Is Hardwood a Good Choice for Flooring?

Hardwood flooring offers elegance and warmth to your home or office. Numerous materials could now match the looks of wooden floors, yet, hardwood remains a solid option for contractors and designers.

Wooden floors seem to blend and enhance the aesthetic allure of houses and workspaces, matching every decoration. However, any building material has its benefits and drawbacks; let’s evaluate both sides of the equation if hardwood flooring is for you.

Advantages

Long-term Investment

Wood flooring might seem costly, but unlike other floorings that need to be replaced in about ten years, properly maintained wood flooring often tends to last over a century. There’s a good return on investment as the value of wood flooring remains to rise with time.

Durability

They do not quickly appear worn out or dull, and it ages gracefully. Some floorings such as vinyl or carpet need to be replaced after a specific time. A properly maintained wood flooring can outlast you. It merely requires re-sanding or refurbishing to maintain its gloss and a brand-new look.

Better Air Quality

The hypoallergenic quality of wooden floors makes the excellent option for houses with members of the family who are prone to allergies. It’s likewise safe for babies who just learned to crawl since wooden flooring does not nurture parasites like fleas or dust mites. It likewise does not trap undesirable smells.

Variety

There are many types to pick from, it can be found in various colors, and even a single plank could have a different shade. You can tarnish, repaint, or torch them to improve their visual charm. Mixing and matching different types of woods can make your floor look interesting.

Disadvantages

High Cost

The expense of wooden flooring is more costly than most tiles and carpets. There’s also a subflooring needed that makes the installation complicated. You need to polish the floor in about 3-4 years. It would help sustain cleanness, considering that dust and debris may scratch the surface.

Cupping and Crowning

Several issues can arise when the wood has been soaked in water, such as from a flood or any water damage. When wood had excessive moisture, cupping or crowning could occur. When the sides of the wood board are higher than the center, it’s called cupping. Crowning is the reverse of cupping; the center of the board becomes higher than the edges. Contact reputable restoration companies like PuroClean for any sign of water damage.

Noise

A newly mounted or well-maintained wooden floor will be noise-free. But after several years, the constant wear and tear will make specific planks to cause a creaking sound as you walk on the surface. It can disturb individuals living downstairs if you’re living in an apartment. Or it could be a nuisance to other people trying to rest.

Molds

Pay attention to any water seepage if mold growth is indicated. Molds on wood often tend to be on the sub-layer or fill the spaces, but they might also destroy the top layer of the flooring. Hardwood needs to be appropriately maintained to avoid fungus or molds from growing. Contact restoration companies or check out their water page to promptly address any moisture issues which are the leading cause of mold growth.

Conclusion

Deciding on the suitable hardwood material could be challenging. Consider all the advantages and drawbacks to reach a sound decision. Wood has ageless appeal to most property owners, and an excellent wooden floor can make the appraised worth of your property higher.

You have to deal with specific challenges to keep a wooden floor. Yet, hardwood flooring is the healthiest alternative due to its natural origin. It helps reduce your carbon footprints and considerably enhances your property’s general look.