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Hardwood flooring pros & cons
As specialists in wood flooring, we truly appreciate its merits! However, we recognize that hardwood may not suit every room or every individual. Here at SGF, our goal is to offer you an unbiased overview based on our extensive experience in the market. We aim to outline the advantages and disadvantages of this material to assist you in determining whether to proceed with its installation. Our objective is to provide clarity on whether it aligns well with your needs and lifestyle.
Hardwood flooring boasts numerous benefits, such as outstanding durability, minimal maintenance, aesthetic charm, enhanced indoor air quality, the potential for refinishing, higher property value, and environmental sustainability when sourced responsibly, making it a preferred option for many homeowners.
Hardwood floors do not retain microorganisms, allergens, or pesticides that could be brought in from outside. Notably, allergy prevalence is high, as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America indicates that around 50 million people in the United States are affected by nasal allergies alone, a number that continues to grow each year. Therefore, the health benefits of hardwood flooring are extremely significant. These floors are simple to clean and reduce the buildup of dust, mold, and pet dander, making them a healthy choice for young children as they begin to explore their surroundings and beyond.
Moreover, there are additional benefits to a proper installation of exotic hardwood flooring that may not be readily visible, with the most substantial being an improved health outlook for you and your loved ones. Here are five more key points to consider: As mentioned earlier, unlike carpets, hardwood floors do not trap dust, pollen, particulate matter, pet dander, or other prevalent allergens. Consequently, they are especially advantageous for those with allergies, as they contribute to enhanced indoor air quality. Additionally, it is essential to emphasize that the combination of cleanliness, renewable materials, and reduced chemicals needed in carpet production means that hardwood flooring can create a happier, healthier home environment for all inhabitants for many years.
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Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about how we can help you enhance the appearance of your home with beautiful wood floors.
Pros
Beauty and Elegance.
With so many types of hardwoods and finish colors to choose from, we can assure you that there is one that will enhance any decor and give your home a unique look!
An Investment in your Home.
Installing hardwood flooring is expensive compared to other floors, but think of it as an investment. If you want to sell your home, your hardwood flooring will add value and even help you get a better sale. Hardwood flooring has been proven to be a profitable investment.
Healthy.
Hardwood does not harbor allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander. These are often present in carpets without people knowing it. Doctors often recommend hardwood floors to patients who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Accidents and spills happen, but cleaning them off of hardwood floors is often easier! Especially when compared to carpet or other types of flooring. With proper maintenance, your floor can last for decades. Hardwood floors are also more sustainable. With other flooring materials you will find that you need to replace them in a short period of time. But hardwood floors can be refinished and even changed in color with a thorough sanding process.
Strong and Durable.
Hardwood floors are durable. They are ideal for high-traffic areas. They don't peel off like vinyl floors, nor do they break easily from dropped objects, like ceramic tiles do.
cons
Cost.
Hardwood has a higher cost per square foot than other types of flooring. In a large area, this can become quite prohibitive depending on your budget.
Limited installation.
Moisture has detrimental effects on wood floors, so it is not recommended for use in areas or rooms (bathrooms, laundry) where humidity is high or where water leaks are likely to occur. Before deciding to install wood floors, consider where you want to install them and whether it suits your lifestyle. (a waterproof material might be a better option)
Scratches.
Wood floors have a protective topcoat on them, and scratches can become quite visible in the topcoat of floors with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. While a simple buff and coat can help you remove scratches, it is something you will never have to worry about with carpet.
Noise.
In larger rooms, installing hardwood floors can change the acoustics. If there was carpet before, sounds may appear louder. As the floor ages and expands and contracts, you may also hear noise like squeaks and creaks with footfalls. There will be no carpet or other materials to dampen that sound.
Crowning and Cupping.
Depending on the amount of moisture in and under the floor, your hardwood may experience crowning and cupping. Crowning occurs when the center of the floorboard rises above the edges. Cupping is the opposite; the edges of the wood planks rise above the middle. This may happen from excessive moisture in the air, and on rare occasions, from faulty installation. This leaves you with a floor that is not completely flat, which can be unsettling over time.
The Difference between solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like: solid. Solid hardwood floors consist of a single piece of hardwood, which ensures they are entirely wood. Thanks to their all-wood composition, they can usually be sanded and refinished multiple times, making them an excellent option for high-traffic zones or households with pets and kids. On the flip side, solid hardwood floors are more vulnerable to moisture and fluctuations in temperature, so it’s advisable to avoid installing this type of flooring in areas with significant temperature variations, intense sunlight, or high humidity levels.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is generally constructed from several layers of wood bonded together. The top layer, known as the veneer, is a single piece of hardwood, while the underlying layers, referred to as the substrate, are made up of multi-ply or plywood. This composite structure of the substrate enhances the durability and stability of engineered hardwood planks compared to solid hardwood floors. However, depending on the thickness of the veneer, they may not withstand sanding and refinishing as many times as solid hardwood can. Engineered hardwood floors are preferable in environments with considerable temperature fluctuations, increased sunlight, or moderately high humidity (still below 55%). Engineered hardwood flooring is less prone to shrinking or expanding than solid hardwood, making it a more stable choice.
Both types of hardwood flooring can enhance the beauty and value of your home. When deciding between the two, it is crucial to consider your lifestyle and budget. For families with young children or pets, engineered hardwood might be the superior option due to its greater resistance to scratches and dents.
We take the stress out of purchasing new flooring! Our process is straightforward, everything takes place in the comfort of your home, where the selection of color and quality is crucial. We provide FREE expert measurements before you explore thousands of available styles and colors. There are NO costly showroom expenses or overhead fees added to your flooring price. With us, everything is included! We focus on hardwood floors, luxury vinyl planks and laminates. If you're looking for high-quality, name-brand flooring combined with dependability and expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
