One of the most exciting aspects of remodeling a house is getting to choose the new materials that will replace the old ones. When it comes to flooring, you have many options, including carpet, tile and hardwood flooring.
You only get one opportunity to pick the right flooring for you, so consider these five reasons to choose hardwood flooring over other options.
They’re Durable
Whether you live in your house alone or you have a full family with lots of children and pets, hardwood flooring can stand up to everything. Carpet gets worn down and tile can crack, but wood floors are more resistant to wear and tear than just about any other flooring option. This is particularly true if you choose a harder wood like hickory or Brazilian teak over softer woods such as pine and oak.
They Go With Any Decor
Wood complements any style, whether you’re going for a sleek, modern look or a more rustic cabin feel. While the color of the wood may make a difference in your furnishing decisions, most woods blend well with both contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Additionally, if you decide to change your style down the road, the wooden floors will likely match the new trends just as well as the old ones, meaning you can save money by not replacing your floors a second time.
They Work in Any Room
While you might associate wooden floors with bedrooms or living areas, they actually work in any room in your home. For example, some people are hesitant about putting hardwood floors in their kitchens because they’re worried about water damage. However, the finishes used on wooden flooring today can withstand spills and splatters. So don’t hesitate to install wood floors in your kitchen for a refreshing and clean look.
They Are Easy to Clean
Another reason people with families and pets choose hardwood flooring is that they are simple to clean. Spills and pet accidents wipe up easily, and daily sweeping is quick and efficient. Unlike carpet, you don’t have to worry about a spill soaking in right away, or finding the right cleaner to avoid bleaching or discoloring the carpet. You can simply wipe up the mess with a cloth or paper towel, spray a cleaner on the spot, and wipe dry.
They Can Be Repaired or Refinished
If a board does get damaged in some way, you don’t have to replace the entire floor. The damaged board can be pulled up and repaired or refinished. Plus, if your entire floor’s finish becomes dull or discolored with age, it can likely be refinished and brought back to life, making your floors look as good as new. With proper maintenance, a wood floor finish can last as long as 25 years, so refinishing a surface is not a frequent need, but refinishing a damaged board or two may be necessary before then.
Conclusion
At one point, due to their high maintenance properties, homeowners shied away from installing hardwood floors in their home, and even covered up wood floors with carpet. However, with the quality of flooring available today, there’s no reason why you can’t have gorgeous wood floors throughout your house without adding any additional maintenance responsibilities. Wood floors do require special care, but that’s no different from any other type of flooring. With all the benefits of wood floors, there’s no reason not to install them during your next renovation.
My daughter recently purchased a new home, which she intends to remodel before moving in. It’s fortunate that you pointed out that hardwood floors are an excellent choice because they are easy to clean—you can just wipe up spills and sweep dust. I believe it would be wiser to try this instead of carpeting since she has four dogs. I’ll be sure to let her know about this and look into hardwood floor installation services that would be of help to her.