I'm torn between going with beautiful hardwood floors or opting for laminate in my kitchen. I absolutely love the look and feel of real hardwood, but I've been hearing a lot of warnings about it being prone to scratches and damage from spills or leaks. My heart is set on hardwood, despite the high cost, but I want to make sure I won't regret that decision later on. How valid are these concerns? I could really use some advice!
3 Answers
If you're looking to go with hardwood, just make sure it’s well sealed. It can handle spills if you clean them up quickly, and the scratches can actually add charm over time. Laminate has its issues too, like you can't really repair it unless you have spare pieces. Hardwood lasts longer overall and can be refinished, which is a big plus! I’ve had my kitchen floor, which is 75 years old, refinished a few times and it's holding up great!
Have you thought about engineered hardwood? It looks just like real hardwood but is sometimes cheaper. I've had mine for five years with only two noticeable spots from accidents. It holds up well—better than you'd think! Definitely worth looking into!
Honestly, both hardwood and laminate aren't ideal for kitchens long-term. You might want to consider cork flooring instead, like clik cork. I've had mine for 20 years, and it's been perfect!
Thanks for the suggestion! I hadn't thought about engineered hardwood before. It sounds like a solid compromise!