![up-close view of wood flooring](https://www.prestige-floors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AdobeStock_836318998__1720704487_48275.jpg)
As you envision your ideal home, many components vie for your attention, but one is likely to stand out more than the others – the floors. If you’re like many homebuyers (or homeowners) who are looking to buy or remodel, you cannot overlook the beauty that wood flooring provides. Its sleek appearance and lasting durability are superior to other materials, and it exudes a level of elegance that others often do not. But could there be a downside to it? Can protecting it for longer, more beautiful results be more trouble than it’s worth? Read on to discover why you will not regret having wood floors installed in your home.
The Truth About Wood: Its Pros and Cons
It seems impossible to find anyone who dislikes hardwood floors. Frequently, the conversation remains on their look and durability, both of which are valid points that are worth discussing, but are there actually no downsides to this highly preferred flooring option? Let’s take a look:
Pros of Wood
- It’s a great option for anyone who struggles with allergies, as it helps to improve air quality. Dust and pet dander will not become trapped as they would in carpet, so it’s easily removable, allowing you to breathe easier.
- It’s versatile, so you can customize the wood to match the level of elegance or simplicity you prefer for your home.
- It can increase the value of your home if you ever plan to sell, making it a worthwhile investment.
- It’s easy to clean and can last decades if properly maintained.
Cons of Wood
- It can display scratches, especially those created by your furry friends.
- It can cause noise throughout your home, and over time, it can lead to squeaks as the wood ages.
- Unless you choose a waterproof material, it’s best if it’s not placed in high-moisture areas of the home, as wood can become warped.
Hardwood Protection: How Much Effort Does It Take?
Although there may be some downsides to hardwood, you will notice that one of its benefits is that it’s easy to clean and maintain over time. It’s also quite simple to protect from those pesky scratches and creaks you might hear.
Some of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your wood floors include things like clipping your pets’ nails, quickly wiping up any water or spills, incorporating rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, regularly sweeping and mopping, and using products that are designed specifically for hardwood.
Using harsh chemicals can damage your floors, but learning the details of the wood from a professional can help you determine which products are best for keeping it in the best possible shape.
When it comes down to it, hardwood floors can be one of the best investments you make for your home. Requiring minimal maintenance, they offer the kind of longevity, beauty, and durability that other flooring cannot.
About Prestige Floors
Prestige Floors is a family-owned and operated business based in Keller. As a husband-and-wife team, Benson and Ashley Kelly have been improving and transforming the homes of Keller residents and its surrounding communities since 2006. With years of experience and an eye for design, their team is trusted and bonded, and they offer only the very best flooring for eager homeowners. If you are looking for ways to protect your hardwood floors, contact us at (817) 422-5343.