Benefits and Pitfalls of Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring can be a great investment, as it looks nice, has the potential to last for 25, 30 or even 40 years and it can be paired with just about any furniture, rug or accent pieces. That said, hardwood also comes with a few pitfalls, the biggest of which is maintenance. If you’re considering installing hardwood floors in your home, it’s important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Advantages of Hardwood Floors
The greatest appeal of hardwood floors is how they look. Hardwood floors not only look nice, but they also look classy and sophisticated. A nice hardwood floor can elevate a home from average to noteworthy without changing too much of the furniture or other design elements. Additionally, hardwood flooring matches everything. Whether you’re style is more farmhouse chic, modern or eclectic, hardwood floors can provide the perfect base for your accessories.
Another benefit of hardwood floors is that they are easy to clean. Whether you need to wipe up a spill, sweep up dust or just restore their shine, you can do so easily without all the gadgets necessary to restore carpet to like new.
Disadvantages of Hardwood Floors
For most people, the biggest drawback of hardwood floors is their price. Real hardwood is expensive, as it takes a lot of time and manpower to manufacture correctly. It’s also difficult to install and requires the work of a trained professional to do so correctly.
Additionally, hardwood floors are not easy to maintain. Though they are easy to clean, it can take considerable effort to keep them safe from scratches, water stains and other maladies typical floors undergo. In addition to taking special precautions, such as not wearing high heels in the house or clipping your pet’s nails, you will also need to coat your floors in a durable finish every few years or so, which can take time and further add to your costs.
Like all flooring options, hardwood flooring does come with its fair share of pros and cons. However, most homeowners with hardwood would agree that the advantages far outweigh the pitfalls, and that in the end, it’s a worthwhile investment.