Many homeowners view the purchase of real wood flooring as an occasion to express their artistic nature and decorating ideas. Because hardwood flooring is quite popular and many people prefer this type of flooring to the alternatives, it can add value to and increase the desirability of a home, which is very important in today’s market. Not only do hardwood floors add to the overall beauty and value of a home, but it also provides additional benefits to homeowners that they may not even realize.
The durability and longevity offered by wooden flooring is another excellent benefit. Hardwood flooring can last a hundred years or longer if the floor is cared for properly, such as keeping the floor free from water or moisture and sweeping or vacuuming regularly. This benefit alone makes the purchase of a hardwood floor a wise investment. Although tile can offer some durability, carpet cannot offer the same longevity and durability as wood flooring. In addition, because hardwoods are highly durable they can withstand even high traffic areas. While it can be dented or scratched, repairing hardwood flooring is often a simple process. Therefore, with appropriate maintenance, this type of flooring can retain their beauty and luster for many years.
Easy maintenance is another of the many benefits of a hardwood floor. Hardwood flooring does require sweeping and or vacuuming on a regular basis. Keeping the floors free from dirt and grit will help maintain the floor’s shine. When the floor’s finish becomes scratched, the floor will appear dull so it is important to minimize scratching by keeping dirt and grit to a minimum. Mopping the hardwood flooring with a cleaner made specifically for hardwood flooring will also help protect the floor’s finish.
These cleaners have a neutral pH so as not to harm the floor’s finish. Using water on hardwood flooring is not recommended as this may dull the finish, harm the floor’s sealant and allow water to soak into the hardwood flooring causing warping. Even if warping does occur, the damaged boards can be replaced. In addition, if the hardwood floor’s finish does become damaged, the finish can usually be repaired.
Because hardwood floors can be easily cleaned they are more hypoallergenic than other types of flooring, especially carpet. Whereas pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold can get trapped in carpet fibers, wood flooring is sealed and does not retain moisture or other particles that could aggravate allergies. It has also been suggested that better indoor air quality is another of the benefits. Even when carpet is vacuumed or steam cleaned, all of the particles trapped in the fibers of the carpet cannot be removed. This can create an unhealthy living environment, especially for those individual who suffer from allergies. Wood flooring has been recommended for families with small children and pets because they are believed to be a healthier alternative to carpet.
Installation of flooring is a fairly simple process, especially for those individuals with experience. The floor is made to piece together in such as way as to create both a uniform and stable fit. Homeowners can choose between finished and unfinished hardwood flooring. Finished flooring requires no additional work, such as sanding and staining, once installed.
Unfinished hardwood does require sanding and staining, which could be completed within a short period of time. Both types of hardwood flooring are excellent options for any type of home.
While this type of flooring may be a more costly upfront investment than tile, carpet, laminate or other flooring option, the benefits of a hardwood floor certainly outweigh the costs. It generally only costs a few more dollars per square foot than other types of flooring. When the value, health benefits and aesthetics that a hardwood floor brings to a home are considered, it seems to be the best and most practical option. With so many styles and colors from which to choose, homeowners should be able to find the perfect hardwood flooring to meet their needs and their budgets.
