subject: The Top Advantages Of Wood Flooring [print this page] There are many advantages of wood flooring over other options. If you are looking to add some warmth and class to your new home or are looking to renovate, wooden flooring will do it for you. Even though the installation will cost you more than buying a new carpet, wood floors can last you for decades with the right kind of care and maintenance.
Solid wooden flooring
Other than the number of years wood floors last, these offer durability and resistance to every day wear and tear. Unlike other man made flooring like laminate, wood remains warm to the feet. Laminate is cold to the feet. Wood flooring is also good for those who suffer from allergies. It does not allow dust, mildew or mold to grow and it is much easier to keep it clean as compared to carpeting. A damp mop or vacuuming is enough to keep your flooring fresh. If you have pets or small children that need cleaning after, wooden flooring is an easy care option.
Pre-finished wood floors
You can opt for finished or pre-finished hardwood flooring. The pre-finished option is more convenient as it does not require any sanding. This saves installation time and you do not have to be bothered with cleaning up all that sawdust. There is no drying time either which could be quite a bother since most varnishes and lacquers take up to 12 hours to dry before you can walk on the floor!
Unfinished flooring
A number of professionals like to work with unfinished hardwood as this gives them a universal seal to work with. They can make sure all gaps are properly sealed before the application of a surface finish. The uniform seal is imperative to guard the wood against moisture which is the worst enemy of wood floors. Though the time and effort required on an unfinished wood is much more, the end result is worth it.
Flooring stains and surfaces
A number of options are available where the surface finish and stains for hardwood are concerned. Flooring can be planed for a smooth surface and this is the most popular option for most home owners. Another surface finishing that is fast gaining popularity with professionals as well as home owners is the hand-scraped finish. This is made by using planks that are not worked by machine but by hand and offer a more rustic look.
There are more options and variations that depend on the color of the stain and the type of stain. Some stains simply enhance the natural beauty of the wood while others change the cast and color of the wood completely. This makes the flooring look like it is made up of a kind of wood that is much superior than the one actually used.
Choices for wood floors
Another great advantage besides durability and longevity is the ease of contrasting or matching it with any kind of home dcor or your office interior. Wooden flooring offers a structural strength to your space that no other flooring brings.
