Chapter 7: The Pros and Cons of Wood Flooring

At Superior Hardwoods of Montana, we know hardwood flooring and how it can add beauty and a feeling of warmth to a space. We also know that, as with anything else, there are pros and cons of hardwood floors.

Things We Love About Wood Floors

Because wood floors can last through the generations, you may want to sand and refinish your wood floors to bring back the beauty and natural shine in them. As your personal style and taste evolve over time, wood floors serve as a timeless backdrop for other changes. Other types of flooring may not be as versatile and can easily begin to look dated as interior décor trends change.

It can be relatively easy to match newly purchased hardwood with hardwood you’ve had installed in the past or if you’d like to work on your project in phases and get more hardwood in the future. We offer a variety of prefinished choices for your convenience. Our hardwood flooring is also available unfinished so you may finish the wood with the stain of your choice and create even more options to customize your design and suit your personal taste.

Having flooring that works with almost any style of décor “” from traditional to modern “” is a major benefit. In addition, hardwood flooring it is available in different types of woods, including:

• Red Oak
• White Oak
• Cherry
• Walnut
• Maple
• Hickory
• Fir
• Pine
• Ash
• Beech
• Birch

Maintenance of Wood Flooring

Another benefit is hardwood flooring is easy to repair when damaged. There are several common ways wood floors become damaged.

If gaps develop between planks because of natural environmental factors, just waiting for the season to change may allow the wood to correct itself. If the gap is larger than a dime and persists, a professional may be able to tighten up the hardwood.

Scratches can be repaired with touch-up kits found at most local home improvement stores. You can address major scratches by refinishing the flooring.

Durability of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are durable and last quite a long time. It’s common for homes and buildings that are more than 100 years old and have been properly cared for to still have their original flooring. The maintenance of hardwood floors is relatively simple. They need sweeping and occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner. Other cleaners may be too acidic and may break down the finish of your flooring. Despite being a common practice in old times, wax should never be applied to hardwood flooring as it may prevent finishes from adhering to the wood should you choose to refinish your flooring in the future.

Jenka scale rankings show the relative hardness of different wood species used to make flooring and how durable the wood is. Denser and harder woods have a higher ranking. However, the scale only applies to solid wood and would not be an accurate form of measurement for engineered wood.

Another solid mark in the pro column among the pros and cons of hardwood flooring? The excellent insulation. Whether you choose engineered or reclaimed hardwood, these planks provide an extra layer in your home, to protect you from cold in the winter and heat in the summer.

The High Value of Hardwood Floors

Having hardwood flooring increases the value of a property, and wood floors are considered an upgrade to most potential buyers. While the upfront cost and installation process is an investment in time and money, it is worth it. Real estate buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors, and homes with hardwood floors tend to sell faster than homes with carpeting.

Things to Consider Before Investing in Hardwood Floors

With so many benefits, the appeal of hardwood flooring is hard to deny. We also want you to be aware of different perspectives before making the decision that is right for you. Being aware of what’s involved to install and properly maintain wood floors so they reveal their true beauty and you reap the benefits of your investment is important.

Hardwood Floors Come at a Higher Price

Wood floors are more expensive than some other flooring types. The initial cost may seem like a big expense, but over time wood flooring can become very cost-effective. That’s because it can last hundreds of years if properly installed and maintained. There are examples of buildings around the world that still have wood flooring installed centuries ago. Other types of flooring last 10 to 20 years and will need replaced much more often than wood floors, as much as ten times more often.

Beware Pet Damage to Hardwood Flooring

Pets are loving additions to families and they have a big presence in many homes. When considering hardwood floors, many people wonder about scratches that can be caused by pets. Softer woods show blemishes easier than harder woods.

You can take some measures to minimize the damage your pets may do to your wood flooring:

• Having rugs at doorways helps trap dirt and debris brought in from outside.
• Trimming pets’ nails will also help.

If scratches do happen, they will likely only be deep enough to affect the wood’s finish, which can be repaired. Having hardwood floors refinished professionally may cost anywhere between $2.00 and $4.00 or more per square foot.

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