Hi Spoak community,
I’m just starting to plan our kitchen reno, and am stuck on flooring! The kitchen opens up to our only dining area so would love to do hard wood floors but worry about durability in the kitchen, anyone have any recs for hardwood in the kitchen? Is engineered more forgiving with water?
Hi @marietaylor! I made the decision to have hardwood floors in our kitchen when we did our reno and I am very happy to say we’ve had no issues. I agonized over this decision as well, since, like you, my kitchen is open to our dining area and living areas and I did not want a transition.
We used red oak planks (pretty standard / “cheap” hardwood) with a dark stain and 3 coats of polly. We have no stains or water damage and it’s been 3 years. I have a big rug in the center of the kitchen that protects the floors, but no rug or anything under the sink or by the fridge which get the most water spills and it’s been fine! Pics to show the room (don’t mind the mess) and the floors by the fridge and sink.
Thank you! that looks great! I was also thinking of doing an open shelf like that above the skink wall, so this is great inspiration.
Hardwood in kitchens can definitely work if sealed properly and maintained. Many homeowners prefer engineered hardwood in areas like the kitchen because it’s more resistant to moisture fluctuations while still offering the warmth and continuity of solid wood. A dark-stained oak or walnut tends to hide minor spills and scratches well, and placing rugs in high-traffic or splash-prone areas, such as in front of the sink or stove, adds extra protection without breaking the flow of the space.
Consulting with experts who specialise in flooring solutions can be a real help. Molecule Designs, based in the UK, offers tailored advice on both engineered and solid hardwood options to ensure durability and style match your kitchen. You can visit here to explore some of their kitchen flooring projects and see finishes that handle everyday kitchen wear beautifully.
The key is choosing the right finish and cleaning routine, quickly wiping up spills and using a gentle cleaner will keep your floors looking pristine for years. This approach allows an open-plan kitchen and dining area to feel seamless and elegant without sacrificing practicality.
I’ve had good luck with engineered wood in kitchens, especially if you seal it well and stay on top of wiping spills. I once refreshed an older oak floor with Floor sanding in Kent and it held up way better after the sanding and finishing than I expected, even around the sink zone.
If you want that clean flow into the dining area, engineered planks with a tough finish feel like the sweet spot.
