Q: We are trying to decide what to install in the kitchen, wood or tile. The problem is the existing 2″ white oak wood floor in the adjacent rooms is about 60 years, but in great shape. We are re-finishing those floors, but I know we can not exactly match those due to the age of the wood.
From the kitchen, one of the case openings goes to the dining room with the old floors and the case other opening goes into the foyer with the old floors. The new kitchen floors and adjacent existing floors will directly transition to each other.
Should we go with maybe a 3″ wood floor in the kitchen and finish a completely different shade so that it does not look like we tried to match and messed up? Or, should we go with a completely different wood such as walnut or cherry? Or, should we just go with tile? What is acceptable in the design world when mixing hardwood floors?
Thank you,
Greg Davis
A: When it comes to “acceptable” in the design world, I like to think that as long as the owner loves it, its acceptable. I won’t claim to be an interior designer with all the design answers, but I do know what I like and what can work.
When it comes to trying to match an existing floor, I generally prefer mixing floor colors as it can be nearly impossible to match a floor after this much time. The benefit here is that it gives each area of your home its own unique look and feel and with proper transition work the change will look good as well. This usually involves getting a transition to match the new floor, and allowing that transition (which will most likely be a t-mold) to cover the new floor. This will give a much more professional look. Personally, when mixing floors I like to go toward entirely different species because this makes it so every part of the floor is different. You go from having the nice grain and look of oak, to moving to a new color and grain pattern.
In the end though, find a floor YOU love. As long as you love it, it will look great because it fits what you want in your home. I’ve told many folks in the past with similar situations this: I can show you all the floors I love, but if you don’t love it we’ve both failed our jobs; me to help you find what will fit your project and you to find something you want in your home.
That being said, let’s talk logistics here. In kitchens you run risk of water getting on your floor. This being said your best bet will be tile for durability. However, I have seen many wood floors succeed (and look amazing) in a kitchen. I would suggest a wider plank for your kitchen if you choose to go with wood, and during installation, put a thin bead of tongue and groove glue into the plank’s groove to act as an extra seal against moisture.
Here’s the breakdown to keep in mind for your project:
- Tile will be the most resilient floor you can install in a kitchen.
- Wood can work in a kitchen, but take some precautions during installation and use wider planks
- If you choose wood, find a floor you love and will fit what you want in your home
- Don’t worry about matching to the existing floor, with some careful transition work the change in floors will look great
