Hardwood flooring is one of the most common types of flooring due to its durability and versatility, but like anything, it has some cons that are important to know before making an investment… even if they’re not really deal breakers.
So let’s alternate between pros and cons until we conclude with a quick summary, but before we proceed, I have to make one thing clear: I’m not trying to be coy.
I can tell you right here and now that hardwood flooring is a great option that fits most homes. But an investment is an investment and you should get all the information before going through with it, so let’s get to the specifics!
“The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
PRO: Easy to clean
Hardwood floors are smooth, unlikely to stain as long as you’re quick to clean, and fairly scratch resistant – making it quite easy to keep clean. Sweeping and vacuuming regularly gets the job done most of the time, and you can quickly find a wood cleaner at a local store for a deeper cleaning if you need.
CON: Hardwood flooring cost
While hardwood isn’t the most expensive type of flooring you can get, it’s not on the cheaper side either. It is sturdy, durable and loved by many, which is reflected on the cost.
If you want to know exactly how much it would cost to install this type of flooring in your home, check our cost guide on hardwood flooring installation or request a quote to know the exact figures for your home.
But if the price is a big deciding factor for you, you can also consider something like laminate flooring, which can mimic the look at a slightly lower cost, but also giving up some of hardwood’s qualities. If you’re interested, we made a full comparison on the pros and cons of laminate vs. hardwood flooring.
PRO: Durable
Hardwood floors are durable enough for most situations. Standing water is a problem, but as long as you’re quick to clean it will not stain or absorb it. Scratches from furniture and pets are a concern, but for furniture you can use carpets or dampers to alleviate the issue. Pets can definitely scratch it over time, but minor scratches can be easily patched up with sanding or a refinish.
Hardwood floors are also known for lasting generations with proper care and maintenance, so the investment will really pay off in the long run.
CON: Needs regular refinishing
When it comes to hardwood flooring maintenance, it’s recommended that you refinish them every 3 to 5 years. This process is great for patching up minor scratches and damages, and overall enhancing the look of the entire floor back to brand-new condition – which can be noticeably different after a few years.
Every type of flooring needs maintenance, but the reason hardwood flooring refinish is considered a "con" is because the interval between each refinish is fairly short – every 3 years isn’t such a long time for 100% redos of your entire flooring.
It’s worth noting you can save money by DIY-ing, but well, then you have the con of actually having to perform the work yourself. In most cases, homeowners prefer to leave it for the pros.
PRO: Visual variety
The natural look of wood is one of the reasons homeowners are attracted to hardwood flooring in the first place, but inside of that there is a huge variety of types of wood to choose from. You’re never limited to just one tone or even plank size, you have options inside this category to find the perfect hardwood flooring for your home and taste.
Besides, the variety in types of wood alone makes it versatile for matching different decoration styles. Work together with an interior designer and magic can happen!
To sum it up
Without a doubt, hardwood flooring is one of the best types of flooring out there. It stands on a nice middle ground between having durability and versatility at a reasonable price, making it an attractive investment for any homeowner looking for a reliable flooring option.
Want to install hardwood flooring in your home? Get free quotes from flooring professionals in your area today!
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