Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

by Prospec LLC Solutions Provider

Flooring sets the base for a building’s appearance. The type of flooring you chose can add so much to the look and feel of your building. However, people find themselves at cross roads while choosing between flooring options. Popular tile distributors based in New York offer different types of polished wall and floor tiles for commercial buildings. If you are looking out for a flooring option that is durable, suits your budget and gives that rich feel, hardwood is an option that has these qualities. The ethereal beauty and unmatched class of wood flooring makes it a reliable and classy choice for both traditional and modern building designs.

Having flooring that works with almost any style of décor “from traditional to modern” is an important aspect. In fact, hardwood flooring is available in different types like – Hickory, Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, Ash, Birch, Black Walnut and Cherry. Day to day wear and tear is what concerns most people when shopping for a wood floor. Each species of wood has its own unique qualities, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are some of the pros and cons of hardwood floors–

Pros

A long-term investment – If maintained properly, wooden flooring can last for years. Wood does not need to be replaced frequently. It also provides a good return on investment, as the value of wood flooring continues to increase with time. Budget is an important factor while choosing the type of flooring. There are both expensive and inexpensive wooden floor options. Wooden flooring can increase the market value of your building.
Boosts the look of the interior– When it comes to flooring, appearance matters a lot. Hardwood looks brilliant and gives a room a warm as well as elegant look. Other flooring materials tend to fade over time, but not hardwood. With its aesthetic appeal, wooden flooring can match any type of interior décor- modern or rustic.This type of flooring comes in a variety of colors and finishes and can make any space look amazing.
Available in a variety of styles – Wood is a very flexible kind of flooring and is available in different styles and colors. You can choose from oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, hickory, pine, cypress and other woods, and use different stains and colors to create your own unique look. Of course, these options vary in terms of ease of installation and susceptibility to scratches, but you can refinish or repaint your floors to give it an update when you wish. Wood planks can be arranged in different formations for a different look. Different widths are available for different styles.
Increases the value of the building - Choosing hardwood floors increases the value of your property. Apart from being a long-term investment, wood floors can actually become a strong resale argument, exceeding the initial installation cost of the floors. It also enables a faster sale and brings higher prices at the time of resale.
Strength and durability - High quality hardwood floors are kiln-dried, manufactured, installed, and finished to certain standards, and can last for generations. They can stand up to active work spaces and heavy foot traffic. Quality hardwood floors are tough and durable.
Alleviates allergies - Hardwood floors are highly recommended for those who are sensitive to dust, pet dander and other air-borne allergens. They do not allow for dust particles to become trapped (like carpet) and hence people can breathe easy with simple, daily sweepings to get rid of dust and dander that builds up during the day.
Better acoustics - A properly installed hardwood floor never gives you hollow sounds or vibrations. This type of floor is perfect choice when you are working in a noisy environment.
Organic - If you want flooring that is biodegradable then wood is a great option. With an organic origin, wooden floors help to reduce the environmental impact. It is easy to maintain and clean, as the toxicity level is also low.
Easy installation - Laying of the hardwood is quite easy. Hiring a professional Florida tile distributor to get this job done perfectly. Wooden planks are usually reasonably thick, and so even small differences in the floor height can be managed.
Healthy indoor air quality – Regarded as a healthy choice for interior environments, these floors have no fibers, grout lines, or embossing that can trap dust, pollen, particles, animal dander, and allergens. Wooden floors contribute to healthier indoor air quality.
Easy to maintain -Wood floors are pretty easy to care for. With a quick daily sweep or vacuum and wiping up spills as soon as they occur, these floors can stay looking close to brand new for years to come with very little maintenance.
Repairable - Hardwood floors can be fixed easily, if they get scratched. A simple sanding and refinishing can bring back the original luster.

Cons

Cost - Buying and installing solid hardwood floors require a larger budget than any other type of hard flooring or carpet. So, this might not be an affordable option for all.
Prone to termite attack - Termites feed on wood and usually destroy the wood from the inside out. Such infestations are common with spruce and southern yellow pine along with many others. Choosing the right type of wood is important to avoid such problems.
Scratching - Wooden floors are more vulnerable to scratches and dents. Light and minor scratches can be dealt easily by applying protective coatings or wax filler. When compared to softwood flooring, hardwood floors show the blemishes prominently.
Prone to water damage – Since wood is a natural material, it is susceptible to water damage. Failure to dry floors immediately will result in discoloration, raised edges, and buckling. All these consequences of water damage lead to an early replacement.
Not resistant to humidity - Wood can get easily damaged by spills, standing liquids, and humidity which is why these floors are not recommended for areas of high moisture and humidity such as full bathrooms.
Frequent cleaning - Hardwood tends to show dirt and dust quicker than carpets will. This means it will require frequent and thorough cleaning to keep it looking fresh and clean.
Louder footsteps – Wood floors can be noisier than other options. Unlike carpet and other floor types, wood do not absorb sound. Constant wear and tear and excessive movement can alter certain sections of the wood flooring. This can cause clicking and creaking sounds as you walk on the surface.
Need for occasional refinishing – As these floors will show scuffs, scratches and other wears over time, they need to be refinished occasionally. Refinishing is an expensive process.

Selecting the right kind of flooring for your commercial settings can be a tricky process. With a variety of styles and patterns available today, hardwood flooring can be a perfect choice. As the nature of every building space is different, getting professional help for wood flooring and installation is crucial. A professional tile distributor in New York that supplies high quality flooring options can help you choose the right one for your setting.