Hardwood floors can enhance any room and work well with most types of decoration. A variety of wood species and stain colors provides options for all tastes.
Investing in hardwood is an investment that will benefit your lifestyle as much as your home’s value. Hardwood offers several key benefits compared to carpet. Visit https://precisionhardwoodflooringllc.com/ to learn more.
A wood floor is a statement piece that adds a timeless, organic and warm ambiance to any interior design theme. It is the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, and a genuine investment that increases the value of a home. While wood-look products offer impressive realism, nothing beats the authentic appearance of real hardwood floors.
Hardwood floors adapt to any decorating style, and a wide variety of wood species, color, and stain options make it easy to customize the look to match your preferences. Unlike synthetic floors, which can look dull and lifeless, solid hardwood floors are textured and rife with grain patterns, swirls, knots and burls that create visual interest. Natural hardwood floors also absorb sound vibrations and reduce hollow sounds or echoes, making them ideal for rooms where music is frequently played.
When paired with light stain and matte finishes, hardwood floors can create a modern and contemporary aesthetic. Alternatively, wire brushing and a nearly non-existent sheen lend hardwood floors a more minimal look that is perfect for pared-down design themes.
In addition to bringing nature indoors, hardwood flooring helps create the sense of openness and space that many people desire in their homes. This is because of the fact that wood floors do not hide or cover up the architecture and acoustics of a room.
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of solid lumber milled into planks. It is nailed to a subfloor and can be sanded and refinished numerous times throughout its lifespan, which can last over a century. Solid wood flooring is the classic option because of its authenticity, timeless beauty and durability, but it comes with a higher price tag than engineered hardwood.
Increased Home Value
Many homeowners consider hardwood floors a good investment because they elevate living space and can increase resale value. However, flooring trends come and go, and the amount of money that you spend on hardwood floors may not necessarily pay off in higher resale value. The key is to find the right balance between enhancing your home and maximizing resale value.
The type of wood used affects resale value as well. Oak is a popular choice for traditional or domestic styles, while exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or mahogany add a more unique appeal. Reclaimed and distressed woods also offer a more rustic design. These options can be less expensive than pristine new hardwoods, and they can be purchased from salvage yards to further minimize costs.
In terms of maintenance, hardwoods require regular cleaning and periodic refinishing to maintain their beauty and durability. This makes them a longer-term investment compared to carpet flooring, which can be replaced in the event of damage.
If you do decide to sell your home, having hardwoods in good condition is important for resale value. Buyers will notice scratches, dullness, and other signs of wear, and they may be less willing to purchase your home if they see these flaws. Taking the time to keep your hardwoods in pristine condition can help ensure that they will be appealing to future buyers, and it can also make your home stand out from other listings on the market.
Overall, hardwoods are among the most desirable types of flooring for homeowners and are often viewed as a significant selling point in real estate markets. While they are more expensive than other options, such as vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), they can provide a greater return on your investment over the long term.
Better Indoor Air Quality
When it comes to indoor air quality, hardwood floors are a healthier choice than other flooring materials like carpet. Carpeting can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens that can cause a variety of health problems, such as allergies, dizziness, and headaches. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, don’t trap these contaminants and are easy to clean, preventing the buildup of these toxins.
The natural material of hardwood floors also prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory issues. These fungi thrive in damp atmospheres and can release spores that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned with water and cleaning products that don’t contain a high concentration of VOCs, which are hazardous to human beings.
Most hardwoods are sourced from sustainably managed forests, with certifications such as FSC and SFI, that ensure responsible sourcing practices. These woods are also renewable and can be reclaimed for other uses when they reach the end of their lifespan. Engineered hardwoods are even more environmentally friendly, as they use a thin layer of traditional wood on top of a plywood or HDF core.
Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwoods, both will emit a small amount of VOCs during the manufacturing process. However, proper ventilation will help speed up the process of off-gassing, which will eliminate these harmful compounds from your home. Additionally, many hardwood manufacturers offer low-VOC finishes, adhesives, and sealants for a safer home environment. These types of products are regulated by the California Air Resources Board to minimize toxic emissions. If you are worried about the health of your family, choosing wood flooring that carries recognized VOC standards is the best option.
Comfortable Underfoot
When you’re choosing flooring for your home, comfort is just as important as style. Hardwood floors offer a soft, warm underfoot experience. For rooms that require prolonged standing, such as the kitchen and laundry room, this can make a world of difference for your feet and back. Wood is also easier on the joints than rock-hard materials like concrete and stone.
In addition to traditional hardwood flooring options, you can choose from a variety of exotic wood species and distressed styles that add character and antiquity to your interior design. Renewable and sustainable choices like cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood also provide a wide range of design options for your home.
Solid hardwood flooring is typically installed via tongue-and-groove edges and nails, which creates a long-lasting floor that can be refinished over its lifespan. However, engineered hardwood flooring offers an alternative option. Engineered hardwood is constructed from several layers of plywood that are fused together to form a plank. This enables the floor to resist water better than solid hardwood, although it’s still not as water-resistant as tile or vinyl.
No matter what type of hardwood you select for your home, it’s important to work with a professional floor installer who will ensure quality products and installation techniques. They can help you decide on the best stain color and grain pattern to complement your interior design, as well as recommend the right protective coatings for your floors. They can even install an underlayment to limit squeaks and noise. Investing in the right care can extend the life of your floors and keep them looking beautiful for as long as you own your home.
Easy to Clean
Hardwood floors are one of the easiest floor surfaces to maintain. They can be swept, vacuumed or steam-cleaned to remove daily dirt and debris. They are also much more resistant to staining than carpets.
To avoid scratches and other damage to your hardwood, make sure you sweep or vacuum regularly, using the soft floor brush attachment on your vacuum. When you do mop, opt for a microfiber mop head, which attracts and traps dirt better than traditional cotton or sponge ones. Also, be sure to wear a dust mask to prevent dust and other allergens from being inhaled. If you have area rugs in your home, take them out and shake them frequently to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
In general, it is recommended that you damp mop your hardwood floors once or twice a week. This will help keep the dirt and grime from building up on the surface of your flooring, and will also remove any odors that may be present. Use a mild hardwood cleaner to clean your floors, or for a natural option, try mixing one part white vinegar with ten parts vegetable oil.
For further protection, be sure to place mats at all entrance doors to prevent tracking in dirt, slush, mud and other materials that can scratch or stain your floors. Placing furniture pads under all pieces of furniture will also help protect your hardwood and keep it looking its best. You can easily repair any surface scratches or dents to your hardwood with a wood stain marker or wax stick. With proper care, hardwood flooring will last for decades and look beautiful throughout the years. Choosing the right hardwood for your home is an important decision that can influence how you feel about your home, your style, and your overall home design.
