Touch wood!

Wood flooring in kitchen and bathroom— is it a good idea? Probably not the best idea taking into consideration our weather conditions and lifestyle as wood does not go well with moist environments. However, there are good options available if one prefers to go ahead with wood flooring. Here are a few ways how you can maintain and make it durable.

For kitchen

Indian kitchen is a very busy area. From spills and splashes to food stains to dropped utensils and dishes, there are a number of different challenges that your floors will have to face.

If one still wants to opt for wood flooring then engineered wood should be the preferred choice. This type of wood is more stable and does not expand and contract as much as compared to solid wood. The pros of wood flooring in the kitchen are that wood gives a natural and aesthetically elevated look to the space. If maintained appropriately, wood can last for years and is versatile in nature. However, the drawbacks, as mentioned above, constant maintenance and vulnerability to water, splashes, stains etc.

For bathroom

Since we all use the bathroom barefoot, wood gives a more warm and earthy feeling, if installed inside the bathroom. Solid wood floor, due to its constraints, may not be the best option in terms of durability. Bathroom, like kitchens contain high levels of humidity and moisture does not go well with wood. Moreover, spills and splashes will damage the floor if not wiped, mopped or cleaned immediately.

Of all the hardwood flooring options available, engineered wood is a better choice, as it has higher stability and withstands moisture much better than solid wood. However, proper maintenance and care should be taken.

The pros of installing wood flooring in the bathroom is they are more soothing and comforting to the feet due to its warmth, it entirely changes the ambience of a bathroom to a unique space, giving it character and appeal. A well maintained wood flooring will last around 25 years.

The cons are similar to the kitchen, small spills and splashes will damage the wood. Even droplets that fall out while washing your face may be troublesome. The floor needs to be aligned and balanced well, or else it may cause hollow spaces within the floor. In order to avoid all this, one should foremost regularly maintain the floor, use bath mats, and install a tub with shower curtains to minimize the spill on the floor.

— IANS