The Pros and Cons of Installing Hardwood Floors in Your Home
Hardwood floors can undoubtedly add beauty and value to any home. They possess durability, class, and easy maintenance. However, some hardwood floors have disadvantages also. Consider the pros and cons before making your decision.
Advantages of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors give a warm, classic look. They complement most styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Many people search for hardwood floors near me to find the right match for their decor. Hardwood is available in various finishes, including grey hardwood floors, for modern homes.
It is also more resilient. Hardwood floors can last for decades if you take proper care of them. They withstand daily usage and add long-term value to your property. If they get scratched or damaged, then you can make them look new again by sanding hardwood floors.
Easy to Clean
It is easy and very fast to clean hardwood floors. A soft-bristled broom or mop can sweep away dust and debris without much effort. Comparing this to carpets, hardwood floors do not trap allergens. Hardwood floors are less likely to absorb stains. Spills dry fast and disappear, so permanent stains are less likely. On top of that, regular cleaning will keep your floors looking vibrant and beautiful. For this reason, hardwood is very practical for households in no time at all.
Increases Value of Home
Hardwood floors can increase the resale value of your home. Many buyers want hardwood, as it adds class to any room. Homes with hardwood floors typically sell faster at higher prices than those that do not have hardwood. If you ever intend to sell, installing hardwood will attract more customers to buy your home.
Downsides of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. Hardwood can be costly, especially good quality ones. The cost of installation of hardwood floors varies from one to another but usually costs a lot compared to carpets or vinyl. The investment pays off though for lots of reasons.
Susceptible to Water
Hardwood floors have their commonest fear as moisture. Wood will warp or swell if left exposed to water for some time. As such, it is not advisable to install hardwood in a bathroom or basement as moisture is usually high. Engineered hardwood floors are the best for areas prone to moisture since they do not easily warp.
Needs Maintenance
Hardwood floors need to be often maintained if they are to look nice. They should be dusted and mopped more frequently, weekly in fact, for them to look so clean and polished. Periodically, a few years apart, hardwood floors can be sanded so that scratches are erased and shine returned to them. These include sanding the top layer down and then refinishing to give it a fresh look.
More Expensive Installation
One of the disadvantages of hardwood flooring is that installation costs may be very high. Installation services are usually by professionals, which raises the cost. Hardwood floors also require a coupling at the underlayment level for cushioning and protection of the wood, thus raising costs. The long life of hardwoods, however, can be a great equalizer for the initial costs.
Noise and Cold
Hardwood floors are noisy, especially in heavy-traffic areas. Walking or moving furniture on hardwood produces a sound that echoes. If you'd rather have a quieter home, think about including rugs that soften the noise. Placing rugs in common areas reduces both sound and wear on the floor.
Hardwood also becomes cold, especially during winter. Wood, unlike carpets, does not hold warmth. Area rugs are wonderful to make a space cozier during the cold seasons. For those living in colder areas, use additional heating or rugs to retain warmth in your space.