6 Essential Things to Know About Hardwood Flooring
When discussing durability in flooring, hardwood floors often take precedence in people's minds. This is because hardwood floors are renowned for their timeless appeal, exceptional strength, and long-lasting nature. They can endure heavy foot traffic, resist scratches, and withstand everyday wear and tear, making them a preferred choice for those seeking flooring that remains beautiful over time.
However, there are some essential things about hardwood flooring that you may have yet to hear about, and we'll explore them in this article.
Hardwood is Ranked on a Hardness Scale
The hardness of a wood is measured using the Janka hardness test. This scale assesses the resistance of wood species to denting and wear, providing a clear metric to gauge the durability of your flooring choice. This test involves measuring the force required to embed a steel ball into the wood to half its diameter. The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood.
Hardwood like Hickory have high Janka ratings, making them ideal for areas with high foot traffic or homes with pets while softer woods like Black Walnut are better suited for areas with less traffic.
Knowing the hardness scale of the wood you want will help you make an informed decision that balances aesthetic desires with practical durability needs.
Hardwood Flooring is an Eco-Friendly Choice
Hardwood flooring is increasingly sought after for its environmentally friendly attributes. It is made from natural materials that are both renewable and biodegradable, distinguishing it from synthetic alternatives that often rely on fossil fuels and contribute to landfill waste. Many suppliers adhere to sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that hardwood is sourced from forests that are managed and replenished with care for future generations.
Additionally, the longevity of hardwood flooring means that it does not need to be replaced as frequently as other types of flooring, leading to less waste over time. Also noteworthy is that some hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced, extending their life further.
When it eventually comes time to dispose of hardwood floors, the materials are completely natural. This means they can naturally decompose at the end of their life cycle without leaving behind harmful pollutants or toxins, reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste.
Hardwood Floors Can Increase Property Value
One of the most significant benefits of installing hardwood flooring is the potential to boost your home's market value. Homes with hardwood floors often attract higher offers from buyers who appreciate the material's enduring beauty and resilience. This type of flooring is viewed as a premium upgrade, signaling to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained and invested in.
Realtors frequently highlight hardwood floors as a key selling point in listings, suggesting that homes with this feature may sell faster and for more money compared to those with other types of flooring. The perception of quality and the timeless appeal associated with hardwood can play a pivotal role during resale, making it a strategic choice for homeowners looking to enhance their property's appeal and financial worth.
Hardwood Floors Come in Various Finishes
Hardwood flooring, with its myriad of shades and finishes, provides homeowners with the opportunity to precisely tailor their floors to match their unique design visions. They can select from a range of finishes that can enhance the wood's natural beauty or even alter its appearance entirely.
Distressed finishes can add an antique charm to a room, while high-gloss options create a sleek, modern vibe. The choice extends further to the board width and the installation method, with wider planks providing a more contemporary feel and parquet or herringbone patterns adding a decorative touch.
This diversity enables the creation of a space that is not only reflective of personal style but also conducive to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Hardwood Floors Can Create Healthier Homes
Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for people concerned about indoor air quality and allergens. Unlike carpets, which can trap dust, pet hair, odours, and other allergens, dirt is easy to see on hardwood flooring which helps to know when it is due for cleaning.
Additionally, the floors are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to remove dust and debris. This simplicity of maintenance reduces the accumulation of allergens and helps maintain a healthier environment. This also makes hardwood flooring an ideal choice for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Hardwood Floors Can Be Expensive
It's true that hardwood floors often come with a higher initial cost compared to some other flooring options. This is because the cost of raw wood sourced from sustainably managed forests is high. At the same time, the manufacturing process involves precision mining and finishing techniques.
Aside from the hardwood materials, the installation can also be expensive as it requires skilled labour and tools to ensure its longevity and performance.
Is Hardwood Floor Right for You?
You've made a solid decision if you read through all the details and concluded that hardwood floors are the right choice for your property. Their versatility, durability, and long-lasting nature justify the price. With proper care and maintenance, your hardwood floors will provide a beautiful foundation for your space that will stand the test of time.
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