Very few types of floors blend so well with almost any interior design like hardwood floor does. Doesn’t matter if you are going for a contemporary look or a classic, old fashioned design, a minimalist interior or a modern theme, hardwood flooring will work absolutely fine. But like any other type of flooring, it has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, cost of solid wood and the installation charges can be a big turn-off. However, you should not assess the cost of a floor type just by looking at the initial payment. There are many other factors that you should consider, for example the durability and lifetime.
Let’s have a look at some of these pros and cons to help you make a more balanced decision while choosing hardwood flooring for your homes or offices.
Pros:
I. Hardwood floor might not be the most durable type of flooring, certainly not as solid as concrete or stone floors, but it’s resilient enough to last a lifetime. Hardwood can take quite some hits and load. It might get some scratches every now and then, but you can take care of the scratches by using wood fillers and varnish.
II. Just like any other floor, a hardwood floor will lose its polish and shine over the years. However, you can have it scuff-sand and refinished by some contractor, and it will be as good as new.
III. Having hardwood work and floor in your home will add to your property value. Getting your wooden floor refinished will work wonders in case you are looking to stage your home for sale or rent.
IV. As earlier suggest, hardwood floors have an evergreen charm, and grace which is not matched by any other type of flooring. Add to that a variety of colors and you have got a perfect choice if you are looking for an elegant floor which is durable.
Cons
I. The cost is probably the biggest drawback for hardwood floors, especially when you are going for the solid wood like red oak, cherry, or hard maple.
II. The vulnerability to water is another drawback, especially when it comes to durability. That is why you should think twice before using wooden floor in the bathroom or kitchen. There are some types in the market, claiming to be water resistant, but most of these solutions are not failsafe.
III. In some areas, termite can be a cause of concern as well.
IV. Because of it vulnerability to water or moisture, wooden floors can be a little costly and problematic as far as maintenance is concerned. For example, you cannot simply clean or mop up with water like tiles or stone floors.
V. Unless you are using carpet, rugs, or appropriate shoes, wooden floors can be quite noisy and irritating when people are walking around. On the other hand, using too many carpets or rugs to cover the floor will ruin the idea of having a wooden floor.
All in all, wooden floors have an unassailable edge over any other type of flooring, when it comes to aesthetic value and durability. The only downsides are installation and high maintenance cost, because you will have to take extra care of a wooden floor as compared to marble or concrete floors.
