The Benefits of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring is made from native and exotic trees that are ideal for use as hardwood flooring, and are both decorative or functional. Wood is an extremely popular option for flooring due to its durability, easy maintenance, and appearance. While some people may still prefer to use carpet or a variety of other types of floor coverings, many people find that choosing hardwood adds beauty and character to their home. Read on to learn more about the benefits of hardwood floors.

Durability and Strength

When selecting hardwood flooring, it is important that you get species that are durable and strong. Some examples of durable hardwood flooring include red oak, maple, ash, cherry, birch, and poplar. Many of these species are quite naturally durable and beautiful. These species can withstand wear and tear for decades with little effort. Solid hardwood floors can be stripped and refinished to restore them to their former glory and add more years to their life. However, you should always consider the actual species of the floor you want to install.

There are several types of engineered hardwood flooring that are less expensive than traditional wood. Typically these engineered hardwood floors have a higher karat content (the specific measure of the density of the wood), which means the floor is less expensive. However, the engineered hardwood flooring may still be subject to indentation and swelling. The advantage of purchasing the less expensive engineered hardwood flooring is that it usually has a high gloss finish that can help hide any imperfections in the wood. Engineered hardwood floors are available in many different color choices. They are also considered to be high-quality, making them more affordable than the traditional types of hardwood flooring. The only downside to engineered hardwood floors is that they cannot be refinished like their solid hardwood counterparts.

Available in Many Styles, Colors, and Options

Solid wood floors can be stained to provide an array of colors or left natural and untreated. When purchasing the less expensive solid hardwood flooring that does not require staining, remember that stains are available for many species of wood. For example, you can purchase unfinished birch or maple floors that can be stained to different colors. The key is to pick a stain that will work with the natural grain of the wood. In most cases, you will find that pre-finished birch, maple, or ash floors are less expensive than those that must be stained.

Engineered hardwood floors are engineered are commonly less expensive than solid wood floors. Engineered floors are less prone to damage from moisture. warping, and buckling due to their multilayer construction. They can retain their appearance for a long time. However, as said before, they cannot be refinished and will need to be replaced in time. There are different types of engineered floors, including laminates, as well as floating floors that have a rubber backing.

If you live in an area that experiences high levels of humidity, engineered hardwood flooring may be a good option for you. This type of flooring is designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the floor and sticking to the surface. The surface of the wood remains intact and will not become damaged. The engineered floor membrane will be sealed and have a protective sealant applied to it. This type of floor is commonly coated with multiple layers of protective sealant to prevent water damage.

The decision on which type of flooring to install should be based on your budget, the amount of traffic on the floor, how much maintenance you are willing to invest in your home. You should also consider the location of where you want to place your flooring, and the styles of the other flooring you are considering. For sure you will want to weigh the cost of the initial purchase against the longevity of your floor. Solid hardwood flooring will cost you more initially but last for a lifetime whereas engineered hardwood floor may last for 10 to 15 years before it will need to be replaced. If you are looking for a floor that you can install yourself, an engineered hardwood floor may be the best option for you.

We hope this post highlighted the benefits of hardwood floors for you. But we know, sometimes making the right decision can be hard. That is why we offer a free consultation service to help you decide which flooring option is the best one for you. Just give us a call at (707) 297-2476 to arrange for an appointment either in our showroom or your home.  Or, you can visit our website and request an appointment from there.