About Wood Flooring
We all know that wood flooring fills your home with warmth and beauty that never goes out of style. There are hundreds of selections in woods, colors, and finishes available. You can definitely find wood flooring to fit your budget and taste. Read on in order to discover why wood is the right choice for your home.
The Real Value of Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is more expensive than other types of flooring, this is the case until you examine the hidden costs. Wood flooring or even engineered floors, can last from 60 years to more than a century. Less expensive floorings are also less durable. Those wear out in just a few years, and deteriorate further with each cleaning. In 10 years, they are worn and dated as styles, pile, and color trends change.
The carpet becomes increasingly shabby during the years. This process collects dirt, dust, crumbs, allergens, and bugs. Carpet is a home for dust mites, bed bugs, and mold. Those pests and allergens can’t burrow into wood floors and thrive.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists the quality of indoor air as one of the top health concerns.
Wood floors provide a better indoor air quality for everyone, but it’s especially important to the approximately 35 million Americans with allergies. Reducing the allergens in your home has a direct effect on your health. In addition to that fewer doctor visits and less time out sick also means more money in your pocket.
Green Initiative
Wood is one of the most sustainable choices on the planet because it grows everywhere. Today’s timber forests are carefully managed to restore and replace harvested wood. More hardwood trees are growing today than fifty years ago, this according to U.S. Forest Service. Look for FSC certification and compliance with the Lacey Act. Read the label in order to be sure that you’re buying a product that respects the environmental laws.
Ease of Maintenance
Wood floors represented a lot of work in the past. This doesn’t apply in nowadays. New technology in finishes makes wood floors easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is regular sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional damp mop with a mild solution of water and vinegar. For more product recommendations you should check in with your manufacturer.
Installation
Can you can install a wood floor all by yourself? The answer depends on a lot of aspects, like the type of wood floor you choose, the condition of the subfloor, and even your previous experiences in constructions. While some items (for example, click-lock engineered wood flooring) are made for DIY projects, others require more skills. Solid wood installation also requires additional tools and more experience than an average handyman.