Teak is strong, sturdy and beautiful, which is why it is an ideal choice for kitchen flooring. Teak is as hard as Oak and lasts a lifetime. Teak is very dense as its grains are tightly packed together. The teak floor is therefore naturally resistant to fungi, insects and rot.
Being naturally endowed with oil content, teak resists moisture and is best suited for damp places such as the kitchen. Teak flooring is not affected by fluctuating kitchen temperatures and does not warp in humid conditions.
Teak (Tectona) is grown in the tropical regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Although teak is mainly exported from Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand, teak plantations are being established in other parts of the world as well. This is because this yellowish brown hardwood is preferred for kitchen flooring all over the world.
Due to its aesthetic appeal and durability, teak flooring not only gives your home an elegant look, but also lasts longer and gives you value for money. In addition, teak flooring increases the resale value of your home.
Cost of teak floor
In addition to the cost of installation, you can buy teak flooring for $4 per square foot and up. The price depends on certain factors such as the quality, size and thickness of the plates. Unfinished teak is cheaper than pre-finished teak. However, you will incur extra costs for sanding and finishing if you buy unfinished teak.
Also, each manufacturer has its own price range. Considering the fact that the teak floor will last for generations, it is a great long term investment.
Other natural factors that affect the price of teak land are the near extinction of certain species of teak, the long time it takes for teak to mature, the limited geographical area where teak is grown and the space requirements.
Tips for buying a teak floor
1. There are different styles of teak floors: parquet, which is a series of floor pieces arranged in a geometric design; plank floor, which are linear and wider planks of teak; and a strip, which is linear land that is not that wide.
2. In these days, when environmental awareness and care are of utmost importance, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified teak floor should be chosen for. This ensures that teak is properly utilized without depleting the natural resources of the forest.
3. Teak flooring is available in different quality grades. The higher the quality grade, the more uniform the pattern and color. On the other hand, the teak floor of a lower quality grade will have greater color variations and may have knots. First grade teak is always the best in terms of quality and appearance. Some prefer lower grade teak because of its natural rustic look.
4. Choose bigger plates if your kitchen is bigger and vice versa. This is to avoid too many joints and minimize cleaning. Shorter planks work well for smaller kitchens.
5. If you want a stronger feel for your teak floor, it is always better to go for thicker planks as they give more solidity to the teak floor.
6. As with other hardwood floors, teak also comes unfinished or pre-finished. Unfinished teak flooring is more rugged and can be sanded and polished to your liking. Pre-finished teak flooring is more preferable as it is treated and coated to preserve its quality and strength. Any excess moisture is also released by the factory process. Although the pre-finished teak floor is comparatively more expensive, it is most suitable for kitchens with a high level of activity, as it has a higher resistance to moisture, spills, scratches and the damaging effects of direct sunlight. In addition, it carries a better warranty.
7. These days engineered tech flooring is becoming very popular. This is because it is specially manufactured in the factory and the teak is reinforced using a lower layer of fiberboard or plywood to give it stability and durability. The lower layers of plywood and the upper layer of teak are placed perpendicular to each other and subjected to extreme pressure in the factory. The final product is stronger and nicer to look at. If your kitchen is at ground level or below, an engineered teak floor would be the best for it.
8. In addition, engineered teak flooring is also more environmentally friendly. Plywood is created from fast-growing softwood, which is abundant and therefore uses less teak.
Installation of teak floor
It is recommended that you only have teak flooring installed by experienced and licensed contractors. This is because correct installation plays an important role in how your teak floor will perform in the long run. The plates must be properly installed to prevent them from bending or developing gaps between them. Properly installed teak flooring requires minimal maintenance.
Teak floor maintenance
Always follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the care and maintenance of your teak floor.
For best cleaning results, you can vacuum or swab your teak floor with a damp mop.
In areas of high foot traffic and areas where there is a possibility of spillage, you can place area rugs to reduce the impact and the wear and tear that results may be evident in the long run.
Do not let spilled liquid sit on the teak floor, but immediately wipe it up. This will prevent the liquid from entering the gap between the plates and causing the plates to swell.
Although teak floors can last a lifetime, they can show signs of wear over time. As with any hardwood floor, you can refinish your teak floor and bring back the shine.
