Benefits of Hardwood 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 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 introduced in North America in the early 1990s and has become extremely popular. Learn more about Laminate flooring here.

Why hardwood floors? Hardwood flooring is considered the "upgrade" to other flooring types and styles. See the benefits of hardwood flooring below.

Pros and Cons of Carpet

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

Provides warmth by retaining warm air longer. It has thermal resistance, or R-value.

Is a natural insulator that provides high insulation properties as well as adding structural strength to a home's construction.
 

Provides comfort as a soft place to sit, play, or work.

Has a natural warmth and beauty that can't be manufactured. Gives a room the feeling of warmth and comfort.
 

Adds beauty and style with thousands of styles and color.

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 to match.
 

Softens slips and falls providing safety benefits, especially for toddlers and older individuals.

Laminates and most other flooring types are overly slippery. Next to carpet, hardwood flooring is a safer option.
 

Reduces noise as it absorbs sounds.

Better acoustics than other flooring types, except carpet. Because it must be installed over a subfloor, it is much quieter than other flooring materials.
 

Wears well when properly cleaned and maintained *(7 to 9 years).

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.
 

Easy to clean - but - is never really truly clean.

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.
 

Confines dust, animal dander, and other allergens.

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.
 

Is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites.

Has much lower levels of chemical emissions than any other flooring material and vastly improves indoor air quality over other flooring materials.
 

It is one of the lowest cost per square foot flooring options - but - one of the highest in cleaning expense and replacement cost.

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.
 

Offers the lowest resale value.

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 entirely synthetic - not environmentally friendly.

Is a natural resource that is both renewable and recyclable. Eco-friendly and environmentally safe.