Is Wood Flooring Right for Me?
Many people look to wood flooring to enhance the look and feel of their home, but it is not always the right choice. There are many different types and styles of wood flooring available, and choosing the right one for a home depends on a number of factors. In looking at the advantages, disadvantages, and where it can and cannot be installed, people will be able to make an educated decision about whether or not to use wood flooring in a home or business.
Advantages of Wood Flooring
Installing wood flooring in a home provides a warm and natural look to the room. Since there are many options available for finish, it can be installed to match any style of home and decor. In addition to its great flexibility, a wood floor can add value to the home. Many wood floors can be refinished as needed, to keep the look updated, fresh, and clean. For those who don’t want high maintenance flooring in their home, a wood floor is much easier to clean and care for than a carpeted floor.
Disadvantages of Wood Flooring
As no single flooring option is perfect for a home, there are also disadvantages to consider when choosing a wood floor. The finishes will wear easily, leading to a less polished look over time. As the finish wears off, the floors can become more easily damaged. Even with a strong finish, the wood floor is highly vulnerable to scratches from furniture, shoes, moisture, and sound.
Where Wood Flooring can be Installed
Wood flooring can be installed almost anywhere inside a home where no moisture is present. Laminate and engineered wood flooring can be installed anywhere in a home except the bathroom. Solid wood flooring is an option everywhere except in areas with high humidity, over concrete, or anywhere underground. Bamboo wood floors can be installed anywhere in a home except the bathroom, or in any area with high humidity, over concrete, or anywhere underground. Cork tile wood floors may be installed virtually anywhere in a home, but as they are like laminate, they cannot be installed in a bathroom.
Where Wood Flooring should not be Installed
Wood flooring should not be installed in: any locations that are wet, areas high in humidity, areas low in humidity, or in any highly trafficked areas of a home – due to the refinishing that may be required. Some wood flooring, such as bamboo and solid hardwood, should not be installed in any area of the home that is underground.
For those who live in above ground areas without humidity extremes, wood flooring may be a great choice. As there are several types of wood floors and installation options available, it is possible to find a wood floor option to suit the needs of your project.
Derek McDoogle
I totally agree with you when you said that installing wood flooring in a home provides a warm and natural look to the room. My friend would like to remodel his house since he thinks it is outdated. I will recommend her to check hardwood floors since they give a nice look to any room that has them installed.
Nin
Hi, I have just had underfloor heating installed downstairs in my hallway, lounge and dining rooms. I had solid oak paraquet (herringbone pattern) which was removed and I have since cleaned it up ready for installing. I was wondering if I can relay the solid oak paraquet straight onto the screed? The moisture level is below 68.
Julie
What is the best hardwood flooring to use for dogs especially weighing over 90lbs?
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