Wood floors can add a touch of warmth to almost any home décor, so their popularity among American homeowners should come as no surprise. Like every flooring material, wood has both advantages and disadvantages that you should consider very carefully before making a final decision on what type of floors to install in your home. For example, hardwood floors are sometimes a more expensive flooring material, which can be a deterrent for some people. Most homeowners, however, reach the conclusion that hardwood floors are well worth the initial investment. Below you will find the top five reasons to consider installing hardwood floors in your home:
1. They add value to your home.
In a 2006 survey of real estate agents conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association, agents nationwide agreed that installing hardwood floors could add significant value to your home. In the survey, 99% of the professional real estate agents agreed that homes with hardwood floors were easier to sell, and 82% of the agents indicated that homes with hardwood floors sold faster than homes without them. What’s more, 90% of the real estate agents surveyed said that hardwood floors helped a home sell for more money.
2. They’re a durable flooring option.
Hardwood floors are considered one of the most durable flooring materials. With proper installation and maintenance, these floors have been known to last for hundreds of years. Maintenance is simple if performed regularly and includes resealing and/ or staining. This only needs to be performed every seven years or so, and, even if the deadline has passed for resealing alone, all that is needed to restore your hardwood floors to their former beauty is a quick sanding prior to the resealing. Most homeowners find that both the sanding and resealing processes are very manageable.
3. The possibilities are endless.
Hardwood floors come in a wide array of species, sizes, and colors, so the possibilities for fitting your home décor are extensive. Most supporters of hardwood floors claim that there is a specie and color of wood for floors that will complement any home design because in addition to the options presented by woods’ natural colorations, wood can be stained and painted quite easily, which results in even more possibilities. Some recommended woods for hardwood flooring include cherry, walnut, red oak, white oak, teak, mohogany, hard maple and jatoba (Brazilian cherry).
4. They’re easy to maintain.
Hardwood floors, unlike carpeted floors, are nearly impossible to stain. Furthermore, they’re difficult to scratch and dent, and any imperfections can be easily sanded or stained out. Cleaning hardwood floors requires nothing more than a broom and an occasional treatment with a wood cleaner.
5. They’re hypoallergenic.
Unlike carpet, hardwood floors provide a smooth surface that is resistant to dust and allergen accumulation. Whereas carpet fibers nearly always harbor these allergens (usually even after vacuuming and shampooing), hardwood floors, especially those with properly sealed seams, effectively repel such irritants.
Installing hardwood floors could add significant value and enjoyment to your home. Not only is the flooring material durable and easy to maintain, but it’s hypoallergenic and easy to match. For most homeowners, hardwood floors are a very smart decision.
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