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The Pros and Cons of Hardwood vs. Other Flooring

May 18, 2017

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hardwood floors

With so many options in today’s world, choosing the right type of flooring for your home can be overwhelming. You’ll need to consider your everyday lifestyle, maintenance, cost, and longevity of the floor materials. Below are some pros and cons of hardwood flooring vs. some of the other types.

Hardwood Flooring

Pros

– Classic look that is always in style
– Variety in appearance with different wood types, stains, and plank sizes
– Adds value to your home
– Lasts for many years with proper care
– Can be refinished to look like new
– Daily maintenance is as simple as a light sweep and damp cloth
– Great option for those with allergies because it doesn’t trap dust or allergens

Cons

– More expensive than most other flooring options
– Susceptible to scratches and dents
– Not ideal for areas with regular water such as bathrooms
– More audible steps than with carpet

Other Flooring

Pros

– Softer cushion to stand on (such as carpet or the padding under linoleum)
– Options at a variety of prices
– Some options, such as vinyl, are more durable and water resistant
– You can reduce echo in the room with carpet

Cons

– Carpet has a greater risk of stains as well as the need for regular vacuuming and professional cleaning
– Vinyl is not considered environmentally friendly
– Laminate is still generally considered a cheap option and, depending on the type, can potentially decrease value to the home
– Issues repairing damage (linoleum needs to be completely replaced)
– Yellowing or fading with age

Every option has pros and cons, but hardwood flooring has the potential to add (and keep) value to your home as well as last for generations. Just be sure to clean up any spills or leaks quickly to avoid damage, place buffers under furniture to prevent scratches, and every 10 years or so have them refinished to look like new. To prevent the “echo effect,” you can consider placing area rugs. This can minimize the wear of the floors as well. By doing these things, you’ll be keeping a sound investment in the style and value of your home for years to come.