Hardwood flooring has been around for centuries and is still a very popular choice in new homes and renovations. It adds a natural beauty and warmth to any area or living space, making it the perfect choice for any property. Before you decide whether hardwood flooring is the right choice for you, it is important to understand the benefits it can bring to your home.
Hardwood flooring is a natural product
Hardwood flooring has a natural beauty and can add warmth, character and charm to any property or living space. It can be found in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes, so it is easy to find a product that suits your personal tastes and complements and enhances your décor.
Hardwood flooring is durable and hardwearing
Hardwood flooring is very durable and can resist more wear and tear than carpets. If installed and looked after properly it can last for decades. Some hardwood flooring species are harder than other so if you are thinking about fitting it in high traffic areas (hallways and living spaces) it is worth checking how durable it is first. It is inevitable that hardwood floors will incur small scratches and surface damage. If after a few years you feel that it has lost its lustre and sheen then it can be sanded and refinished to bring it back to life.
Hardwood flooring is available in a wide variety of options
The wide range of wood species, styles, colours and finishes of hardwood flooring mean that it is easy to find something to suit your personal taste and match your existing décor. If you are looking for a more unique appearance, then the perfect option would be an unfinished floor, which means that you can add individual colour stains and finishes once it has been installed. Hardwood flooring mouldings and accessories (including, beading, pipe covers and thresholds) are also available to add the finishing touches to your room.
Hardwood flooring can be easy to install
Hardwood flooring is available in solid wood and engineered wood formats. Solid hardwood flooring needs to be fixed into place during the installation process and is usually available with a tongue and groove profile. Engineered hardwood flooring is much more dimensionally stable, making it more versatile than solid wood, meaning that it can be used with underfloor heating and can be floated over an underlay. Most engineered hardwood flooring is available with a click fitting system, making it even more straight forward and easy to install.
Hardwood flooring is easy to maintain
Once installed, any type of hardwood flooring is easy to look after and maintain. By sweeping regularly with a soft bristle brush, you will prevent a build up of dust and dirt. A weekly clean with a PH neutral wooden floor cleaner and microfiber mop will also help to clean away any stubborn stains and refresh and revive the lustre of your floor. To prevent unwanted damage, scratches and dents from occurring it is advisable to: remove shoes or footwear before walking on the floor; place felt protector pads on the bottom of furniture; wipe up spills immediately; and place doormats at all entry doors.
Hardwood flooring is an affordable option
Hardwood flooring is a fantastic long term investment that can add value to your property. It is a durable and hardwearing product and will last far longer than laminate, vinyl or carpet, making it a cost effective choice. Although some solid hardwood flooring can be quite costly, engineered hardwood flooring can be found at a reasonable price and looks exactly the same once it has been installed.
Hardwood flooring is very hygienic
Hardwood flooring is ideal for allergy suffers as it eliminates the build up of trapped dust and dirt particles that can occur in carpets. It is also resistant to mould, mildew and unpleasant odours that can grow in some deep pile carpets and rugs.
