Wood flooring is a regular choice for homeowners and buyers due to its practicality and durability (that can even last a 100 years). Wood is one of the oldest materials for flooring and overall home building. It comes as no surprise that the craft of wood flooring is so close to perfection. As a consequence, we will discuss the pros and cons of real wood flooring, and whether it is the right floor for you.
1. The Beginning of Wood
Real wood is a natural product of trees and is one of the sturdiest materials commercially. After human processing of sorting, drying, and planing, natural wood turns into a material sturdier than its base form resisting cracks and splitting.2. Wood can last a 100 years
Discovering the longevity of wood floors is an exciting journey influenced by various factors, each contributing to its unique lifespan. From the type of wood selected to the meticulousness of installation and ongoing maintenance, every detail plays a vital role. At the heart of it, well-cared-for wood floors can grace your home for generations, boasting a lifespan ranging from 20 to 100 years or even more. We're here to guide you through this journey and help you make informed decisions that ensure your floors stand the test of time, adding warmth and character to your home for years to come.3. Pros & Cons of Real Wood Flooring
As just discussed, wood is one of the most resilient materials in the world and can last up to a century with the right techniques. Let us now discuss the other benefits of owning wood floors.- Quality of Finish Lengthens Life-Span: The quality and type of finish used on the wood floors can affect their durability. High-quality finishes can provide better protection against wear and tear.
-Coolness: We don’t mean literal coolness, but the temperature advantage of having wood floors is higher than others — especially hardwood.
-Best Wood Type: The type of wood used for the flooring is a crucial factor. Hardwood species like oak, maple, and cherry are known for their durability and can last longer than softer woods like pine or fir
-Proper Maintenance Improves Durability: Regular maintenance is vital to extend the life of wood floors. This includes cleaning, sanding, refinishing, and protecting the wood from moisture and scratches. Neglected floors are more likely to wear out prematurely.
Cons:
-Moisture: wood is highly absorbent of water in large quantities. If this happens, wood will absorb the moisture and eventually expand — often permanently damaging your floors.-Scratch: Albeit more scratch-resistant than others, wood still gets scratched by wear and tear or animals. This can be mitigated by following fixes such as scratch-removers, refinishing or resanding, and using protective rugs.
-Noise: Squeaks and creaks are a normal part of hardwood flooring. The good news is you can reduce this by tightening the loose floorboards, relaying the creaky parts, applying a flooring lubricant, or reinforcing the subflooring.
