Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring
March 16, 2021Hardwood floors are definitely very beautiful and come with a lot of advantages, but they do have their drawbacks as well. It’s important to consider both the advantages and drawbacks before you choose them for your custom home. Here are a few possible pros and cons of hardwood flooring to help you make a decision that is right for your home:
5 Pros of Hardwood Flooring
Although there are pros and cons of hardwood flooring, hardwood floors offer several benefits. Here are a few pros of hardwood flooring:
1. Hardwood Flooring is Easy to Clean
Cleaning hardwood floors is relatively easy. You simply sweep or vacuum once a week and then polish or clean with a wood floor cleaner occasionally. You do want to be careful with vacuums so you don’t dent or scratch the floor.
When polishing, be sure to wear shoes with sturdy soles so you do not slip. If you want to avoid the slipping and sliding that can come with polish, you can always opt for a dust mop like a dry Swiffer. They will capture the dust without leaving a slippery trail like polish.
2. They Are Resistant to Spills
Although hardwood is not waterproof and can be prone to water damage, they are still resistant to spills. You don’t have to panic if you spill something on your hardwood floors, but you do want to clean it up in a timely manner.
It won’t suck up liquid immediately like carpet would, but letting liquid sit can cause stains and damage over time. But, overall, spills can be cleaned up very easily and they will not leave any stains, as long as they are cleaned up in a timely manner.
3. Hardwood Floors Give Homes a Simple, Elegant Look
Hardwood floors look amazing almost anywhere and come in a wide variety of finishes. This is why they always tend to be included in flooring trends, no matter the year. They look beautiful, simple, and elegant and tend to go with just about any room in your home.
Hardwood floors are also a great way to incorporate natural wood into your custom home. Depending on the theme of your home or what sort of weather environment you are in, you can have light or rich hardwood floors that will make your home warm and inviting.
4. They Are Durable
Hardwood floors can be prone to some wear and tear and warping over time. However, they are a durable flooring option that won’t wear down in a few years. With proper maintenance and care, hardwood floors can practically last a lifetime.
These floors offer a timeless look and can stand the test of time if they have been cared for properly. This is why there are some homes that are over a hundred years old, but still have original hardwood flooring that looks great.
5. Hardwood Can Offer Some Allergy Relief
Hardwood floors can also provide some allergy relief over other flooring options, like carpet. Carpets and rugs tend to trap dirt, dust, and pet dander, which can be a major irritation for allergy sufferers.
Over time, even the best vacuum can’t remove it all. With hardwood flooring, allergens stay on the surface and can easily be cleaned up and removed. This is why opting for a hard surface floor is one of the tips for a pet-friendly custom home design.
5 Cons of Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, there are both benefits and drawbacks. Whether those benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks depend on your situation. Here are a few cons of hardwood flooring:
1. Hardwood Floors Have the Potential to Warp Over Time
Depending on the weather conditions and the environment outside the home, your floor may have the potential to warp and swell as the seasons change and years go by. You may be able to find a finish that will help prevent this, but in moist climates, especially in states like Vermont or Washington, it can be unavoidable.
The same can be said of desert climates. While hardwood floors may not warp in non-humid environments, they can become brittle and splinter if they are not taken care of properly. Again, a finish may be the saving grace for your wood floors, but is not always guaranteed.
2. They Can be Prone to Wear and Tear
Although hardwood floors are durable if cared for properly, they may become stained or chipped over time. This can happen more often if they are not finished properly, refinished as needed, or cared for correctly.
So, be sure to polish your hardwood floors regularly and keep them clean. Otherwise, they may sustain dents, scratches, stains, and other issues.
3. Repairs to Hardwood Require Refinishing
If your hardwood floors would dent, scratch, end up with stains or other damage, it can be costly and difficult to repair them. Repairing damage to hardwood requires refinishing to restore the floor to its former glory.
Also, the softer the wood, the more prone to scratches and scuffs the floor will be, especially in high-traffic areas of the home. A big family, children, pets, entertaining, etc. can all damage a hardwood floor over time. So, if you have a big family and a busy home, you may want to consider another flooring option.
If you love the look of hardwood, you can always go with a manufactured option. Luxury Vinyl Planks and also Luxury Vinyl Tile can both mimic the look of traditional hardwood floors without some of these drawbacks.
4. Hardwood Floors Can be Cold
Hardwood floors can be cold on your feet in the winter. There are heating systems that can help with this. Good insulation on your home is a start and radiant floor heating will definitely warm up the floor.
If you don’t have or want radiant floor heating, you may want to don a pair of socks or slippers to keep your feet warm in the winter. You can also throw down an area rug to add some warmth
5. They Can be Noisy and Loud
Hardwood flooring can also be very loud. When you walk on the hardwood, there is nothing to help cushion or muffle the sound. It can be difficult to maintain a quiet atmosphere at home when you have hardwood flooring. Adding a rug can help provide some cushion and muffle the sound a bit, but may not be the solution you want if you don’t want to cover up your gorgeous floors.
There are definitely both pros and cons of hardwood flooring. If you think that you can deal with the potential drawbacks of hardwood flooring, then it could be the right flooring for you. But, hardwood is only one of several popular flooring options for your custom home. Evaluating the pros and cons and other considerations can help you choose the right flooring for your custom home.
If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 to start making your dream home a reality!