Deciding to replace the flooring throughout your home is an exciting project. Your floors can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your living spaces, and they are a focal point of your interior design. When it comes to finding new flooring, the options can be overwhelming. With such a huge array of choices, it can be difficult to know which is the best.
For centuries, real wood flooring has been popular among homeowners. Hardwood floors are effortlessly elegant and offer several benefits, so it’s no surprise that they have been used in homes for such a long time. However, with lots of wooden alternatives to consider, wooden flooring isn’t necessarily the best option for every room in the home. For instance, engineered wood flooring or water-resistant laminate flooring might be better suited to your needs.
To help you determine whether real wood flooring is right for your home, we have put together some useful information about this type of flooring.
Appearance and Cost
Real wood flooring has a timeless, classic appearance that is hard to replicate with other materials. The unique grain patterns, knots and colour variations of different pieces of wood add character and charm to your home, creating an inviting ambience. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary interior, hardwood flooring offers an array of design options to match your style and complement the rest of your decor.
However, the sophisticated appearance of solid wood floors comes with a more expensive price tag. When compared to other wooden options, hardwood flooring costs more upfront and it isn’t always a budget-friendly choice. You need to consider the square footage of your home when deciding between the different types of wood flooring and cost can vary based on the wood species, quality and installation methods.
Longevity and Maintenance
One of the main benefits of high-quality wood flooring is its durability and longevity. When properly installed and maintained, real wood floors can last for generations, making them a worthwhile investment for your home. Unlike other flooring materials that wear out over time, wooden floors can be sanded and refinished to restore their original beauty. This will extend their lifespan too and help you to avoid costly replacements.
It’s essential to take good care of your hardwood floors though. Real wood requires regular maintenance to keep it in the best condition. Solid wood flooring can be susceptible to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas, and you need to be careful to prevent your floors from getting damaged. To help protect real wood floors, you can always use rugs and furniture pads, but you shouldn’t overlook general maintenance.
Design and Sustainability
As mentioned above, there are an array of design options to choose from when buying hardwood flooring. In addition to different types of wood, colours and finishes, there are different plank sizes available. It’s common for homeowners to use narrow planks to help create the illusion of more space in their living rooms, yet chevron and herringbone patterns are a great choice too. With a huge selection of hardwood, there’s a design for every room.
Not all hardwood is environmentally friendly though. You need to do some research before you order your new flooring and you shouldn’t just look at the appearance of the planks. Ideally, you should only purchase quality products that have been sustainably sourced. Ordering from PEFC-certified organisations can provide peace of mind about the environmental impact of your flooring. Responsible forestry practices are crucially important.
Searching for the Best Place to Get Hardwood Flooring?
Hopefully, the information above will be beneficial if you’re trying to decide whether real wood is the right choice for your home. There is no denying that hardwood flooring offers timeless beauty and it’s a durable choice. If you’re willing to invest in its upkeep, solid wood flooring could be the perfect choice for you. Be sure to consider your lifestyle and budget when replacing the floors throughout your home.
Here at Mulveys of Dundrum, we supply high-quality flooring for every homeowner. In addition to our range of hardwood flooring, we have engineered flooring and laminate flooring, and we can help you to decide which option is best for every room in your home. To speak to our experts about the different types of wooden flooring we stock, pop into our showroom in Dundrum Village Centre. Here you can view a vast range of products and get some tailored advice about which type of flooring is best for your specific needs.