Hardwood floors are a very popular and beautiful option for your home. There are many types of wood, patters, and installations to choose from. You even have the ability to buy pre-stained boards or bare boards. There is an option for all needs when it comes to this custom flooring. The most popular type of hard wood used is oak due to its durability qualities. Although these floors are incredibly beautiful, you should look at the pros and cons before deciding on this type of floor.First thing to do is look at the 3 different installation styles.Strips- Narrow tongue-and-groove boards cut in different lengths.Planks- Tongue-and-groove boards that come in various widths and lengthsWood Tile- Patterned and laid in geometric patterns in a parquet styleWood flooring is either factory pre finished or unfinished. If you purchase an unfinished floor you will need to sand and lacker after installed.
Pros of hardwood flooring
The obvious reason to purchase a hardwood floor is the look. This floor will provide a warm and comforting feeling in your home and when properly installed feels amazing to walk on. Matching furniture and carpet with your hardwood floor is much easier due to the warm and neutral color of the wood. This allows you to really be imaginative when decorating rooms throughout the house. Wood does a great job of insulating the floor of a room unlike carpet and tile. This makes for a much warmer floor come winter. With proper maintenance a wood floor can last and maintain its quality over an extremely long period of time. Wood floors allows for an easy clean up. If damage occurs you will sand and refinish your floor to maintain quality.
Cons of hardwood flooring
The main problem with hardwood floors is their vulnerability to humidity and moisture. Water deteriorates wood so any leaks or spills should be cleaned quickly. Significant amounts of water sitting on wood will do massive damage to the lifespan of the floor. Hardwood should not be installed in areas of the house that hold moisture. Basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms should not have hardwood. Hardwood can be vulnerable to scratches depending on the product used during finishing. A hard-poly finish will help avoid damage from high-heeles, pets, or items dropped onto the floor. One thing that will bother at night is the sound that walking on a hardwood floor makes. Cost is a problem for many people. Not only the cost of the floor itself but the installation comes at a big cost.
What have we learned
With the cost of a hardwood floor being so high it is important to consider all options available. Before you invest money make sure to do your research. Not only the original cost of the floor but also the cost to maintain the floor should be calculated into your purchase. Brand new hardwood floors will hold their value for decades if maintained properly. Hardwood is a great way to make your home more comfortable and will hold its value.
First thing to do is look at the 3 different installation styles.Strips- Narrow tongue-and-groove boards cut in different lengths.Planks- Tongue-and-groove boards that come in various widths and lengthsWood Tile- Patterned and laid in geometric patterns in a parquet styleWood flooring is either factory pre finished or unfinished. If you purchase an unfinished floor you will need to sand and lacker after installed. 
