The Benefits of Hardwood Floors
A gleaming hardwood floor is so beautiful to behold. Beyond the aesthetics, hardwood floors increase value to the home, has versatility in home decorating and has health benefits. Hardwood floors come in a variety of styles.
Quality hardwood flooring increases the value of a home. The durability of hardwood has improved due to advances in technology processes. A recent survey for the National Wood Flooring Association asked real estate agents their opinions regarding flooring styles. Real estate agents state that houses with hardwood floors sell faster. New homebuyers prefer the look and ease of hardwoods. They are also sold at higher prices than homes with other types of floor covering.
Hardwood floors compliment any home décor. There is a timeless appeal that only hardwood floor can give. It adds interest to a room by allowing a backdrop to furnishings. Its versatility is outstanding, whether a contemporary feeling or a country mood. Hardwood floor used to be limited to living rooms and dining rooms. Now they can be installed in every room in your home including the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and the laundry rooms. Specific hardwoods are designed for humid steamy areas such as the bathroom.
Hardwood floor covering is easy to take care. Only minimal care is needed to preserve the splendor of these floors. The simplest way to clean sealed hardwood floors is to first remove all dirt and dust either using a broom or a lightweight vacuum cleaner. Then simply mop using water, rinse and repeat. If using a floor cleaner, pick one that is neutral. As they age, tones deepen and grain patterns surface.
There are health benefits associated with hardwood floor. Dust and other irritants are trapped in carpeting and the grout of ceramic tiles. Over a period of time, these irritants can cause problems for those suffering with allergies. Hardwood floors can ideal for those dealing with indoor allergies. Additionally, chemicals that are used to clean carpeting can be potential harmful.
The options in hardwood flooring are outstanding. The types of wood floors include solid, engineered and acrylic impregnated. Solid wood floors range from 1/4″ to 25/32″ with some product of 1″. Engineered wood flooring is made of various layers, alternating the grain. This allows for stability in areas where sold wood floor products cannot be installed. Engineered wood flooring comes in plies or layers with 3-5 ply being the most common. If a wood floor has wood grain that has been injected with acrylic material, it is considered acrylic impregnated.
There are different styles of wood floors. Strip wood flooring has a lineal tongue and groove composition; it is most often in 1.5″ and 2.25″. Plank wood flooring is the same as strip flooring except the widths are larger; they can range from 3″ to 14″ width. Parquet wood flooring is wood constructed into a geometric pattern or design.
Area rugs compliment wood flooring beautifully. They allow the appearance of a room to be changed with ease. The variety of styles, patterns and material is exceptional. Area rugs provide a finishing touch to gleaming hardwood floors. They also protect the floors from wear and tear.
Beautiful hardwood floors are an excellent addition to any home.
