Choosing a flooring finish is one of the many choices a homeowner must make when building a home. From tile to laminate to hardwood, what’s the best option for your home? When choosing a floor, consider these pros and cons when deciding on hardwood floors or a different type of flooring.
Pros of Hardwood Flooring
Easy Maintenance
Hardwood floors are durable and have stood the test of time. Homes that are more than 100 years old can still have the original flooring if they have been cared for properly. They just need sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner.
Durable and Long-Lasting
A well-installed wood floor can last a lifetime, according to a National Association of Home Builders report on the life expectancy of common household components. Compared to carpet, which the report said should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. Additionally, dirty or stained carpet usually needs to be replaced to make it look new again. Wood floors can be refinished if you want to revitalize them, saving you the cost of replacement.
Many Styles Available
Hardwood flooring works with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. It is available in several types of woods, such as oak, cherry and walnut, and can be sanded and stained to suit the home owner’s liking.
Added Home Value
Hardwood floors are at the top of the must-have list for many potential home buyers. Trading your wall-to-wall carpet for some wood flooring could increase the value of your house and make it easier to sell when the time for that comes.
Cons of Hardwood Flooring
Price
Wood floors are considered a home upgrade, and they don’t come cheap. While this can work in your favor if there ever comes a day when you need to sell your home, the upfront cost can be a hindrance to those that don’t have the cash. The cost will vary depending on the type of wood used. On average, installing wood flooring will cost you around $4,400. However, more exotic woods can be significantly more expensive, costing you upwards of $10,000, depending on the type of wood you use and the square footage you’re installing.
Shows Wear and Tear
Be prepared that your brand new floor won’t look new and shiny for very long. Shoes, furniture, and pets will scratch up your floor over time. Especially if it’s installed in a high-traffic area, like your kitchen. This means if you want to keep your floors looking nice, you’ll likely have to spend money on a refinishing job from time to time.
Prone to Water Damage
Wood flooring doesn’t do well with moisture. If you have kids that spill juice or have a pet that is not potty-trained, you’re going to have to take extra care to make sure the floor that you put all that time and money into doesn’t end up needing expensive repairs. Even if it’s just a small puddle, you need to wipe it up right away and ensure the area is completely dried as quickly as possible. Water can seep in through the cracks between the boards, putting you at risk for mold growth.
Noisy
With carpeting, your floors have a cushion that absorbs a lot of the noises made while existing in a room. Wood floors don’t give you this same buffer, which means you’ll hear it every time the person in the room above you gets up to go to the kitchen for a midnight snack. If you’re set on wood flooring and want to alleviate the noise in your house, try putting down a few area rugs to suppress loud steps.