Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a great addition to any home. They are better for the feet than stone/tile and last much longer than carpets. They are much easier to clean since they do not absorb smells, dust, and dirt like carpets. Finally there are so many options when it comes to hardwood floors so it can complement almost any room or furniture.
Hardwood Flooring
It is important to note that hardwood floors might not be for everyone. Firstly most wood does not work well really humid environments. Wood absorbs moisture and expands as it gets more humid. This can lead to wood cracking or coming up as it has nowhere to go while it expands. In the dry climates wood will shrink as it loses moisture and can leave spaces (which aren't a huge problem). Therefore hardwood floors should be avoided in bathrooms, kitchens, and areas exposed to the outside elements.
Wood is more delicate than other flooring options and costs more to replace. Therefore hardwood floors might not be a good idea for rentals or high traffic areas. This can include kitchens and public areas. Since it is more delicate than stone, hardwood should not be installed in areas where construction/repair work might take place.
Once you decide where you want to install your floors it is time to decide on the kind of wood you want. When it comes to real hardwood there are 2 main options solid and engineered. Solid wood is all real wood that can either be finished on top or unfinished. Finished wood is easier to install but can leave gaps between the pieces. Unfinished wood will have to be finished on site after installation. This can be a messy and costly process but will give you the best results if done right. Floors finished on site will be smoother and will not leave gaps.
Engineered hardwood on other hand is mostly man made plywood with a layer of real wood on top. Since the majority of engineered wood is plywood it is more versatile to climates. Plywood can hand moisture and temperature changes much better. This means it will not expand or contract with moisture changes. This means engineered floors can be installed straight onto concrete/basements without moisture concerns. However engineered floors are often more expensive as they are harder to make, additionally because the real wood layer on top is thinner it cannot be sanded down and refinished as often.
Whether solid hardwood or engineered hardwood real wood floors are a great addition to almost any home. Common living areas such as living rooms, family/entertainment rooms, and bedrooms are great places to install hardwood floors. Hardwood floors will improve the look of the room, make maintenance/cleaning easier, and raise the value of the property.
Hardwood Floors