Hardwood Flooring Benefits

With so many flooring options available, including the various types and styles of wood flooring, it is helpful to understand the differences. The floor material you choose to install in your home is most definitely a financial investment - and something you have to live with for several years, if not much longer into the future. Below I outline hardwood flooring benefits as well as a little history and resources to learn about other types of flooring.

Vintage Hardwood Floors

They never go out of style ... they last for generations. In fact, vintage hardwood floors emerged way back in the middle ages and some of those 800+ year old floors are still around today.

Though other flooring materials have challenged hardwood floors in the marketplace, it's only been temporary. The benefits of hardwood flooring ... the look, durability, health benefits, ease in maintenance, and environmental superiority ... cannot be outdone. Some may argue that they are more expensive, yet over the long term, hardwood floors are the longest lasting and the best value.

A brief flooring history

In the mid-1950s, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approved new construction standards to boost the housing market. It was then that wall to wall carpeting, an inexpensive flooring alternative, became the norm in apartments and single family homes.

Laminate was introduced in the European market as a flooring alternative in the 1980s due to its performance in durability, design, and ease of installation. It originated as a kitchen countertop material and was developed to more than 20 times its strength to be used for floors. It was launched in North America in the early 1990s and has become extremely popular. Learn more about Laminate Wood Flooring.

Why hardwood floors?

Hardwood flooring is considered the "upgrade" to other flooring types and styles.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

It is a natural insulator that provides high insulation properties as well as adding structural strength to a home's construction.
Has a natural warmth and beauty that can't be manufactured. Gives a room the feeling of warmth and comfort.
Can suit almost any decor and any room with an abundance of styles, grains, and colors. When remodeling or when decor is changed, the hardwood flooring can be changed (re-stained) to match. On the other hand, it matches or accents nearly everything, so a remodel or re-decor doesn't necessarily mean an expensive update to your flooring.
Laminates and most other flooring types are overly slippery. Next to carpet, hardwood flooring is a safer option.
Better acoustics than other flooring types, except carpet. Because it must be installed over a subfloor, it is much quieter than other flooring materials.
Scratches, stains, and other wear and tear on any flooring is quite noticeable and unattractive. These same "flaws" add to the character and charm of hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring is extremely durable and long-lasting, and can be fully restored to fresh "new" grandeur.
Simple to clean. Does not accumulate dust, dirt, and other unhealthy debris. Vacuum, sweep, wipe up spills, and spot clean with natural soap products. No cleaning chemicals or expensive vacuums and cleaning equipment/tools needed.
Is the healthy choice for interior living. It does not trap dust, allergens, and other particulates. In fact, allergists recommend to patients with allergies, asthma and similar conditions that they remove any carpeting in their home to help lower irritant exposure.
Has much lower levels of chemical emissions than any other flooring material and vastly improves indoor air quality over other flooring materials.
Is one of the highest cost per square foot flooring options - but - is the only flooring material that can be fully restored and lasts for generations. It is the most economical choice over the long term.
Is a long-term investment that will hold its value, and increase the resale value of your home. Indeed, installing or refurbishing hardwood floors is a common strategy for increasing the return on investment in the real estate industry.
Is a natural resource that is both renewable and recyclable. Eco-friendly and environmentally safe.

Pros and Cons of Carpet

Provides warmth by retaining warm air longer. It has thermal resistance, or R-value.
Provides comfort as a soft place to sit, play, or work.
Adds beauty and a variety of decor choices with thousands of styles and colors.
Softens slips and falls providing safety benefits, especially for toddlers and older individuals.
Reduces noise as it absorbs sounds.
Wears well when properly cleaned and maintained *(7 to 9 years).
Easy to clean - but - is never really truly clean.
Confines dust, animal dander, and other allergens.
Is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites.
It is one of the lowest cost per square foot flooring options - but - one of the highest in cleaning expense and replacement cost.
Offers the lowest resale value.
Is entirely synthetic - not environmentally friendly.

*Benefits of Carpet were obtained from CRI, the Carpet and Rug Institute

Laminate Wood Floors
Engineered Wood Floors