Hardwood floors definitely seem to have stood the test of time, but are they the right choice for your home? Maybe you are longing for the sleek, elegant look that hardwood can offer. Or, maybe you are rethinking your budget as you sit comfily on your plush carpet. Take a look at these pros and cons to see if hardwood floors are right for you.
Pros of Installing Hardwood Flooring
Aesthetics
There is something timeless about hardwood floors. The sleek lines they create make any room look classic and elegant! Many believe that wood opens up a room making it appear larger and less cramped. If you are looking to upscale your home, this may be your best bet!
Cleaning
Sweeping, mopping, steaming, vacuuming or whatever your preference may be, cleaning up any mess is EASY! Dirt and debris can be easily removed, and you don’t have to worry about anything soaking into carpet or grout. If you go from carpet to hardwood, you will be amazed at how low maintenance your floor cleaning efforts have become. Pick up a Swiffer Sweeper next time you are at Walmart and you won’t need to worry about much else… it’s that easy!
Cost Effectiveness
Try and take your eyes off the dollar sign because this style of flooring is a good deal in the long run. Hardwood floors are long lasting for several reasons making them much more cost effective than you would think. Hard wood floors can last for generations. Think about any old home you have been into. Chances are, if taken care of properly, the wood floor is probably original. Unlike wood, carpet and vinyl must be replaced every few years. This installation may be expensive up front, but it could save you in the long run!
Air Quality
Your top concerns may be appearance and cost when looking at your flooring options, but have you thought about the health benefits? On hardwood, what you see is what you get. There is no trapped dust or dander like with carpet. Dust also loves to settle in the grout between tiles! If you have allergies, hardwood floors are the way to go… you’ll thank yourself in the spring.
Cons of Hardwood Flooring
Cost
You guessed it… cost is a top concern when thinking about installing hardwood flooring. It is no secret that there are a few extra dollar signs as compared to hardwood’s carpet or vinyl counterparts. While it may be one-time investment, that is still a chunk of cash coming out of your pocket at one time, especially if you aren’t certain this is what you want in your home for a long period of time.
Weather Effects
The weather plays a big part on hardwood floors even though they are safely installed indoors. While carpet, tile or vinyl may remain stationary, wood is constantly on the move fluctuating with temperature. In damp, humid weather, wood is likely to swell and expand whereas on dryer days, it may shrink. This leaves uncertainty on whether your wood will really fit well in your desired room. Asking your local handyman about the best wood for your climate is crucial!
Easily Damaged
While day to day maintenance may be simple, real damage is hard to undo. Water contact should be avoided at all cost, which can be difficult when near a sink or coming in after rain or a swim. The longer water sits on hardwood, the more likely damage is to occur making household leaks even more threatening than before.
Wood is also easy to scratch, which can ruin the pristine look. While wood can be polished, that is yet another expense to consider.
Noise
Carpet muffles noise while wood enhances it. While your acoustics may be phenomenal if you are a singer, get ready to whisper and tip toe if you don’t want the entire house to know what you are up to. This can be especially noticeable in two story homes.
