
Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home and provide many perks that other flooring options cannot match. However, before you invest in hardwood floors, it is important to understand the pros and cons of this type of flooring.
Solid wood floors add value to your house and help it sell faster. This is due to the natural beauty and durability of this type of floor.
Cost Considerations
Hardwood floors generally cost more to install than engineered hardwood. If the installer needs to cut and install boards around corners, curves, or angles that require more time and effort, this can add to the overall project costs.
Another factor to consider is that standard solid wood planks cannot be re-sanded and refinished as many times as engineered hardwood. For a more durable option, you can choose rifted or quarter-sawn wood, which is more expensive but can be re-sanded and refurnished multiple times.
Additionally, solid wood floors typically need to be nailed into a subfloor. This can make them less suitable for basements or areas that experience a lot of humidity changes. Engineered hardwood, which can be glued down, may be better suited to those areas since it is more resistant to moisture. Another factor to look for is info & certifications on low VOC emissions. This is important since adhesives used in manufacturing can run off the gas.
Durability
Solid hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. They are a classic look that never goes out of style and can increase the value of your home if you ever choose to sell it.
Hardwood floors are also highly durable, withstanding the impact of heavy furniture and household items. They are easy to clean and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. They can withstand high levels of foot traffic, so they are great for busy households.
One of the drawbacks to solid hardwood is that it can warp in damp conditions and may experience a phenomenon called “cupping,” where the edges of the planks raise upwards. This can be a significant problem in areas with fluctuating moisture levels, such as basements. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is more resistant to humidity due to its layered construction. This makes it a better option for basements and rooms with lots of moisture, like laundry rooms or bathrooms.
Appearance
Solid hardwood floors bring warmth and beauty to any home. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout their life, which is a major draw for homeowners who enjoy making upgrades to their homes over time.
They also tend to absorb sound better than engineered wood products, which can be a bonus for families with children or pets. However, they must be acclimated to the home before installation so that the wood grain can adjust to the temperature and humidity levels.
Engineered hardwoods, on the other hand, typically have a top veneer of real wood that is layered over a plywood or high-density fibreboard core. They are more dimensionally stable and are often the preferred choice for areas that can be exposed to fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels. Depending on the brand, some engineered products can be sanded and refurbished as needed, making them a more affordable option than solid hardwood.
Maintenance
Hardwood flooring requires routine care and maintenance. It needs to be swept, vacuumed and mopped with products that are specifically made for wood floors. Regular refinishing can also keep it looking its best.
Solid hardwood is a great choice for above-ground spaces and works well in living areas, kitchens and bedrooms. However, because of its greater sensitivity to moisture and humidity changes, it is not suitable for basements, bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Most popular domestic and exotic hardwood species offer a variety of colour options that can be stained and finished to match existing decor. These finishes are a mix of waxes, oils and urethane, with some offering specialty textures, surface treatments and colour effects.
Solid wood flooring can also be sanded down and refinished, unlike most engineered hardwood. However, refinishing is not as simple as sanding down the finish and requires more skill and effort. It also takes longer to refinish than to install new wood floors.
Looking for hardwood flooring and expert guidance to upgrade your home? Contact our professional team today at +1 (833) 824-9655.