People have been installing hardwood floors since medieval times, but they didn’t become widespread until the late 1800s. However, improper installation and a lack of knowledge about sealers and finishes led to the perception that hardwood floors were not durable enough to last a long time. Improvement and refinement of both installation techniques and sealers/finishes have greatly improved the longevity of hardwood floors. Additionally, the increased availability of wood has reduced end-user costs to an affordable level for many families and small businesses.
Despite the popularity of hardwood flooring, there are other important things to know before investing in hardwood flooring. The first is that the weather can dramatically affect the longevity of your floors. If you live in a dry, desert climate like Arizona or Nevada, hardwood floors are not recommended. In desert climates, daytime temperatures are quite warm, while nighttime temperatures can be quite cool. This constant daily fluctuation in temperature causes the wood floor panels to expand and contract. Over time, this can create cracks in the wood and gaps between the floorboards. To combat this, you can air-condition your house during the warmer months to ensure a more or less constant temperature of the wood throughout the year. However, the best climate for hardwood floors is one in which there is little temperature variation and enough moisture to prevent destruction of the wood.
Another factor to consider when selecting hardwood floors is the amount of traffic to expect. If the floors will be installed in a high traffic area, it may be better to use laminate hardwood flooring because it is scratch resistant and easy to maintain. For lighter-traffic areas, engineered hardwood floors can bring a sleek, luxurious look to your room. (Engineered hardwood flooring is real wood that has already been professionally sanded and finished.)
The fact that hardwood floors are very easy to clean and do not attract much dirt and grime makes them highly preferred over other types of flooring in both residential and commercial settings. In addition to its durability and aesthetic appeal, hardwood floors are a green design choice. Wood is a renewable resource and does not pollute the air in your home due to its resistance to pollen, dust and other allergens.
The main drawback to hardwood flooring is that it can be expensive, depending on the type of wood you choose and whether you choose laminate hardwood or engineered hardwood. Cherry and cabreuva cost more than beech and maple, but are harder and therefore more durable. Also, although it is considered eco-friendly, it is not as eco-friendly as bamboo flooring, for example.
In summary, the benefits of hardwood floors are: durability, ease of maintenance, resistance to dirt and common allergens, and aesthetic beauty (that, of course, in the mind of the beholder). Drawbacks include potentially high cost and a lack of an ideal climate to preserve the wood’s like-new condition. It should also be noted that while some moisture is good for wood, this type of flooring should not be installed in environments with high humidity, such as bathrooms and pool areas.
