Hardwood floors are easy to clean and require less maintenance than carpeting. You can Swiffer, vacuum, or steam-clean hardwood flooring to keep it looking beautiful.
They also feel a bit warmer underfoot than stone or tile. However, dropped dishes can dent hardwood floors. Wood species that best handle temperature and humidity changes include oak, maple, and hickory.
They Add Value to Your Home
Many homeowners choose to install hardwood floors for the added value they will bring to their homes. When properly cared for, wood flooring is long-lasting and can withstand the test of time. Wood is also a natural and renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice for your home.
Real estate experts agree that hardwood floors add significant value to your home. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association a few years ago found that houses with hardwood floors sell more quickly and at a higher price than those with carpeting.
Solid hardwood floors are a great long-term investment for any homeowner as they can be sanded and refinished over the years to change the color of your rooms. Unlike carpeting, which may need to be replaced after a few decades, hardwood can last 100+ years.
Light and natural stain colors are very popular right now as they work well with a variety of design styles. Additionally, they can hide dirt and dust better than darker stains.
Oak hardwood floors are especially popular, as they are durable and can be stained in a wide range of colors. They also have a naturally strong grain pattern that masks scratches, dents, and other mishaps on the floor. Oak is also a hardwood, which makes it more resistant to damage from pets and children than softwoods such as maple and hickory.
Many homeowners are choosing to purchase their wood from local hardwood mills. This is a great way to support local businesses and to know where your flooring comes from. Buying from a local mill can be cheaper as you cut out the middleman and buy directly from the source.
Regardless of what type of hardwood you decide to use in your home, be sure to choose a high-quality product and a professional installer. This will ensure that your floors are installed correctly and to your satisfaction. Additionally, it is important to make a realistic budget for your project. Be sure to account for any waste that may be generated during the installation process and include this in your total cost. A good rule of thumb is to estimate 10% over the square footage that you will install on your floors to account for any wasted boards.
They Add Warmth to Your Home
Hardwood floors are not only a beautiful choice for your home, but they also add warmth. Whether your hardwood is light in color or dark, the natural material can make any room feel inviting. This warm feeling is a major reason so many people choose hardwood flooring over other materials. It’s a popular option that never goes out of style.
Many homeowners choose hardwood floors because they can be matched with a wide range of decor styles. From a rustic distressed look to a modern contemporary design, hardwood can be stained in almost any color. Darker hardwoods, such as walnut and cherry, are making a comeback because they complement many furniture styles. This type of floor is also easy to match with a variety of wall colors, creating a cohesive look in your home.
Domestic hardwoods are often the preferred choice because of their durability and sustainability. Domestic oak is the most commonly used hardwood flooring material. This species has a high Janka rating, which makes it durable. It’s also a beautiful wood with a rich color and grain pattern. Maple is another common choice because of its durability and affordability. It has a similar color to oak but is slightly lighter in hue. This domestic hardwood has a fine, swirling grain pattern and subtle highlights that enhance its beauty.
Another popular domestic hardwood is hickory, which is knotted and wildly variegated in color. This species is very durable and stands up well to moisture. It is a good alternative to oak for areas that experience wide fluctuations in humidity.
If you choose to go with a traditional solid plank hardwood, it is important to properly acclimate it before installation. This can be done by assessing the environment with a pinless wood moisture meter. You can also invest in an engineered wood option, which features multiple layers or plies of wood laminated together. This prevents the floor from swelling and shrinking with humidity. Both options will still react with water, but the engineered wood will fare better than solid plank hardwood in these environments.
They Are Easy to Maintain
If you’re looking for a flooring option that is easy to keep clean, hardwood floors are the way to go. They don’t need the heavy machinery and expensive cleaning chemicals of many other flooring types, and they can be easily maintained with regular sweeping.
While hardwood floors can be scuffed or scratched just like any other type of flooring, they are generally very durable and will last for years to come if you treat them well. You can also protect your floors by removing shoes indoors to avoid tracking dirt and grime across the surfaces, using floor protectors under furniture, and adding area rugs in play areas to ensure the wood isn’t being scratched by toys or rough play.
Another advantage of hardwood floors is that they are easier to keep clean than carpets. Dirt, dust, pet dander, and other allergens tend to get trapped in the nooks and crannies of carpet, which can lead to poor air quality. Sweeping regularly can help to reduce the buildup of these particles, as can vacuuming with a soft brush or bare-floor setting on your vacuum.
Hardwood floors are also a natural and renewable material, making them a good choice for those concerned about the environment. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the growth of hardwood trees exceeds the average annual removal rate, so plenty of wood is always available to use in flooring. In addition, when a hardwood floor is no longer suitable for use, it can be recycled or burned as fuel instead of going to waste.
Solid hardwood flooring is versatile enough to complement any style of decor and can add a sense of luxury and elegance to any home or business. The range of color options is wide, from light hues that show off the wood’s natural grain to dark stains that create a bold statement. In addition, there are a variety of finishes to choose from, with matte, satin, and glossy being the most durable. Lighter colors, such as white oak stains, are particularly popular because they work well with both contemporary and traditional design styles.
They Are Affordable
Hardwood floors are a less expensive option than many other types of flooring, especially when compared to carpeting. They are also easier to maintain than other types of floors and require fewer chemicals to clean them. In addition, hardwood floors do not trap dirt and allergens like carpeting, which can result in a healthier indoor environment.
Wood flooring prices vary depending on the type of wood that is used and its durability. For example, pine wood floors can be purchased for as little as $4.50 per square foot, while other domestic species, such as red oak or hickory, can be purchased for between $6 and $13 per square foot. On the other hand, exotic species, such as Brazilian walnut, can be much more costly.
The color and stain of the wood can also influence its price. Light tones, such as natural or whitewashed wood floors, are popular because they are neutral and work well with many design styles. Dark colors, such as rich browns or graphite hues, are also gaining popularity because they add elegance and sophistication to any room.
Other domestic hardwoods, such as maple and hickory, are commonly used because they provide a variety of color options and unique grain patterns. Maple offers a smooth and consistent look, while hickory provides knots, swirling grain patterns, and other color variances within a single wood plank.
Cherry is another common domestic hardwood that is often chosen for its beautiful reddish-brown shade and distinctive grain pattern. However, it is softer than oak, hickory, or maple and can be more susceptible to dents or scratches. Walnut, on the other hand, is a darker option that is typically used in more traditional spaces because it creates a classic, warm, and cozy atmosphere.
Regardless of the type of hardwood floors you choose, it is important to have a moisture meter available to check for excess humidity. This is because humidity affects how well wood ages and can cause it to warp or swell. A pinless moisture meter can help ensure that your hardwood floors are properly maintained and will last for generations.
