Amongst all the various types of flooring, hardwood is the best option if you're seeking something that feels luxurious under your feet and gives your home a timeless look. It’s perhaps because of the warmth it exudes, and the raw beauty of wood that several homeowners are gravitating towards this flooring option. Many also point out how hardwood flooring contributes toward a higher resale value of the property.
Hardwood flooring – what is it?
The hard, compact wood or timber of trees like oak, pine, maple, and mahogany are used for carpentry and buildings. The wood is cut into long strips, planks, or tiles which are then installed by the house construction company on the floor in different geometrical fashion. Wooden flooring complements any décor motif, but like everything else, it also shoulders some pros and cons.
Pros of hardwood flooring
Let’s explore the benefits of installing hardwood flooring:
1. Elegant Look: The traditional elegance of hardwood floors is unmatched by any other type of flooring. People prefer older homes because they often feature hardwood floors, which evoke a comfort that carpet and other surfaces can't.
2. Highly Durable: If maintained well, a hardwood floor can last for generations together. Unlike other flooring options, you don’t have to replace the flooring every 10 or 20 years, all it requires is periodic re-finishing which means sanding the floor and applying a fresh coat of finish to make it look sparkling new.
3. Variety & Versatility: Hardwood flooring provides you with a wide array of choices. You can make a selection based on your budget, and preference. Hardwood flooring is the most authentic because no two planks of a wood match in their shade, or color, giving your flooring a natural, unique look. When you grow tired of the same color, you also have the option to stain them. Additionally, you might mix and match the woods to give the flooring a unique appearance. Hardwood flooring provides a neutral background that allows the homeowners to experiment with a multitude of decorating themes.
4. Allergen Minimizer: Unlike carpet floors, hardwood floors don’t collect dust, or animal dander, and don’t nurture any mites, fleas, or parasites that usually cause allergies, thus making this a better choice for people who suffer from respiratory issues. Wooden floors are also safe for toddlers who are learning to crawl because it’s non-toxic.
Cons of hardwood flooring
Let’s discuss the top drawbacks of hardwood flooring:
1. It’s costly: Even though hardwood flooring promises higher resale value, this comes with a higher initial investment. When compared to our standard carpets or tiles, timber flooring is significantly more expensive. So, not everyone may find this to be an economical choice. The installation of hardwood flooring is typically done over subflooring, which adds to its complexity.
2. Scratches and gashes: Despite your best efforts, you're certain to notice scratches and chisels over some time. However, these eyesores are not a major concern as you can easily get rid of them by simply refinishing the wood.
3. Possible moisture damage: If the water seeps into these scratches or gashes then it can cause the wood to capture moisture, which may eventually cause the wooden flooring to swell up.
4. Noisy: Old wooden floors start creaking after some time. You can reduce this noise by filling the possible gaps in the subflooring, a technique called shimming.
Making the correct flooring choice can be a little challenging, you can seek a piece of expert advice from home architects in North Haven, CT to choose wisely.