Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

Buying hardwood flooring can be a great investment. Not only does it look great, it also offers many benefits. Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, you’ll find it has a variety of benefits. Some of the biggest benefits include:

Hardwood floors can be easily recycled. This makes them environmentally friendly. It’s also cheaper than other flooring options. The lifespan of a solid hardwood floor is much longer than engineered hardwood. It can last for decades. It’s also one of the most durable flooring options. Choosing a high-quality hardwood floor can increase the value of your home.

Despite being durable, wood floors can get scratched and gouged over time. However, there are many ways to restore a damaged hardwood floor. You may be able to fill in gaps between the boards or replace a damaged plank. You can also use construction adhesive to fill in gaps. Depending on the species of wood, your floor can also be refinished several times.

Hardwood floors can be a little noisy. If you’re using hard leather shoes or boots, you may notice a lot of noise. You can mitigate this noise by installing an area rug. You can also purchase anti-noise flooring products to reduce the noise. You can also try to install your flooring in rooms that don’t get a lot of humidity. This is important because moisture can deteriorate the wood. This can cause the flooring to cup or swell. If you choose to install this type of flooring, you will also need to consider the cost of installation.

If you choose solid hardwood, you can expect to spend approximately $4 to $12 per square foot. The cost may increase depending on the thickness and style of the wood. It can take up to several days to install solid hardwood. It is also a little more difficult to do on your own. However, if you have the money, it is a great long-term investment.

If you have pets, you may want to consider a different type of flooring. Hardwood can scratch your pets’ claws. This can cause them to become a tripping hazard. You may also find that pets are allergic to the wood. Lastly, you may experience some chemical sensitivity during the finish curing process.

Some of the most common wood types are oak, maple, pine, birch, hickory, and walnut. These types of wood are all available in a wide variety of colors and shades. However, they are also all susceptible to humidity changes. Oak is one of the most stable woods. Maple is less porous and tends to be more expensive than other hardwoods. You can also choose a wood that’s sustainable in your desired shade.

Laminate is another type of flooring that is similar to hardwood. Laminate floors are also made from a synthetic material that is glued together. However, they do not have the same texture or tone as hardwood. They are also not recyclable. If you choose to install laminate, you may want to buy a non-toxic finish product. Laminate floors are also less expensive than hardwood floors.