Hardwood vs. Tile in the Kitchen

Know the pros and cons of kitchen flooring materials.

Besides the countertop, the floor is the largest and most important surface in the kitchen. The ideal time to update a kitchen floor is during renovation, when you can decide what material would be best. The two most common kitchen floor materials are hardwood and tile. Luckily, each material comes in unlimited colors and styles. The decision can be tough, but considering the benefits and characteristics of each material can make the choice easier.

Pros and Cons of Hardwood

Gleaming hardwood flooring in the ktichen creates a warm atmosphere, but beware of spills and dirt.

Wood flooring in the kitchen has a traditional aesthetic, is easy to stand on for long periods because it is soft, and can be refinished a number of times when necessary. However, because hardwood flooring is actually softer than tile, it can scratch easily if dirt, grease, grit and grime grind into the surface of the wood. Wood flooring can become damaged or warped by pools of water and spills in the kitchen, as well. The key to successful hardwood flooring in the kitchen is in proper installation and finishing, according to Joanne Kellar Bouknight, author of the New Kitchen Idea Book. Since wood expands, it must be installed correctly so it can change with humidity levels inherent in a kitchen. Bouknight says that there are a number of urethane finishes, but that moisture-cured urethane is the best option for a kitchen because it is tough, and resists water. But it is also expensive and difficult to apply and gives off toxic odors during the finishing process.

Types of Hardwood for the Kitchen

Strips of hardwood come in various widths.

Hardwood flooring comes in strips, or long boards that vary in width by a few inches, to wider strips called planks that provide a more rustic look. According to Bouknight, wide-plank floors will create wider gaps in humid conditions than strip flooring. Oak, a stable wood, is preferred for kitchen floors, says Bouknight, and maple, cherry and hickory are other types of hardwoods reserved for wider plank kitchen flooring.

Pros and Cons of Tile

Tile is tough and durable, but know the types of materials before choosing.

The selection of tiles for kitchen floors is endless. Tiles come in all shapes, sizes, colors and can be customized with insets, mosaics and borders. According to flooring manufacturer Armstrong, tiles do not react to humidity, and if the material is properly maintained, the floor can last indefinitely. In warmer climates, tile flooring is appreciated for its cool touch. In addition, the wear and tear children and pets create on flooring will hardly show up on the surface and when the tile is dirty, it is easy to clean with a sweeping or a mopping. But the cons of tile include chipping and cracking. Tile is hard and dishware may break if dropped on the floor, and tile's hardness can bruise elbows and knees. Grout can deteriorate and become discolored over time.

Types of Tile for the Kitchen

Large squares of tile flooring makes a kitchen look contemporary.

The two types of tile floor include ceramic and porcelain. According to FloorFacts, ceramic tile, made from clays and other organic materials, and have white or red bodies. Ceramic tile can be left unglazed, such as terra cotta, or it can be finished with a glaze for design and color. Porcelain tile is manufactured with porcelain clay and fired at higher temperatures, which makes it more durable and more moisture-resistant than ceramic, according to FloorFacts. Another feature of porcelain is that the color of the tile is uniform throughout the entire body and face of the tile. Glazed porcelain tiles are easy to maintain, as well. Porcelain tiles are durable enough for outdoor use.

Other Considerations

Regardless of which material you choose, put a kitchen rug near the sink to catch any wetness and drips. Whether you choose hardwood or tile, be on guard to quickly wipe up spills and grease before they become ground into the surface. The best way to choose between hardwood and tile is to consider what will work best for your lifestyle.

References

• "New Kitchen Idea Book;" Joanne Kellar Bouknight; 2004
• Armstrong: Quick Reference Guide
• FloorFacts: Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile

Resources

• Build Direct Blog: Porcelain Tile That Looks Like Wood Flooring