A Natural Question: The Pros and Cons of Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are one of the features home buyers look for most, and they remain a favorite upgrade for homeowners who are staying put. Wide-plank wood flooring is especially popular right now.

If you're debating whether to install hardwood for your own enjoyment or for resale value, it helps to understand your options first. Here's a guide to the main types of hardwood and the pros and cons of each.

1. Types of Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished vs. unfinished

Prefinished hardwood arrives from the factory already sanded and sealed. Installation moves quickly, there are no odors or VOCs from finishing on site, and you can walk on the floor right away.

Unfinished hardwood is a good choice if you need to match existing flooring or want a custom stain. After installation and staining, the floor receives several coats of protective finish. In kitchens, those coats help seal the seams between boards so spills are less likely to seep through.

Solid vs. engineered

Solid hardwood is 100 percent wood and can be sanded and refinished many times. It isn't recommended for below-grade basements, because it reacts to changes in humidity.

Engineered hardwood is a real wood veneer bonded to layers of plywood or similar material. It is very stable over time and works in nearly any area of the home, including basements. Depending on the veneer thickness, it can usually be refinished only once or twice.

Wood species

The most popular hardwoods are durable and widely available. Red oak and white oak are top choices, along with maple, hickory, walnut, ash, cherry and acacia. Bamboo, which is technically a grass, is another option. Exotic species like teak, Brazilian walnut or mahogany come at premium prices.

2. Pros of Hardwood Flooring

• Value: Buyers often pay more for homes with hardwood, and those homes tend to sell faster than homes with wall-to-wall carpet.
• Simple maintenance: With routine sweeping, vacuuming and the occasional wood floor cleaner, hardwood can last for generations. Some century-old homes still have their original floors.
• Versatile style: With so many species and stain colors, hardwood suits every design style from traditional to contemporary.

3. Cons of Hardwood Flooring

• Cost: Hardwood generally costs more than many alternatives, especially exotic species. It must be installed over a subfloor, and most installations are beyond a typical DIY project.
• Refinishing: Over time, scuffs and scratches may call for refinishing. Softer woods like pine scratch and dent more easily.
• Noise: Hardwood can be noisy underfoot, especially in multi-level homes. Area rugs in key spots help muffle sound.

Find the Right Floor for Your Home

Hardwood is a timeless choice, but it isn't the only one. Compare it with the pros and cons of tile flooring, or read what type of wood flooring is right for you. If you live on the water, our post on flooring options for lake living is worth a look.

Planning a project with new flooring? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us today.