There are several flooring options available for us to choose from, but if you’re looking for something that not only gives your space the elegant aesthetic it needs but can also go the distance and fit your budget, then you’ll be right as rain with hardwood flooring. There are different wood floors available with varying materials of wood, patterns, and installations as far as the eye can see.
The classic material for hardwood flooring is oak, but you’ll also come across maple, walnut, fir, beech, and cherry. Pine is also a fine rustic choice for reproduction and country style houses since it usually has a dark stain to it and gives any space an old-fashioned feel. Besides these, bamboo floors have also become popular as of recently. They are hard, durable, can grow fast, and are considered more eco-friendly than other wood flooring types.
However, like other flooring types, hardwood also has its share of ups and downs even if they are made by top homebuilding companies like home builders keswick. And in this article, we’re going to go over everything there is to like and not like about hardwood flooring.
Pros of Hardwood Flooring
- Longevity
If you visited old period homes, you’d notice that they usually have their original floorings made of solid hardwood. This is no coincidence because solid hardwood flooring is known for its durability and longevity.
This kind of wood material is robust and is typically immune to any wear and tear, which is why most homeowners consider it to be an investment. You opt for timber flooring, despite the fact you may have to polish and sand it now and then, you’ll see that it will ultimately stand the test of time as it can last you decades from now.
- Variety
Another reason why hardwood or wood flooring is usually popular among homeowners is the wide range of wood flooring options you’ll have at your disposal. And you can pick anything that best fits your personal preference and budget.
Besides that, every plank from whatever wood flooring option you choose comes with its different color and shade, making it feel unique compared to other flooring types.
If you get bored of seeing the same color on the planks, you can have them stained. It’s also possible to mix-and-match the woods of the flooring to give it a more exciting look.
Other wood flooring types available for you to choose from include:
- Brazilian cherry
- Teak
- Tigerwood
- Brazilian chestnut
- Brazilian walnut
- Santos mahogany
- Oak
- Hickory
- Australian cypress
- Adds Value
Given their long-lasting durability, hardwood flooring can add tremendous value to your home when it is finally time to sell your property. After all, most homebuyers look forward to buying a house with hardwood flooring.
Even if you chose this flooring type mainly because it complemented that decor of your space, you’ll be surprised to know how much equity and investment you can build up later on because of this.
Hardwood flooring is a lock as a feature for a new house, and it only means that you can demand a higher price when you’re going to be putting your property up for sale.
- Easy to Maintain
If you have kids who are prone to spilling juices or pets that urinate one too many times, you’ll be pleased to know that hardwood flooring is easy to clean. The choice is yours whether you prefer to vacuum, mop, or wipe.
Hardwood floors aren’t as porous as carpets; that is why anything that is spilled onto the floor can be wiped away easily. It’s another reason why hardwood flooring can last for decades.
- Prevents Allergies
Hardwood flooring is a huge get for those who are sensitive to pet dander, dust, or any other airborne particles or toxins. Unlike carpets, none of these particles get trapped and can be removed with ease with a simple wipe or sweep.
Now let’s move on to some of the shortcomings of hardwood flooring:
Cons of Hardwood Flooring
- High-cost
Hardwood flooring is known to be costlier than regular tiles or carpet. If you were expecting just to save up on your wallet a little bit, think again. Besides that, hardwood flooring is typically installed over subflooring, which makes it even more pricey and complicated.
Installing hardwood floors can cost homeowners around $4,400. If you’re going for the more exotic woods, the price can go up to $10,000, depending on the square footage and the type of wood you’re installing.
- Shows Wear and Tear
Don’t take this the wrong way; hardwood flooring is durable, but that doesn’t mean it is immune to scratches or dings from pet clothes, furniture, and shoes over time, especially if you’ve installed in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen. This is what brings us to our next con…
- More Maintenance
Despite hardwood flooring being easier to clean than carpets, they have to be cleaned and maintained more often, especially, as we said earlier if they’re installed in high traffic areas. This is because their material can be damaged or scratched thanks to people walking over the place, placing furniture over it, or your pets scratching and clawing on the wood. When this happens, you’ll need to sand and polish your flooring more often than usual.
- Susceptible to Termite Attacks
Since termites are known to feed on wood, it’s not hard to assume what the state of your hardwood flooring will become afterward. However, many modern homes that consist of hardwood flooring are built with such precautions in mind, even from companies like home builders Keswick.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this, and one of them is choosing the right kind of wood. Look for small signs of infestation as termites known for destroying wood from the inside out.
One way of finding out whether you’re dealing with a termite infestation is to tap the floor using either a screwdriver or something similar to check if you hear any hollow sounds. The cavities left behind by termites cause these sounds. Another way of determining this type of infestation is when the flooring makes a squeaky or creaking sound.
- Weak Against Water
If you’re going to clean your hardwood flooring with a mop, be sure that it isn’t dripping with water. Hardwood flooring can be damaged due to the presence of seepages. You must also keep yourself from using harsh detergents when cleaning the surface of your flooring.
