It seems like a mind-bending amount of money, but collectively, homeowners spend an average of $400 billion on home remodeling projects on an annual basis. If you're one of those homeowners thinking about a remodel project, one of the best things you can do is replace your flooring.
Adding hardwood flooring to your home is today's top-rated interior renovation project that's worth investing in. It can also add the most value to your home at resale. But how long do hardwood floors last and are they high-maintenance?
This blog outlines everything you need to know when considering hardwood flooring.
Hardwood Flooring Adds Natural Beauty
There's no denying how hardwood flooring can completely transform the look and feel of your home. What was once a dull, stark, or uninviting space can feel 100 percent different after the addition of hardwood flooring.
It has a unique way of adding warmth to any room, as well as an air of sophistication and natural beauty. The best part is that there is a huge range of stains and finishes to choose from so you can easily match your floors to the rest of your home's aesthetic.
It's Versatile and Durable
If you're concerned that hardwood floors will not tie in with the rest of your decor, or the general feel of your home, there's no need to worry. The beauty of hardwood is its versatility.
Whether you have a more traditional, contemporary, modern, or rustic home style, hardwood flooring is still a brilliant option. Due to the fact that you can sand and stain hardwood to be any color, it is the true chameleon of all flooring types.
Not only this, but hardwood is highly durable. Some of the best variations include hickory, acacia, maple, walnut, white oak, and bamboo. You don't have to worry about wear and tear--no matter how many children or pets you have.
It Adds Serious Value to Your Home
When you're thinking about different types of floors and the best value for money, hardwood is your go-to. There's no doubt about it, it adds the best value to any home.
Thanks to their natural beauty, versatility, durability, and easy maintenance, hardwood floors are a showstopping feature when it comes to a successful home sale. In fact, you can secure a return on investment of up to 118 percent on hardwood flooring when selling your home.
Approximately How Long Do Hardwood Floors Last?
One of the biggest questions on every homeowner's mind is how long will my floors last, really? You might have heard about their amazing longevity, but what is the reality behind hardwood durability?
The answer to this question is not as black and white as it may seem. The lifespan of this type of flooring depends on these factors:
- The wood species used to create your flooring
- The type of finish you choose
- Your local climate and weather conditions
- The amount of foot traffic passing through each room
All of these elements will affect longevity. But generally speaking, the lifespan of hardwood floors is incredible--one of the top reasons they're such a good investment. You can expect most hardwood flooring to last a minimum of 25 years with the right type of maintenance. Some types of hardwood flooring can last up to 50 years or more.
The most popular species of hardwood include oak, maple, and cherry. These materials are well-known for their strong, durable nature, and are a great option for high-traffic areas in the home. Oak is probably the best-rated type of hardwood flooring in terms of toughness.
Choosing Your Floor Finish
Hardwood is a natural, living thing--it will wear and tear over time without the correct finish and stain. Both of these elements make a serious impact on the lifespan of your flooring. The same goes for the type of hardwood species you choose.
Good quality finish on your flooring will protect it from exposure to moisture. Not to mention wear and tear such as scratches, dents, and spills. One of the best flooring finishes on the market is polyurethane--it's the most popular choice for homeowners today. Water-based finishes are also popular, but they don't offer the same longevity.
You can expect your hardwood floors to stay in top condition for up to 10 years with a polyurethane finish, after which time you might need to re-finish them.
Hardwood Maintenance and TLC
While hardwood flooring does not require much in the way of maintenance, it's still important to focus on a little TLC over the years. With the right finish, your floors don't need much more care and maintenance than a good sweep and vacuum at least once a week, and a dry mop once or twice a month.
Depending on the finish you choose, your floors might need re-finishing. Today, a non-invasive technique known as dustless floor refinishing is one of the best options. Basically, this is a means of re-sanding your floors without all the dust and debris that goes with traditional sanding.
After that, it's important to re-stain and finish your floors for a fresh, new look. For most homeowners, you might only need to go through the re-finishing process once, before you sell your home, for example.
Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood
You might have heard about the option of engineered hardwood over solid hardwood flooring. If you're comparing the two from a price perspective, engineered hardwood is the more cost-effective option.
However, you tend to get what you pay for in life. Engineered hardwood might look and feel like the real deal, but it will not last as long. The bottom line is that the more solid wood used in your flooring, the longer it will last. Most engineered hardwood planks are far thinner, and therefore more brittle, prone to damage and denting.
So, if you're thinking about saving money and opting for engineered hardwood, remember that saving money initially might cost you more down the line!
Revamp Your Flooring With Us
So, how long do hardwood floors last? If you invest in the right type of wood species and finish, you can expect your flooring to last a good 25 years or more.
If you're looking to remodel your home and install new flooring, National Floors Direct has you covered. We offer an impressive range of flooring options, whether you're looking for solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tiles, browse here for more.
