Did you know that if you install hardwood flooring in your home, you’ll actually make more money than you spent? In fact, it’ll return about 106 percent of the initial cost.
You’re probably smiling now, because who doesn’t dream of charming hardwood floors in their homes? They add warmth, elegance, and character. Hardwood floors will never go out of fashion.
But before you rip out your current flooring, you need to understand the pros and cons of hardwood flooring. Know what you’re getting into so that you can make an informed decision.
Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the benefits and the disadvantages of hardwood flooring.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Hardwood Flooring
If you are considering different home flooring options, then you should check out these amazing benefits of hardwood flooring. You already know that hardwood floors add character to every room and home’s aesthetic, but there’s plenty more to love about this type of flooring.
Easy Installation
Changing or replacing flooring is a big job. However, hardwood flooring is much easier to install than other floor materials. You can purchase prefinished floors and planks that are ready for installation. The only thing you need to do is lay them — everything else is completed at the factory.
A Variety of Styles
Hardwood floors are simply beautiful. They are a classic and timeless option. And the best part? There are varieties for every type of home and to match any and all preferences.
You’ll have your pick from different types of wood hardness, colors, and grain patterns. From Brazilian cherry to Australian cypress, the options are endless.
And as each tree is slightly different, the grain of your floors will always be completely unique. This adds a special touch to your home.
A Healthy Flooring Option
If you’re looking to make your home organic and your living space healthier, then hardwood flooring is a fantastic option. There are no associated harmful toxins and the material doesn’t trap allergens and parasites.
It is not only the healthier option for you and your family, it is also the healthier option for the planet. Hardwood flooring is biodegradable and helps to create a sustainable home.
Easy to Maintain and Clean
Unlike carpet that traps dirt deep in its fibers, wooden flooring is a breeze to clean. Sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and mopping wooden floors leaves them sparkling clean without a taste of dust, bacteria, or allergens left behind.
If you have pets, wooden floors work like a charm as they don’t trap pet odors or pet dander. Wood doesn’t stain easily, nor does water damage it unless there is flooding.
If a floorboard is damaged, either with a scratch, dent or gouge, you can simply sand and refurbish it. If the damage is severe, you can just replace one floorboard. Easy peasy, right?
A Valuable Investment
Hardwood flooring is timeless. It will never go out of fashion and it will always be trendy. Additionally, it can last for centuries if it is looked after properly. This makes it an extremely valuable investment.
You may have to shell out some extra bucks to get it installed, but it will be a good return on your investment in the long run. Hardwood floors will increase the overall value of your home as it is the most desired flooring type.
Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is not all sunshine and roses, there are some definite cons to choosing this flooring option. But it’s all about weighing up your options so that you can make the right decision for your home.
It’s Expensive
There’s no getting around it: the cost of hardwood flooring is one of the biggest disadvantages. It’s much pricier than other flooring options. Of course, you can bring the price down by choosing cheaper wood. However, the initial installation cost is typically quite high.
Hardwood flooring simply might not be an option for some homeowners due to the cost.
Noisy
If you’ve ever tried walking across creaking floorboards or walked across wooden floors in high heels, you’ll know that hardwood flooring is loud. It reflects sound which may be annoying to some homeowners. Unlike carpet, hardwood flooring doesn’t act as a sound barrier — in fact, quite the opposite.
Avoid wearing shoes on wooden floors to minimize the sound. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun to slide around hardwood floors in socks.
Prone to Scratches
Hardwood floors are susceptible to denting, scratches, and gouges. So you have to be quite mindful about wearing shoes around the house, protecting your floor from your furniture, and more.
When it comes to tiles vs hardwood, this is where tiles really shine. It’s quite difficult to damage tiles while wood needs to be carefully looked after
If you don’t properly look after your hardwood floors, you’ll need to often refinish them, which will be costly. However, if you properly maintain your floors, then they can last for decades.
What Do You Think About These Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring?
Now that you know the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, which side of the fence are you sitting on? Is the installation cost worth the return on investment that you’ll eventually get, or are you put off by the inevitable scratches and dents?
Whatever you decide, you’re bound to make the right decision now that you have all of the information that you need.
Did you enjoy this post? If you’re looking for more home tips and inspiration then you’ll love the rest of our content — keep exploring our site for more!