When you think about hardwood floors, all the pros come rushing to mind! They are easily one of the most beautiful types of flooring that offer a ton of perks when used in homes and offices. Moreover, no flooring type exudes the kind of warmth, richness, and sense of homeliness like that of a gorgeous wooden floor does. So, who wouldn’t want to invest in them?
Well, much like other flooring options, there are pros and cons to choosing hardwood floors for a home or commercial space. In order to make an informed decision, one must be privy to this crucial information that Simply Maid is sharing with you today! With that, let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood flooring.
Hardwood Flooring Pros
Along with stating some of the obvious advantages of investing in wooden floors, we are highlighting some lesser-known perks of hardwood flooring, and explaining why it is a preferred option among so many house owners. Read on!
1. Long Lasting
With proper care and maintenance, you won’t have to replace or repair your hardwood floor for the rest of your life! In fact, unlike many other materials used in interior design, solid wood floors can last for centuries. It is, however, important to learn the proper ways to clean hardwood floors in order to maintain their luxurious appearance.
They are also an excellent choice as a long-term investment because the value of well-maintained hardwood flooring continues to appreciate, thereby increasing the value of your property.
2. Easy to Clean
Finished hardwood requires minimal cleaning that is both quick and easy to carry out without the help of a professional. You can either sweep or vacuum the floor to get rid of dust while mopping with a pH-neutral cleanser and a merely damp mop will remove any existing stains. When vacuuming wood flooring, be sure to use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface.
To restore the original sheen of the finish, hardwood floors can be polished and buffed using a soft cloth and a simple homemade solution.
3. Available in a Diverse Variety
Owing to the wide selection of wooden floor types at your disposal, you can find the perfect grain and shade to complete your interiors within your budget! Of course, these options come with their own sets of pros and cons, however, regardless of which type of wood you choose, you can rest assured that quality will not be a concern.
Here are some timber options you can consider for your wooden flooring:
- Teak
- Oak
- Hickory
- Tigerwood
- Brazilian cherry
- Brazilian walnut
- Santos mahogany
- Australian Cypress
4. Easy to Install
Wooden floorboards are easy to lay down and, if needed, can be trimmed on site to rectify any inaccuracies with regards to measurements and height. While a homeowner with knowledge and firsthand experience in installing hardwood flooring can take on this job, it is advisable to hire a professional to lay down the boards because even the smallest of mistakes during installation can lead to expensive repairs later on.
An additional perk of wooden floorboards is that they are just as easy to remove as they are to lay down. Therefore, if you choose to relocate, you can take your hardwood flooring with you!
5. Unique in Appearance
No two planks of wood are identical, hence, you are guaranteed of a one-of-a-kind floor when you choose hardwood. Along with the authenticity that comes with the flooring, the aesthetic appeal is unmatched! Hardwood floors are unique, attractive, and quite frankly, in a league of their own.
To make your wooden flooring stand out further, you can seal and stain it in any shade you like to give it that extra x-factor!
Hardwood Floor Cons
As much as hardwood floors are loved, there are a few downsides to using the material that homeowners must be made aware of before deciding to go with wooden flooring. With that said, some of these disadvantages needn’t be an issue if you are aware of the proper maintenance wooden flooring requires in order to avoid any type of damage. Read on to learn more.
1. Prone to Termite Damage
If you are installing wooden floorboards in your home, it pays to know how to prevent termites. Timber, in all forms, is prone to termite infestations (some types more than others). Nevertheless, it is a major factor to consider as termite damage can be devastating to your flooring. It’s a good idea to inspect your wooden floor every few months to ensure that it has not fallen prey to termites. An effective way to do this is by tapping on the wood and listening for a hollow sound. If you suspect that you have termites, call in a professional to get an immediate inspection done.
2. More Expensive
If you are on a tight budget, hardwood flooring just might not fit into it. Owing to the many benefits that come with panelled wood flooring, homeowners are quick to opt for the material until they realise how much it’s going to cost. On the flip side, many individuals choose alternatives like laminate flooring that mimics the feel and appearance of wood, yet is available at a relatively lower rate.
3. Easily Scratched
Pets, shoes, and hard debris can all cause scratches on the surface of your wooden floor. Therefore, unless you take the necessary precautions to prevent this, you will be faced with the task of stripping off the existing finish and refinishing the floor ever so often. It should also be noted that scratches on hardwood are very noticeable which, in turn, makes the flooring look aged before its time.
4. Prone to Water Damage
From cupping (which causes the edges of the floorboard to rise) to weakening and damaging of the wood; water is the enemy when it comes to hardwood flooring! Spills, improper cleaning techniques with excess liquid, and flooding will cause water damage that requires expensive repair work. The expansion of wood due to moisture is yet another factor that homeowners should be concerned about. Unless all members of the household are capable of protecting a wooden floor from water damage, it is not a suitable material of choice for your flooring.
5. Becomes Noisy Overtime
When hardwood flooring is new, it won’t make a sound with the weight of foot traffic. In fact, wooden floors provide great acoustics for the room! Over a long period of time, however, old hardwood floors tend to become squeaky and creaky due to wear and tear. These clicking sounds can become very unpleasant and loud as the wood continues to age.
6. High Maintenance
Modern homes generally have sealed and finished hardwood flooring; these serve as protective layers that keep away moisture while adding a polished look to the wood. Unfortunately, they are prone to wear and tear which means you must have the floor re-sealed/polished every time there is damage found. If left unmaintained, you run the risk of exposing the wood to moisture, dirt, mould, termites, and so on. On top of this, wooden floors tend to look dull over time and therefore require polishing every now and then to maintain their sheen.
In conclusion, hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for homes and offices if you are fully committed to maintaining it! Of course, you can always rely on the services of a professional house cleaning company to safely clean and maintain your hardwood floor, and keep it looking as good as new for years to come!
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