The Benefits Of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floor is no stranger to many households. In fact, hardwood is such an in demand material that houses are sold at a higher price with this kind of flooring. In a survey conducted for the National Wood Flooring Association, real estate agents were asked about the different floorings and their answers indicated that hardwood floors are best-sellers. Houses installed with this floor type are more popular compared to those with other kinds of floor covering.

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 decor. 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.

Types of Hardwood Floor - three main types are solid, engineered and acrylic impregnated. Solid wood has measurements ranging from inches to 25/32 inches. Second, engineered wood has layers, alternating the grain. This gives more stability and a stronger hold where solid wood can't fit in. Therefore, the engineered type is more flexible for installation. The third, acrylic impregnated is wood material injected with acrylic material, hence the name.

Hardwood is also ideal if you have children or allergy-sensitive occupants at home. Dust, dirt and bugs are trapped in carpets and ceramic tiles, which makes cleaning them more painstaking compared to cleaning hardwood. If not cleaned well, these irritants can aggravate allergies or can cause sickness especially to children.

There are types of hardwood flooring - solid, engineered and acrylic impregnated. Engineered hardwood consist of layers that works better for covering areas that the solid type couldn't plaster. Acrylic impregnated refers to a wood floor whose wood grain has been infused with acrylic material.

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.

To maximize the beauty of hardwood floor, accent it with area rugs. They give protection to the flooring to prevent scratches, wear and tear, as well as enhance the look of the entire room. With a mere change in the rug's color, shape or design, the room can have an entirely different look.

You will never go wrong with a hardwood floor, more so if accentuated with beautiful area rugs. You might not want to change anything about your home for a long time to come.

Tagged with: Flooring • hardwood floor • home improvement • interior design

Filed under: Flooring

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