Solid hardwood is one of the most coveted flooring materials for homes, but what makes this classic option so popular? Not only is hardwood flooring uniquely beautiful, it also has many other benefits that make it a premium choice. Whether you’re building a new home or updating an old one, here are four reasons to go with hardwood for your floors.
Breathe Easier
Carpeted floors may be cheaper than hardwood, but their fluffy fibers can create a home for pet dander, insect droppings and mold spores. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors have no fibers that can trap dirt and dust. This makes it a perfect choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners. Hardwood also lacks the many potentially irritating chemical sealants and glues that are often present in its main competitors, laminate and vinyl flooring.
Save Time and Money
Are you tired of vacuuming every day and shelling out for a carpet shampoo every few months? Cross those chores off your list with a hardwood floor. Hardwood is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. Regular sweeping and an occasional polish is usually all it needs. If your floor does get damaged, refinishing can restore it to new for a much lower cost than replacing carpet, laminate or tile. With the right finishing, you can easily keep a wooden floor clean with regular sweeping and gentle mopping to pick up dirt. Hardwood floors are also better for insulation, saving you energy bills for cold feet as they are not nearly as conductive as stone or ceramic tile.
Improve Your Home’s Acoustics
If you love movie night with your home theater or showing off your piano skills for friends, a hardwood floor can take your entertainment to the next level. Hardwood’s superior acoustics make it the first choice for stages in theaters and concert venues. Sounds echo smoothly against hardwood with no vibrations. Hardwood also helps to dampen noise pollution, such as flushing toilets and running water, that bleeds in from other rooms. This means that your privacy in your home will be increased, especially between floors.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Hardwood floors might be expensive, but they provide a great return on your investment. This very desirable type of flooring can not only help your home find a buyer more quickly but also increases your home’s final sale price. One survey found that 54% of homebuyers were willing to pay more for hardwood floors. In this case, the demand for hardwood floors is actually increasing demand on its own through the rising popularity of hardwood in new homes.
Hardwood is a very popular flooring choice for many good reasons, but remember that the decision for your home is ultimately up to you. If you prefer the softness of carpet or the budget price of laminate over the durability of hardwood, don’t be afraid to go for it. While hardwood is a great choice for kitchens and living rooms, it may not be the best choice for your bathroom or even bedroom. Choose wisely based on the needs of the room and you’ll be sure to have a flooring style you can enjoy.
