subject: Should You Install Hardwood Floors In Your Home? [print this page] If you're thinking of installing hardwood floors in your home, you may be comparing it against other options such as tile, laminate or carpeting. Depending on the decor in the home, the budget you have for remodeling, how much wear-and-tear the room will take and whether the project will be done as a DIY project or be professionally installed, this will be a personal decision. Here are some things to think about:
Hardwood flooring:
-Pros: Timber floors that are made from bamboo, pine, cherry or oak are very classy looking. They go with almost any style of decorating and can be adorned with scatter rugs, if desired. They can be stained in dark, medium or light colors and will last for many years if properly taken care of. When a homeowner decides to install plank or parquet floors made of solid hardwood, he or she is making an investment in the property.
-Cons: One of the cons of oak, cherry, pine or bamboo flooring is that it is more expensive than some options. It's also more difficult to install than some products so a professional installer will likely be needed. Some eco-concerned individuals might want to use a material that didn't harvest trees. Using reclaimed lumber might be a more satisfactory alternative.
Tile:
-Pros: Tile is very durable and comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit with most decors. It is cool underfoot in the summer. It can be covered with room sized carpeting or throw rugs, if desired. It's easy to clean.
-Cons: An amateur may have a difficult time installing tile properly. It takes certain tools such as wet saws and more so is best left to the pros.
Laminate that looks like wood:
-Pros: Laminate is easier to install than hardwood or tile. It is also less expensive depending on the brand and type selected. No trees will be cut down for this product which resembles timber. This is a doable option for many DIYers.
-Cons: While an attractive option, it's not as durable or classy as real wood. If it gets wet, it may not hold up as well as other materials. Some very chemically sensitive individuals find some laminates odiferous.
Carpeting:
-Pros: Carpeting comes in a variety of appearances and weaves. Nearly any color imaginable can be found in wall-to-wall carpeting. Densely woven, shags or frieze are all options. Carpets come in a variety of price ranges and can transform the look of a room fairly quickly. They're soft and cozy feeling underfoot.
-Cons: Carpets stain more easily than other flooring options. They have to be cleaned professionally and installed by pros, too. If they're not properly installed and stretched, they will bunch up and look tacky.
Hardwood floors are a popular option when it comes to improving the look of a home, but it's not only option. There are other choices such as tile, laminate, and carpeting. The selection homeowners make will depend on the decor of the home, their budget, how much wear-and-tear a room will take and personal preference.
