a priority

It almost goes without saying that removing or repairing damaged flooring from your home should be a top priority.  Damaged hardwood or vinyl can cause accidents, especially during high-traffic seasons like this one, and while carpet in the kitchen was once considered luxurious, we’re guessing that if there’s still carpet in yours, it’s time for a good update anyway.  After all, carpet harbors all sorts of things that are no good for your family: dust mites, dander, grime, and other allergens are hiding in that handsome shag or pretty loop pile.  Carpet in the kitchen also absorbs inadvertent spills and messes adding even more undesirable elements to the mix.

Create a new aesthetic

The flooring market offers a host of options that are both functional and beautiful—allowing you to update your space and create a unique, cozy, or dapper look that is sure to be the talk of the next family gathering.  You’ll look forward to telling the in-laws all about your new floors at their visit… and it may be even more fun to see the sparkle of envy in Aunt Karen’s eye!

Here are few trends that incorporate a beautiful aesthetic with high function that you’ll want to consider:

  • Water Resistant Floors -  Let’s face it, spills and messes happen. If you’ve ever been the owner of white carpet, you’re likely to recall a moment of sheer panic as you watched your toddler’s chocolate pudding pulled groundward via gravity.  Water Resistant floors ensure that nothing seeps beyond the surface when crisis arises, and they’re easier to clean as well.

  •  Distressed Wood and Concrete – The barnwood look has been popular for several years and is still a home-owner favorite for its warm, rustic appeal.  Concrete can mimic the distressed wood look and other textures and adds charming personality to any space in the home.

  •  Non-slip Floors – Practical, safer, beautiful textured floors are all the rage.  Say goodbye to Risky Business slides ala Tom Cruise in socks and enjoy the notion that your step is steadier on these handsome surfaces.

  •  Graphic Tiles – The array of unique, art-inspired tiles available today is impressive.  Manufacturers add images and pattern aplenty for the asking.  Whether you choose a traditional, repeating pattern or something a little more daring, these tiles can create a floor that is nothing short of the pièce de resistance of your home.

  • Engineered Wood Floors – Engineered wood floors are a solid alternative to hardwood and laminate with a pre-finished veneer to make them more moisture resistant-- meaning this alternative floor material holds its shape better, longer.

  • Large-format Tiling –The clean, sophisticated look of large-format tiles can make your space look bigger for optimal impact.  Durable options in ceramic and porcelain are available in multiple shapes.

  •  Colored Laminates – Scratch resistant and durable, laminates can replicate the look of a wide range of other surfaces.  They repel water, absorb noise to a certain degree, and are always a good choice.  Now, bright and trendy colors are more available than ever, adding unique quality and character to the any room they grace.

Turn up the dial on marketability

It never hurts to think long term!  If you’re considering selling your home, the quality and condition of your floors make a big difference in the value of your home. Fall is a prime season for real estate sales and buyers don’t want the hassle of replacing a bad floor. In fact, many will walk away if the project is too daunting.  A floor makeover is also incentive for homeowners seeking to sell to try new furniture configurations or to replace or repair other dated features making buyers more apt to give those home more than a second glance.

Hardwood Specialties can help with all your flooring needs!

We hope you have a happy and safe holiday season.  Please know that Hardwood Specialties stands at the ready to help you with your flooring and other home renovation during this busy time and all year round. Contact us with your questions or to schedule a consultation based on your home’s unique needs.