There's a lot to like about hardwood flooring. It brings a bit of nature's beauty into your home and it goes with just about any decor, be it traditional, contemporary, rustic or a stylish mash-up. It requires an investment of both time and money, but when the dust settles, wood floors are almost always worth it.
Hardwood Floor Bottom Line
Hardwood floors might have an upfront cost that turns people away, but it's hard to beat for its quality and value. Many people love the look of hardwood floors and it's proven one of the best return on investment home improvement ideas.
The Initial Investment
Yes, you heard that right. Unlike other flooring options such as carpet or concrete, hardwood flooring has the potential to put money spent right back in your pocket. Studies have found that at least 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring.
All furniture has the potential to mar wood flooring. So it's important to put something protective between the feet of your furniture and flooring. There are a variety of products available in big box stores and online. Some of these products work better than others.
Except for kitchens, bathrooms, and other damp areas, hardwood flooring is a classic material generally regarded as a premium flooring for almost any room in the house.
While engineered wood flooring isn't waterproof, it has better performance in humid locations compared to hardwood. Because plywood construction is more stable, this flooring is less susceptible to warping and swelling.
Please Note: It is not recommended to use wood floors where there is a water source, area prone to moisture or direct unfiltered sunlight...entry hall, kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, basement, high-rise condo or coastal living.
With regular wear and tear, the finish on your hardwood floor should last about 7-10 years. Floors in high-traffic areas or that are exposed to a lot of sunlight may need to be refinished more often. So if we do some quick math, your hardwood floors will last up to 60 years with being refinished every ten years!
Hardwood flooring is tough and durable, especially certain species. Most homeowners only purchase wood flooring once for their home because hardwood flooring is so durable. Many home's wood floors last so long because they can be refinished, unlike carpet or laminate.
Whether tile or wood is better for the main floor of your home depends on your priorities. Wood floors are softer and warmer to walk on. They also offer a versatile appearance. Meanwhile, tile is more durable and moisture-resistant, and it comes in just about every shape, color and pattern imaginable.
That's Why People Like Hardwood Floors
Five reasons why people like hardwood floors so much. They inspire elegance, they're easier to clean, require less maintenance, and there is a lot more variety. You can choose from cherry wood, oak, birch, mahogany, bamboo, engineered wood, or vinyl.
Best for Water and Heat Resistance: Laminate
Laminate flooring is marginally better for humid locations, such as installation against concrete slabs. Laminate flooring also has some advantages over hardwood when it comes to heat resistance.
Rugs protect your floors.
Daily life, along with heavy furniture, can cause permanent damage to your hardwood floors if you're not careful. So keep your floors in good shape by adding a rug! Rugs (plus a rug pad) will eliminate any potential damage a heavy piece of furniture can do.
1. Lighter, Brighter Wood Finishes. Wood flooring with character-rich, lighter stains shows no sign of waning in popularity, says Margaret Donaldson, founder of Margaret Donaldson Interiors. “Homeowners are primarily using white oak, but walnut is starting to surface more, especially with lighter finishes,” she says.
In short, hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain compared to carpet. Hardwood floors can be swept or damp mopped to clean dust, spills, surface stains, and other debris.
Hard floors
Surfaces with no give—like ceramic tile or hardwood flooring—can make each step stressful for your lower back. Cheap fix: Cushion yourself. Position thick, nonskid rugs or rubber mats where you frequently stand, like in front of the sink, stove, washer, and dryer.
Most other disadvantages of engineered hardwood are also characteristics of solid hardwood. Engineered wood is susceptible to wear and tear. All wood is susceptible to scratches and dents, whether engineered or not, over time. The hardwood species and the finish you choose will determine resistance to wear and tear.
Engineered hardwood is typically less expensive than hardwood flooring as ranges in price from about $2.50 to $10 per square foot, while hardwood typically averages about $4 to $12 per square foot.
White Oak
Despite its name, white oak hardwood floors range in colors from brown to beige. They have a timeless and versatile appearance, making them suitable for traditional and modern interiors.
Contrast is one of the core rules of any style or décor, making it one of the most important tips for matching wood floors with furniture. Darker wood floors can make lighter wood furniture pop and look extremely satisfying. Alternatively, lighter wood floors provide the perfect balance for darker furniture pieces.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.