Hardwood Floors: The Pros and Cons

Hardwood flooring continues to be a popular option for Americans considering remodeling projects, and for good reason. In 2019 alone, hardwood flooring sales totaled $3.57 billion. This statistic should surprise no one, however: with the right type of wood, hardwood floors easily add a sense of elegance and luxury to any room. This attribute therefore makes hardwood floors a highly attractive way for homeowners to improve their property.

That being said, hardwood flooring may not be the best option for every remodeling project. Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of hardwood flooring to help you decide if it’s right for yours.

The Pros of Hardwood Flooring  

1. It offers a lot of variety

Hardwood flooring comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Finding one that suits your home is easy no matter what your budget is.

But what if you’re still not sure where to start because there are so many options available? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the perfect hardwood flooring for your remodeling project. If you’re completely overwhelmed, we can even handle the entire project for you.

2. It’s easier to clean than carpet

Unlike carpet, hardwood flooring retains dirt, bacteria, dust, debris and other contaminants at the surface level. That means that regular dusting, vacuuming, and mopping are often enough to keep hardwood flooring clean — and for a low cost, too.

3. It improves the overall air quality in your home

Hardwood flooring’s low-maintenance cleaning demands also mean that the air quality in your home will greatly improve. With less allergens in the air, your family will be able to breathe easier.

The Cons of Hardwood Flooring

1. It’s more susceptible to water damage

While carpet can sustain water damage as well, hardwood flooring is even more prone to water damage than carpet. If you live in a state that sees heavy rainfall, such as Washington or Oregon, consider whether the environmental damage to your hardwood flooring will outweigh the benefits.

2. It suffers from dents and scratches easily

Hardwood flooring is highly vulnerable to dents and scratches. Everything from pet claws, moving furniture, and even certain types of shoes can cause irreversible damage to your flooring. Worse still, a deep dent or a long scratch can be just as difficult to hide from guests as a carpet stain.

3. It still needs routine maintenance and care

Although hardwood flooring is easier to clean than carpet, it still requires routine maintenance and care. It must be polished by a professional every 3 to 4 years to keep it looking good as new.

If you are considering hardwood flooring for your next project, we are happy to advise you on what works for you and your home!