Hardwood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners due to its warm appeal and natural design aesthetic. Many even consider it aspirational and feel a sense of joy and satisfaction after finishing a home renovation with hardwood flooring. In fact, a joint study conducted by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry revealed that hardwood flooring received a perfect ten score on the happiness rating scale of most homeowners.
The aesthetic appeal can even add more value to your property, making hardwood flooring a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your home anytime in the future. However, this is a major decision, and it’s essential that you fully understand what you are getting into before taking the leap.
What Are Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is built from either solid or engineered hardwood planks, typically made from different hardwood species such as oak, maple, beech, pine, fir, cherry, bamboo, or walnut. Despite being made of wood, it has quite a wide assortment since the final look depends on many factors – from the type of material used to how it was cut, assembled, and finished.
As the name implies, solid hardwood flooring is made from solid wood and is a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability. Because it can be sanded and refinished repeatedly, it has a significantly longer lifespan than other flooring types.
On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring looks almost identical to solid hardwood on the surface but is actually made from multiple layers of wood that are bonded together. Because of its composition, engineered hardwood flooring is more resistant to moisture and changes in temperature which is why it is ideal for areas with high humidity or frequent temperature fluctuations. It is also a more affordable option than solid hardwood, but it is not as long-lasting and can only be refinished a few times to extend its lifespan.
Benefits And Advantages Of Hardwood Floors
Aside from their aesthetic appeal, hardwood flooring brings many more benefits to a home that you may not realize at first glance. If you are still undecided about whether to go for hardwood flooring for your home, here are more reasons to convince you:
- It Is Easy To Clean
One of the key benefits of this flooring is that it is easy to clean and maintain. For one, its smooth surface allows you to effortlessly sweep or vacuum away all the dirt, dust, and allergens that accumulate on the floor. “Hardwood floors get dirty but do not absorb liquids as carpets or other types of flooring will,” says Arizona Hardwood Floor Supply.
If the flooring has been properly sealed, it becomes naturally resistant to spills, scratches, and dents as well. This means spills can be wiped up quickly and easily without leaving behind any residue or discoloration, and it is less likely to be damaged by wear and tear. As such, it requires relatively little maintenance, and regular sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping are enough to keep it clean and looking its best.
- It Is Durable And Long Lasting
Some may immediately turn away after seeing the price because hardwood flooring can be significantly more expensive than other options. However, it should be evaluated based on its overall performance rather than the initial expense because it is a long-term investment for your home.
This is because hardwood floors are durable and can last for several decades while remaining in top shape. Since they are made of wood, they are less likely to warp or crack than other materials like vinyl and don’t need special maintenance aside from the occasional refinishing.
- It’s Easy To Customize
A common misconception of hardwood flooring is that it all looks the same because it is made of wood. But the reality is that it actually comes in a wide variety of colors and widths, and you can choose the type of wood as well as the color, shape, texture, hardness, and style that best fits your lifestyle as well as the look of your home.
Most commercially available hardwood pieces are already pre-finished to simplify installation and eliminate dust, chemical fumes, and waiting time. However, you can get them site-finished if you want more customization since this allows you to choose your stain color while also making it easier to hone the surface and even out imperfections.
- Hardwood Flooring Is Eco-Friendly And Sustainable
If you want to build a sustainable home, then hardwood flooring is a good option for you. Firstly, it is made from renewable resources and is easy to recycle. Second, it has a lower carbon footprint because it requires less energy to produce compared to other flooring materials like carpet or vinyl. Even the maintenance and upkeep are easier on the planet because you don’t need any special chemicals or processes to keep it looking good.
Aside from these, hardwood flooring is timeless and long-lasting, so you don’t need to replace your floors as often as you would have to when using other materials. And once it reaches the end of its lifespan many decades later, it can be repurposed for other products, such as fuel for energy production.