Variety
Hardwood floors are extremely versatile and can be tailored to suit any space. With a variety of species, colours, styles and finishes available – the options are endless.
Style
Timeless is a word often associated with hardwood floors. When you think back to what was ‘in’ fashion over the years – think shag carpets and patterned tiles – hardwood floors steadily maintained popularity and that doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon!
Durable
Quality hardwood floors are extremely durable and can last decades if properly maintained. The most damage a hardwood floor can incur is scratches and dents. These can be fixed with sanding and refinishing, a process that can be completed multiple times – extending its lifespan significantly. Hardwood’s counterparts are limited in the amount of times they can be repaired, and while after time they’ll begin to look worn – hardwood floors will retain their character and value for many years. For tips on how to protect your hardwood floors from wear and tear, check out our blog!
Practical
Hardwood floors are easy to clean because they don’t accumulate a lot of dirt, dust or debris. When it comes to cleaning all that’s required is a weekly sweep, dust mop or vacuum. Note: Areas that incur more traffic (i.e. entrance ways, hallways, kitchens) may require more regular cleaning.
Cost efficient
If you’re looking to make a great long-term investment, you can’t go past hardwood floors. Any realtor will confirm that the presence of hardwood floors immediately adds value to your property. While initially timber flooring may be a dearer option, when you take into account its durability and lifespan, it is extremely cost efficient in comparison to other alternative i.e. Carpets which need to be replaced every 7-10 years.
Allergy-friendly
Unlike carpets, hardwood floors are not a breeding ground for mold, mildew or dust mites. Because they are so easy to clean, any residual dirt and residue is easily removed with minimal effort – making hardwood floors hypoallergenic and well-suited to people with allergies.
Eco-friendly
When it comes to flooring, wood is not always considered a ‘green’ choice.
Cutting down trees destroys forests, right? Wrong! Wood flooring is a completely sustainable choice that actually gives back more to the environment than it takes. In the case of managed forests, for every tree that’s cut down another is re-planted in its place. And what many don’t know is younger trees actually absorb more carbon dioxide and produce more oxygen than older trees which greatly increases air quality. Wood products also continue to retain carbon dioxide even after they have been harvested!
But that’s not all. Wood floors use less water and energy to produce than other flooring options. At the end of their service life, wood floors can be burned as fuel, recycled or repurposed altogether.
Health benefits
In a study commissioned by Planet Ark, it was found that being surrounded by wood could have positive effects on the body and brain. The study found that the presence of wood had both physiological and psychological benefits that mimicked the effect of spending time outside. The feelings of natural warmth and comfort that wood elicits in people have the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rates, reducing stress and anxiety and increasing positive social interactions.
Want to learn more about hardwood floors? We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions on our blog, check it out!
