Solid and engineered wood floors are durable and can withstand general wear and tear much better than carpets or laminates. They are also warmer underfoot, introducing a natural design element to your home.
They are also more hygienic as they do not promote the collection of dust, pollen, hair, or other allergens and odors. This makes them perfect for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
Durability
Hardwood floors are long-lasting and add value to your home. They’re easy to clean and maintain and can be sanded and refinished when they show signs of wear. Various wood species are available, each with its own color and grain pattern. They’re a beautiful choice for modern, transitional, traditional, California coastal, and rustic design styles. They’re also a smart choice for high-traffic areas because their natural wood grain hides scratches and dents.
Hardness is one of the most important characteristics to consider when choosing wood flooring. The harder the wood, the more durable it will be. The hardness of a wood is measured according to a system known as the Janka scale. The higher the number, the harder the wood. The scale gives you a good idea of how well a specific wood species can hold up to dents and scratches.
Oak hardwood is a popular choice for its durability and color range. Its light colors and subtle grain patterns complement many interior designs, though it is not as suited to high-traffic areas as maple or hickory. Hickory is extremely durable and holds up to stains and scratches very well. Its varied grain pattern is also excellent at hiding scratches and dings. Cherry is less durable than oak or hickory, but it offers a warm tone and dramatic grain pattern that can work well in low-traffic areas.
The thickness of your wood floor also plays a role in its durability. Solid wood floors are thicker than engineered hardwoods, which can make them more resistant to dents. Both types can be sanded and sanded again, so they can easily be refinished to remove nicks and scratches.
When deciding whether to go with solid or engineered wood, you should also consider the environmental impact of each option. Solid wood requires more trees to be harvested and repurposed for flooring than engineered, which uses multiple layers of plywood or HDF with a piece of solid wood on top. Whether you choose solid or engineered, finding a supplier that practices sustainable production and certifies its products through the Forest Stewardship Council is crucial.
Aesthetics
Wood floors are an attractive addition to your home, offering a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. They also age beautifully with proper care and maintenance, developing a rich patina that adds to their beauty. These characteristics make them an excellent choice for homes with traditional, contemporary, or modern design themes. Additionally, they complement a variety of decorative elements, allowing you to create an ambiance that reflects your personal style.
The type of wood flooring you choose will have a major impact on the look of your home. For example, solid planks of oak or mahogany are classic choices for traditional and formal spaces. They can be sanded and re-stained to refresh the look, making them an investment that will last for years.
Unlike carpets, wood floors do not collect dust, pollen, and pet dander, which makes them a healthier option for allergy sufferers. They also do not hold odors and pesticides tracked in from outside, improving indoor air quality.
Wood floors are a natural thermal insulator, keeping rooms warm and cozy throughout the year. They also have a higher level of noise reduction than other flooring types. In addition, wood floorboards are much more comfortable underfoot than laminate or linoleum, reducing the risk of joint pain and fatigue.
When choosing wood floors, it is important to consider your household’s traffic level, aesthetic preferences, and budget. If your home has a high level of traffic, opt for a durable wood like hickory or maple. On the other hand, if your home is a quiet space, a more subtle option like pine or oak may be better.
While it is possible to have different flooring in various areas of the house, many people prefer to use the same wood flooring throughout. This creates a natural flow and harmonizes open-plan living spaces. It also helps to delineate the functions of various rooms.
Many different wood floors are available, ranging from solid to engineered, as well as finished and unfinished. Each choice has its own unique benefits. For example, solid hardwood planks can be sanded and refurbished several times, while engineered wood will last for decades before needing replacement.
Easy to maintain
Wood flooring is far easier to maintain than carpet, linoleum, or tile. Keeping them clean is a breeze, and they’re also sturdier in general, meaning they can stand up to a lot more abuse than softer carpets or linoleum would. They’re not as sensitive to moisture either, which can cause damage to other flooring types over time. Wood flooring can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop, but it’s best to avoid using wet mops that can lead to cupping and warping of the boards over time.
Unlike carpets, wood floors don’t harbor parasites such as fleas or dust mites, and they don’t trap unpleasant odors. They’re also hypoallergenic and great for allergy sufferers. They can be easily sanded and re-stained should the color begin to fade, significantly prolonging their life.
Preventing marks and stains on wood flooring is easy if people take a few preventative measures. It can be as simple as asking people to remove their shoes before entering a room where there’s wood flooring. This will prevent mud, dirt, and grime from being tracked onto the floor and can help eliminate a variety of health-related issues, such as asthma and respiratory conditions.
In addition, the use of felt protector pads under furniture can minimize scratches on wood floors, and simply lifting rather than dragging furniture across the floor will reduce the chance of scuffing. Regularly trimming pet nails and removing footwear with sharp attributes (such as high heels, cleats, or spikes) can further prevent marking on wood floors.
Having wood floors will add to the overall ambiance of any space and bring out the beauty in most furniture and wall art. They’re also a good choice for a home that has many children and pets, as they can withstand a lot more wear and tear than carpets while still looking beautiful for a long time.
Adding wood flooring to your home introduces Biophilic Design, a concept that emphasizes humans’ innate affinity with natural materials and processes. This can lead to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function and creativity, expedited healing, as well as a more comfortable lifestyle.
Adds value to your home
Wood floors are a great way to add value to your home. They are durable, easy to maintain, and look elegant in any house. They are also compatible with underfloor heating systems for added warmth and comfort. Wood flooring is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste and the style of your home. However, be careful to purchase your wood from a sustainable source to avoid deforestation and illegal trade.
Another advantage of wood floors is that they can withstand more abuse than carpets. They are less likely to show scratches and stains and can be easily sanded and refinished when they do start to look dated. This makes them a good choice for households with children and pets. In addition, they are warmer underfoot than tile or linoleum and are suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Many home buyers love the natural look of hardwood floors and will pay a premium for a house with them. They also don’t want to deal with the hassle of replacing carpets, which can be difficult and expensive.
Additionally, wooden floors don’t trap dust, animal dander, or other allergens like carpets do. This makes them the preferred flooring type for people with allergies. Moreover, they offer a cleaner and healthier environment as they don’t release harmful gases into the air.
Wooden floors are a key feature in any home renovation and will increase the resale value of your property. Unlike other flooring options, wood is easy to clean and will last a lifetime with proper care. On the other hand, carpets, linoleum, and laminate products will need to be replaced frequently, which can be costly in the long run. If you have a hardwood floor, you’ll be able to sell your house for a higher price and will get back the initial investment you made in it. You can even use it as an opportunity to do some extra upgrades in your home, such as a kitchen or bathroom update. This will help you increase the property’s resale value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
