Hardwood Floor: Pros And Cons You Must Know Before Remodeling

One of the most sought after amenities in houses is hardwood floor. It has been the most popular choice among homeowners for decades. But just like any other flooring material, hardwood is not perfect. It has some pros and cons.

If you are planning to remodel your home and install hardwood floors, checking the pros and cons is super important. There are so much elegance and class that connotes to hardwood floors that it is natural for you to fall in love with it. But is the installation within your budget limits?

Here are some of the hardwood floor pros and cons you must know before you make any decision.

Hardwood Floor Pros

1. Ambiance

Image Source: sheogaflooring.com

It is no secret that hardwood floors add tons of ambiance to living places. The luxurious warmth to house interiors is unmatched. Other than adding curb appeal and comfort, hardwood floors increase the resale value of a house.

2. Long Term Investment

If hardwood floors are maintained well, they can last more than 100 years. Most of the other flooring materials need to be replaced after 15-20 years. Hardwood floors serve well for a lifetime. When you check the ROI of this investment, the benefits certainly outweigh the initial cost.

3. Variety

Image Source: northwoodflooring.net

When you choose to install hardwood floors, there is a wide variety to choose from. The varieties differ in their appearances and costs. You can choose according to the interior design of your house or the budget limits.

You won’t have to live with a single color for the next 100 years or so. The hardwood floors could be stained to bring in some changes. Some of the most popular options include Brazilian cherry, teak, oak, and Mahogany.

4. Ageless Quality

With simple sanding services, you can refurbish wood floors and enjoy the ageless quality. The wood never gets out of style so it always looks chic and fresh. Hardwood floor is the most trusted option when it comes to timeless home décor.

5. Hygiene

Wooden flooring does not have electromagnetic nature thus it does not attract dirt and debris. The loose dirt can be easily removed with mopping or vacuuming. This makes it a clean and hygienic flooring option. The nontoxic nature makes the hardwood floor a safe choice for babies.

6. Good Acoustics

If you have a taste in music and like to play instruments, hardwood floors can enhance your acoustics. Wooden floors prevent hollow sounds.

7. Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Wooden floors, if well maintained, do not nurture dust mites or spores. This prevents accumulations of allergens on the floors. If you have hardwood floors, you can enjoy healthy indoor air quality with regular cleaning.

8. Easy To Install

Installing hardwood floors is easy. If you find an experienced hardwood floor contractor, the process is quick and efficient. Installation errors can ruin the entire look of wooden floors which is a rare case. Thick wooden planks make installation easy.

Hardwood Floor Cons

1. Expensive

Image Source: sgwoodflooring.com

One of the most prominent problems associated with the hardwood floors is the initial cost. This might not be affordable for a lot of homeowners. If you compare it with the regular flooring options such as carpets and tiles, costs are more than double.

2. High Maintenance

Wooden floors can be easily affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Hardwood floors demand high maintenance. You have to be considerate of the safe humidity levels to avoid the chances of swelling or cupping. No sharp objects should come in contact with the floors. Beware of pet paws!

3. Possibility Of Termite Attack

Image Source: termitemoundgokoan.blogspot.com

Most of the homeowners fear the termite attacks when they have wooden floors. Such infestation can affect the living comfort and structural integrity of the floors. You have to pay attention to signs and symptoms because termites often affect the floors from inside out.

4. Limited Usage In House

Hardwood floor installation is not appropriate for whole houses. It is not recommended for bathrooms and kitchens. Too much water can easily damage the wood floors. Install water-resistant tiles or cement in such water prone areas.