If you’re considering hardwood flooring for your next home improvement project, you’re making a wise decision. Hardwood flooring offers a multitude of benefits that other flooring solutions cannot aspire to. However, even with it being the superior option, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making your final decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of wood flooring so that you can make an informed choice about what’s best for your home.

Wood flooring is always a top consideration due to its natural look and the myriad of styles and colors that deliver a touch of warmth and elegance. Being particularly versatile, hardwood can be used in any space or type of decor, from modern to traditional, and can be paired with interior styles ranging from residential to commercial.

While wood flooring has many advantages, there are also things that must be taken into consideration. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of using wood floors for your next project so that we have all the information as to whether or not this fit would accurately suit your lifestyle.

Pros:

Hypoallergenic:

Hardwood is ideal for people who suffer from asthma or allergies. Since wood doesn’t harbor dust, pollen, mold etc., nor does it allow for growth of dust mites or parasites as other materials do. Any dirt, dust, or other pollutant can simply be removed by vacuuming or a routine cleaning.

Increases The Resell Value:

Wood Flooring is an investment that will continue to bring value to a home after the original purchaser moves on. The informed homebuyer is willing to pay more for a home with wood flooring, the durability with an occasional refinishing will stretch the life span years compared to carpet or vinyl counterparts. More important many times though is the feeling of luxury, sophistication, and warmth that other products simply cannot match.

Last a lifetime:

With proper installation and care, wood floors will last for generations. Many homes have wood floors that are over a hundred years old and still look as beautiful as the day they were installed. How many instances does one see the carpet floor still holding up 5, 10 years after installation? In fact, Woodpecker wood floors come with a seldom seen 100-year warranty, a far departure from the competition.

Refinished Back to New:

Over time, wood floors are also capable of reflecting signs of wear and tear. However, unlike other options, wood can and should be refinished to bring it right back to that “Just Installed Look”. This process involves sanding down the floors and then applying a new finish. This can be done multiple times over the lifetime of the floor.

Timeless and natural look:

Wood floors never go out of style. They have been around for centuries and will continue to be popular for many years to come.  Wood floors also give any space a natural and warm look that is inviting and comfortable.

Easy cleaning.

Cleaning is a breeze compared to carpet with its stainability or tile options and their hard-to-reach crevices. A simple sweeping/mopping with an approved cleaner is all that’s needed to keep it glowing with a shine you cannot get anywhere else.

Warm and soft underfoot:

Hardwood floors conduct heat which in turn will help keep your home warm in the winter months, and if that’s not sufficient heated floors are growing in popularity. They are also softer and more comfortable to walk on than other materials like tile or stone, which also tend to be on the colder side during the winter months. .

Cons:

Moisture:

One of the biggest drawbacks to wood floors is their propensity to be damaged by moisture or humidity. Fluctuations in air moisture(humidity) can cause your floor to warp or swell, but can easily be counteracted by the use of a humidifier/dehumidifier depending on the time of year.

Water:

Wood floors can also be damaged by water.  If there is a spill, it’s important to clean it up immediately to prevent the water from seeping into the wood and causing damage. This can be a particular problem in kitchens and bathrooms where spills are more likely to occur, remember, diligence and a couple well placed mats can go a long way.

Cost:

Wood floors are a major investment, and while they have a greater resale value, the expense of having wood floors may make you hesitate. The price of wood flooring varies greatly depending on the wood species, quality, and finish. Let’s pretend you want to acquire a quality hardwood flooring that will last a lifetime; the cost for something like this might range from $7 to $15 per square foot and frequently another $5 to $8 for installation.

Easy to scratch and dent:

Wood floors are hard material but still can be easily scratched or dented by heavy furniture, pets, or high heels. To avoid this, some small steps like: the placement of area rugs in high-traffic areas, use furniture pads, maintaining of house pet’s nails, weekly vacuuming, and the avoidance of high heels or shoes in the house can all go a long way.

Noise:

Wood can be noisy especially in large open rooms, due to the ability for the sound waves to bounce off the floor. If young children or pets are running around, area rugs, as well as cork or other types of underlayment can be of great help in absorbing the sound.

Pets:

Older and heavy dogs may have problems with hardwood floors. They can slip when attempting to get off the floor since they don’t have a firm grip.

So, what have we learned? First and foremost, hardwood floors offer many benefits that other flooring materials simply cannot match. They look great, they’re durable and add value to your home. Like anything else in life, there are a couple of considerations that a buyer should be aware of: initial cost – wood floors tend to be more expensive than other options, exposure to moisture, sharp objects, and pets/children. Once you factor in the long-term savings on repairs and replacements, as well as the added resale value of your home, it’s worth the investment. If there are any other questions, thoughts or concerns, please contact us – we’re happy to help! And if you want to experience the beauty and durability of wood flooring for yourself, order free samples today, you won’t be disappointed.