The investments in installing hardwood floors will pay begin to pay for itself almost immediately in terms of low maintenance, long life, and resistance to damage and wear and tear. There are just a few precautions that need to be taken in installing and caring for hardwood floor. First of all, study that characteristics of the different types of wood and chose one that suits the traffic patterns of your home. Installing a moisture barrier below the hardwood can provide added protection from dampness. Do not use excess water for cleaning the floor – a vacuum and a mop is more than enough.
Choosing the Right Hardwood for Your Flooring
An outstanding benefit of hardwood flooring is that there are many types of wood that can be used to integrate the flooring with the décor of a room. Red and White Oak are among the most popular choices because of their pale natural beauty. Of the two, White Oak is the harder. American Cherry, although primarily used for cabinet making, is another excellent flooring option. Hard Maple was the first choice of the early settlers because of its abrasion resistant surface. A darker floor can be obtained by using Brazilian Jatoba which over time turns from a rich brown to a deep burgundy.
If you are looking for experts to install, clean or repair the hardwood floors in your home, you can find information on professionals in the area where you live online by conducting a virtual search and comparing prices, credibility, services, and so forth.
The Benefits of Hardwood Floors
While it is true that hardwood floors are more difficult to install than other types, modern manufacturers engineer the planks to ensure uniformity and a stable fit. The level of difficulty is not so much as to be a negative point. Hardwood floors are tough and long lasting and unlike carpets, if damage does occur, the flooring can be repaired to make it as good as new. Carpets need to be thrown away.
Hardwood floors are simple & easy to clean and a weekly vacuuming and mopping is usually all that is required, except in very high traffic areas where more frequent cleaning can be done. Additionally hardwood floors do not accumulate dust particles and allergens making the interior of the home a healthier place. This is of particular benefit to those suffering from allergies or dust sensitivity. A wide variety of surfaces and stains are available so that the flooring can be customized to provide the kind of finish that the homeowner wants. Changing the staining can change to complete look of a room.
Tough and Aesthetically Pleasing
Because hardwood floors are so durable and long lasting, they can be used anywhere in the house, including work and high traffic areas. If, after some time, the look of the floor needs a change, this can be accomplished by simply adding a few throw rugs to the room’s décor. Those interested in having homes that are environmentally friendly and leave the smallest carbon footprint, will find what they are looking for with hardwood floors. Wood is a renewable resource and today much of the hardwood available comes from renewable commercial forests over which a strict control is kept.
And because of it beauty and durability, installing hardwood floors in home is a cost effective way of increasing its value. In summary, while hardwood floors may be more expensive that other options, they pay for themselves in the long run far better than the other flooring choices do. And although it is not a material benefit, most homeowners say that hardwood floors give a home a feel of solidity that no other kind of flooring offers.
Add Elegance to Your Home
A well maintained and polished hardwood floor requires little in the way of regular maintenance, is resistant to damage, and adds a touch of elegance to even the most simply decorated room. And when you do want to change the look of a room, hardwood floors work with all interior decorating styles.
Benjamin Roussey is a home improvement and maintenance expert at Redbeacon. He has two master’s degrees and served time in the U.S. Navy.