There’s a reason wood flooring is so popular. Sure, carpets have their advantages, but for a sheer classic look in your home, wood floors cannot be topped. And it’s not just its aesthetic appeal. Below are seven reasons why investing in a solid wood floor will be to your advantage as a homeowner.
Beauty
It’s already mentioned above, so we won’t dwell on it too much longer, but wood flooring really does stand out in terms of appearance. Solid wood floors give an elegant and high-end look, and their timelessness means they will never go out of style. Carpet, linoleum and many other materials go out of fashion, but wood has been popular for centuries, and there’s no reason why it won’t continue to be.
Durability
Solid wood floors are unmatched for durability. Whether natural, veneer or laminate, the flooring will last you a very long time. Perhaps generations. Carpet often has to be replaced in as little as five years due to wear and tear. But this isn’t the case with wood flooring. They can stand up to scratching and heavy traffic, and if well looked after wood flooring can even begin to look better over the years.
Ease to clean
Unlike a carpet, hard wood floors do not accumulate the same levels of dust or dirt. Whilst over-wetting a wooden floor can damage it, a minimal cleaning schedule of vacuuming and dry-mopping the floor will keep it in good stead. Perfect if you have young children who may be bringing dirt in on their shoes from outside.
Hygiene
As mentioned above, wooden floors don’t pick up the same things as carpets do. Carpets can harbour parasites. Especially if you have a cat or a dog. But wood floors simply won’t home mites or fleas, making it perfect for those with allergies. Without fibers, grout lines or embossing, less will be trapped and therefore air quality in your room will be improved.
Variety
Of course you can get a great variety of carpets. But there’s no reason you can’t do the same with solid wood flooring either! Wood flooring comes in a variety of different styles, colours and stains. Or you could get it pre-finished or unfinished. There are options for everyone.
Less Costly
Whilst it can initially be expensive to fit wooden flooring, the investment is likely to be cost-efficient. Especially when compared to a carpet. As mentioned, the floor will last a long time. And if it does get damaged, it can be simply sanded and sealed to be fixed, which is less costly than fitting a new carpet. Try to think of the long-term benefits of the purchase, as opposed to the short-term costs.
Resale Factor
According to estate agents, houses with wooden floors sell twice as easily. Quite simply, investing in a wooden floor can make you money. The resale value of your house can increase, and it will certainly look more aesthetically pleasing to potential buyers.
These, amongst many other reasons, make solid wood flooring the right investment for you. And if you were at all hesitant before, this should help put your mind at ease.
Stephen MacVicar is the Founder of the flooring suppliers and specialists – Green Apple Flooring.