Pros & Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Many homeowners choose hardwood flooring due to its durability, easy maintenance, and visually pleasing style. It has a comfortable underfoot and is preferred over other types of flooring. Additionally, it can substantially increase a home's value when the time comes to sell. Like any flooring type, hardwood has advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering. Our blog post aims to provide useful insights on hardwood to help you make an informed decision for your home. 

Durability:

Durability has to be one of the most compelling arguments for hardwood flooring. As long as the floor is correctly installed and maintained throughout its lifetime, it can easily last for several decades. Furthermore, hardwoods can be refinished multiple times, allowing them to keep looking great and remain functional for years to come. Of course, they're not impervious to damage - dents and scratches can be an issue, and moisture is always a concern with wood. 

Maintenance:

Maintaining a hardwood floor is remarkably simple, which can be a relief to homeowners who've struggled to keep carpet clean. Regular sweeping and the occasional mopping with a hardwood cleaner can keep the flooring looking fantastic for many years. Additionally, hardwood floors can add to a home's value, making them an especially good investment. It's important to note that hardwood floors do require refinishing now and then, and exposure to prolonged humidity or water can be problematic. Additionally, the upfront cost can be higher than some other flooring choices, but the value added to your home can offset that.

Aesthetics:

Aesthetically, it's hard to beat hardwood flooring. The natural warmth and beauty of the material can complement any style of decor, and it comes in a variety of finishes and tones to suit any taste. As for any downside... well, that's subjective. Some may find that hardwood doesn't quite hit the mark for their room design, or that they prefer a different flooring.

Sustainability:

For those who love nature, hardwood flooring can be an eco-friendly choice as it comes from a renewable source. But it's important to research the source of your hardwood to ensure that it has been obtained responsibly, and that underground resources weren't sacrificed in its production. 

Installation:

Hardwood flooring has a major perk: it's easy enough for DIY enthusiasts to take on! This fun project doesn't require a ton of expertise or experience to install. You will need to do your homework though, as it does require you to gain some skill and knowledge of preparation steps, tools and materials needs, installation method type, etc... With both a DIY project and professional installation, you can run into unforeseen costs that may arise.

When considering hardwood flooring, it's essential to understand both benefits and drawbacks, including durability, upkeep, cost, looks, and installation. One great way to dive deeper into the subject is by exploring our hardwood flooring showroom or scheduling a consultation with a flooring expert who can guide you through the process and provide recommendations and estimates.