Hardwood Floor Pros And Cons
The hardwood floor has as many supporters as there are opponents. This is because it not only adds to the beauty of the space, but also requires extra maintenance. The best way to find out if such a floor is right for your home is to know the pros and cons of hardwood flooring so you can make the right assessment before choosing a flooring material.
Below, we discuss, among other things, the ecological, aesthetic, installation and care, as well as sustainability and price issues of hardwood flooring. This will allow you to make an informed decision before choosing such a floor.
The benefits of a hardwood floor
Wood is an eye-catching material, as it goes well with many different styles of furniture and increases their charm. However, it also has many other benefits that make it stand out and have been doing so for many decades.
1. Thermal insulation
Due to its enviable thermal insulation, hardwood flooring is a great material in cold weather. It retains heat in the home despite low outdoor temperatures.
2. Benefits of hardwood flooring: durability
Hardwood flooring has a long service life and, when properly maintained, can remain intact for generations to come. The thickness of the floor is also proportional to its durability.
3. Hypoallergenic
Hardwood floors do not cause allergies because they are not infected with dust, pollen and other factors that can cause a stuffy or leaking nose. In other words, it does not absorb dirt and facilitates general cleaning of the home.
4. Benefits of hardwood flooring: clean air
Air quality is better in homes with hardwood floors, and this has significant psychological and physiological effects if you are in some sort of recovery phase.
5. Aesthetics
Such a floor changes the look of any space and creates a favorable aesthetic environment for other objects in the same room. In addition, such a floor is made exceptional by its wide range of different styles.
Disadvantages of hardwood floors
The downsides of a hardwood floor should also be weighed so you know if it fits your own home. We have compiled in the next section the biggest disadvantages of such flooring material.
1. Installation
Hardwood floors should be installed carefully, as even a small defect can cause various problems with its durability over the years. For this reason, it is best to consult a professional in the field who can ensure the best possible result.
2. Hardwood floor maintenance
Such a material requires more maintenance than most other materials. This is caused by factors such as humidity, strong sunlight and scratches. For this reason, its care requires periodic dedication.
3. Fading over time
Such a floor will fade over the years, especially if the sun gets to shine somewhere more than elsewhere. Unfortunately, this can cause unwanted color distortion that fights against perceptions of beauty.
4. Price
This is one of the biggest limitations in choosing a wood floor, as it is on average more expensive than other options on sale. On the other hand, the selection is large, which also expands the price range. However, it is undoubtedly seen as a long-term real estate investment.
5. Sounds
The sound insulation of wood is not the best, and the sound is usually carried in an undesired way. A solution to this can be found with an extra layer of insulation, although in the end it is a huge expense.
Ecological benefits of hardwood flooring
While felling trees destroys the forest, the law forces companies to replant more trees than they take from the forests. On the other hand, the energy costs of wood processing are much lower than with other materials, such as concrete or plastic.
Wood floors also lower the carbon dioxide content of the air, which minimizes the greenhouse effect through the carbon sink effect. In addition, those sections that are discarded for one reason or another can be recycled for a new purpose.
The choice of hardwood flooring is not a light decision
Such a floor is an excellent choice for people who are willing to make a large investment, maintain the floor regularly, and take any precautions so that the floor is not affected by moisture or sunlight.
Now that you know the pros and cons of a hardwood floor, the next step is to research the area where you want to install that floor and evaluate the usability of the floor according to its intended use.
So don’t choose a floor on light grounds as it should last a lifetime. The most important recommendation is to be completely sure of what you want before making a decision.