Whenever you ask homeowners to list their “dream features,” hardwood flooring always seems to rate highly. But as with any other floor surface option, hardwood flooring has both its positive and its negative points, so it’s important to look at the whole picture.
Let’s examine some of the pros and cons of hardwood flooring:
Pro – First and foremost, top-quality hardwood flooring can be stunningly beautiful, adding a unique air of elegance to your interior. Genuine hardwood also has the advantage of being “the real McCoy” – no fake textures or photographed woodgrain patterns here. Engineered hardwood offers an authentic top veneer as well. Laminates and resilient products can look convincing from a distance, but ultimately they can only approximate the real thing.
Con – Genuine hardwood may look great when you first install it, but it won’t stay looking great unless you’re very careful with it. Furniture, your pet’s toenails, and even ordinary wear and tear can leave you with scratches, scuffs, and a dulled finish. This makes it a less-than-ideal choice for heavily-traveled areas.
Pro – Those scratches and scuffs we just mentioned can be repaired, at least in genuine hardwood floors, through sanding and refinishing. Engineered hardwood is a trickier proposition sue to the thinness of some veneers. A similarly-damaged resilient floor might have to be replaced.
Con – Hardwood floors tend to look nicer than they feel or sound. If someone in your family is plagued with cold feet, a hardwood floor won’t be very pleasant on a winter’s morning, even here in Central Texas. They can make a fair amount of noise, too, especially as they age. Carpeting is a better bet if you want thermal and/or aural insulation.
So, to hardwood or not to hardwood? Our experts at flohr can help you decide, so contact us today for a consultation!