Are you trying to decide on the perfect flooring for your remodel? Many people begin to consider remodeling when the weather warms up, and there are so many different materials to choose from when you’re planning an exciting home improvement project. If you’ve been considering hardwood for your Blackhawk home, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this flooring option before you make up your mind.
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The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring never waivers in popularity. Here are some of the top advantages of choosing hardwood flooring for your Blackhawk home remodeling project…
Hardwood is Long-Lasting
While other materials, like carpet or vinyl will eventually need to be completely replaced, hardwood flooring stands the test of time. In fact, if you properly care for your hardwood floors, they can last a lifetime. The disclaimer, however, is that they need to be refinished once a decade. This is because their finish and shine wears down over the years, as is the case with any flooring material. But if you take good care of your floors, a simpler option is to have them recoated.
You Plan on Selling Your Home Someday
Do you plan on selling your property someday? Houses with hardwood flooring are always in demand and actually tend to sell faster than homes with carpeting. If you’ve been searching for hardwood for your Blackhawk home, rest easy knowing that this is an investment you can recoup if you ever decide to sell.
Keep it Classy
One of the things we love about wood flooring is that it compliments all styles. This is a flooring option that pairs well with any home decor, whether you favor a modern look or something a little warmer and more country. Also, you can handpick the stain and type of wood to match with your interior design.
Variety is the Spice of Life
There are many different tree species to choose from when you want hardwood for your Blackhawk home. For example, walnut, beech, ash, oak, maple, and cherry trees. These are trees with naturally hardwood, making them popular varieties. On the other hand, a tree species with softwood, like pine, will scratch and scuff more easily so it’s not as ideal for flooring, especially if you have dogs in the house.
It Maintains its Value
Unlike other flooring options, the value of your hardwood floors won’t decrease with age. You may need to have them recoated or refinished, but you can count on them to last, adding value to your home for decades to come. While carpets can become stained and worn down with foot traffic, hardwood is a long-term investment. In fact, wood can look even more attractive as it ages and takes on a “seasoned” appearance.
Mix it Up
Hardwood floors are available in planks, strips, and parquet styles, so aside from choosing a species of wood, you also have some other options available to you. Do you want to stain and finish your floors, or just add a protective seal? Another bonus is that if you ever get bored, you can always have your floors stained another shade. This can really revive the look of your home when you need a change.
It’s Environmentally-Friendly
Hardwood floors are a more environmentally-friendly option than some other flooring options, as long as the trees are sustainably harvested. They are biodegradable and natural, which is perfect for anyone interested in conscious home design.
Healthy Home
It is also one of the easiest types of flooring to sanitize. If you don’t opt for professional carpet cleaning services from time to time, carpeting can be a hiding place for dust and other allergens, like pet dander, or even mold. Hardwood flooring is easier to clean, ensuring that your indoor environment is healthier.
The Downside to Hardwood Floors
We could go on and on about what we love about these floors, but there are a couple potential downsides to consider, and we’re here to help you make the best choice. Here are the cons…
The Upfront Cost
Most people would agree that the main downside to hardwood flooring is its upfront cost. It happens to be one of the more expensive options on the market, including installation fees. Although, it is an investment that’s built to last, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself in order to decide if it’s right for your remodeling budget.
Another thing to consider is that luxury vinyl can replicate the look of hardwood floors, at a fraction of the cost. This engineering process has come a long way and is quite realistic and natural looking.
It’s Not Waterproof
Of course, another downside to hardwood flooring for your Blackhawk home is that it’s not waterproof. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, this may not be the best option for your home. For water-resistant flooring, consider tile or luxury vinyl. Both are beautiful alternatives, especially for wet areas, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Dents and Scratches
Life happens, so even if you take special care with your hardwood floors, dents and scratches are a possibility. Moving heavy furniture can scratch your new floors, as well as your dog’s nails if they aren’t trimmed on a regular basis. If scratch-resistant flooring is high on your list of priorities, consider luxury vinyl tile and vinyl sheets, instead.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
As you can see, you have a lot of options to choose from. If you’ve been planning a remodel, we hope this post helped you weigh the top pros and cons. At Dublin Carpet, we love to hear about your home improvement projects.
Let’s Chat
To learn more about the hardwood flooring options we offer at Dublin Carpet, please click here. Our flooring specialists are available to answer any questions you have about the best flooring for your home. For a free estimate, give us a call at (925) 833-0165. We’re happy to help.
