Even though hardwood floors are a pricier alternative than carpet, homeowners everywhere are looking for these beautiful floor coverings to enhance the look of their homes. Also, the fact that these floors provide a clean look, require little maintenance, and are safe are additional qualities that make these floors so appealing.
The Safe and Clean Alternative
With many people suffering from allergies and other conditions, hardwood presents a more sanitary option by the mere fact that is not a dust collector like carpet is. Carpet also tends to hide other debris and germs that love to reside within its fibers. Hardwood is not only easier to clean, but it is a safer living environment.
Easy to Maintain
Hardwood floors are usually sealed surfaces that have a protective layer of finish. This makes them more stain-resistant than other types of flooring materials. And if they happen to get scuffed, dented, scraped, or scratched, which may be visible particularly in high traffic areas, they can be sanded, refinished, and smoothed. This is a much better option than having to consider a full floor replacement.
Sustainability
If you are concerned about the environment, installing a hardwood floor can reassure you that you are installing a material that is abundantly renewable. It seems that these days trees are growing faster than they are being used for flooring. Also, hardwood floors can be recycled when they have reached the end of their useful life. When compared with carpet, hardwood uses fewer synthetic materials, and carpet is treated with many more chemicals. And if all these advantages were not enough, hardwood can last a lifetime, providing value and beauty to any home.
Look and Feel
The look and feel of hardwood as you walk barefoot on it are unsurpassed. Its unique look is universally appealing and never goes out of style. And these days, you don’t have to settle for a single hardwood look. There is a wide selection for you to chose from, including a great variety of colors and wood types, textures, patterns, and designs.
Color Stays On
While you can tell when carpet has reached the end of its useful life and have no option but to change it, the story with hardwood is quite different. The color will not start to change until it becomes unrecognizable. On the contrary, the stable appearance of hardwood means you can enjoy it for years without having to consider a replacement.
On the other hand, if the color you chose years ago no longer pleases you or does not match your home’s new décor anymore, solid hardwood floors can be refinished, and their color can be changed. This means you can drastically alter the look of your home without a drastic impact on your budget.
Improved Acoustics
Acoustics in any home can be greatly improved when hardwoods are installed. These floors greatly reduce hollow sounds that are often perceived. To prove this point, you need to look no further than your nearest dance or music studio, and you will surely find hardwood floors installed there.
Value Added
Picture this: what would your reaction be to a home you are considering buying if the floors were covered with carpet? Now imagine the same house with beautiful hardwood floors. Undoubtedly, you would be more inclined to buy the one with hardwood. And while you would definitely want to swap out any carpet, any room with hardwood would stay as it is. This means that when you add hardwood to your home, you are adding a feature that will add value now and for years to come.
Are you considering hardwood floors for your home?
The list of advantages that hardwood floors offer is the reason why every year, an increasing number of homeowners are turning to this flooring material for their homes. From the beauty it conveys to the warmth and comfort on the soles of your feet as you walk barefoot on it, hardwood has become a universal favorite.
If you want to add your name to the long list of homeowners enjoying hardwood on their floors, homecarecontractors.com recommends that you take the time to consider what type of wood will work best with your home’s design and your budget. You may start by deciding whether you want strip, plank, or parquet flooring. If you are going to install hardwood on high traffic areas, you may have to go with a sturdier variety, particularly when children and pets are in the picture.
Once you make up your mind, take the time to learn the steps needed to maintain your new floors looking as amazing as they do on day one. The better care you give them, the longer you and your loved ones will be able to enjoy them looking like new.