Do you also love the richness and textures of the various hardwood floor types? While laminates and vinyl can perform really great these days, the most important hardwood flooring pros and cons still push this option into one of the top spots when it comes to floor installations.
With a bit of shopping around, you may even be able to locate a wholesale supplier offering a complete collection of hardwood floor types at discount prices. Wood floor samples (free at the time of writing) can also help you to get on friendly terms with the different wood species and finishes.
You can pick and choose any shade that will complement your furniture and furnishings. Lighter colors do well in combination with darker wood shades, while darker furniture may be best displayed on lighter woods. The different hardwood floor types can be used with great effect to create a totally new atmosphere in your home.
9 Hardwood Flooring Pros And Cons
Making the right choice when browsing through the different hardwood floor types, can add value to your home. Such a flooring installation may be one of the first things a prospective buyer notices if you decide to sell your home. Keep this in mind when choosing the flooring. For instance, even if you don't have kids, a property buyer may be looking for flooring that can withstand the scrapes and scratches that are part and parcel of having kids in the home.
Hardwood flooring brings a unique elegance, warmth and texture to your interior spaces. The rich shades can do a lot to enhance your decor and to create atmosphere. You can choose from a rich variety of shades and textures and are sure to find something that will go well with your furnishings.
Choosing from hardwood floor types can be an advantage if your family battles with allergies. The hard surfaces are less likely to become dirt traps than carpets.
If you opt for the right type for your home, the floors will do well even if you have kids or pets. For example hand scraped floors (with an aged or antique look) can hide many mishaps.
Generally speaking, it isn't too difficult to maintain the good looks of wood flooring. Sweeping and vacuuming should take care of most of the day to day cleaning. You can also get a wood cleaner to use when necessary.
If you have a light sleeper in your home, the noise level may be too high with wood floors. There are ways to dampen the sound (such as using extra area rugs), but it may still be a problem. If you live in a double storey home, the downstairs area is also likely to become more noisy if you install wood floors upstairs.
When looking at hardwood flooring pros and cons, the cost factor should also be taken into account. Wood floors remain one of the most expensive options on the market. If the real thing is out of your reach, you can also consider engineered wood as an alternative.
You will need to budget for the cost of the upkeep over a period of time, as refinishing will probably be necessary down the line. This shouldn't be necessary for quite a while, but it can be expensive when it needs to be done. If you have kids or pets at home, ask about the most durable wood types to keep refinishing to a minimum. Also choose a shade that is less likely to show marks. Certain finishes may also 'hide' scratches better than others. Your supplier will be able to advise you.
Wood floors don't do well in high moisture areas. They can also shrink or expand with changes in humidity. This can be a serious drawback in certain areas.
As long as you keep these important hardwood flooring pros and cons in mind when shopping, you are sure to find the right match for your family home.
