Hardwood flooring is a beautiful and versatile choice that can fit into virtually any design theme. It’s also durable and long-lasting, making it an excellent investment.
Unlike carpets, hardwood floors don’t trap dust and other allergens. This makes them much healthier for you and your family to live in. To learn more, visit https://precisionhardwoodflooringllc.com/.
Hardwood flooring is a green choice for any home. Unlike carpets, wood has a low embodied energy and carbon footprint and is easily recycled at the end of its life. It also has one of the longest estimated lifespans of any flooring material, making it a great investment for homeowners who make environmental responsibility a priority.
When choosing hardwood, look for products certified by a sustainable forest management organization like the Forest Stewardship Council. This ensures that your wood comes from forests that are sustainably managed and provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to local communities. It is also important to weigh the travel distance of your floor options, as sourcing and transportation can have an impact on your carbon footprint.
Many species of hardwood, such as maple, birch, and oak, grow in abundance across North America and are sustainably harvested without harming the forest. These trees are long-lasting, meaning homeowners will only need to replace their floors once or twice in a lifetime. This reduces the amount of lumber used and helps preserve the tree population.
While solid hardwood requires more wood to produce than engineered wood, both types of flooring have a lower carbon footprint than other materials such as concrete or plastic. Moreover, wood byproducts can be used as biofuel or other building products, and the forestry industry makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To further minimize your wood floor’s ecological footprint, choose an eco-friendly finish. The majority of stains and finishes on the market are water-based, which minimizes volatile organic compounds. These low chemical emissions contribute to better indoor air quality and are easier on your respiratory system. Look for finishes with GREENGUARD and UL Environment certifications, which are recognized as the gold standard of environmental responsibility.
When shopping for hardwood, look for species that are sourced from the United States to further support sustainability. Domestic hardwoods have a smaller carbon footprint than exotic hardwoods, as the trees that are harvested for their timber require less resources to mature than those of other species. In addition, many domestic hardwoods have a Janka rating of more than 1,300, which is more than the average for all hardwood species, and will last for decades.
It’s Comfortable
Hardwood floors are not only beautiful to look at, they add a sense of warmth and style to your home. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, making them ideal for homes with children and pets. Spills and messes are quickly removed, leaving the floor looking as good as new. This helps reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and other allergens that can be trapped in the carpet, which can cause respiratory problems.
The natural grain pattern of hardwood floors is also attractive and can be a great addition to your home’s design. The variety of colors, grain patterns, and species available make them easy to match with other furniture and décor. They can also be stained and refinished to maintain their appearance. This is one of the reasons that hardwood flooring is a popular choice amongst renovators and can increase the value of your home.
Despite their classic appeal, hardwood flooring can be colder on your feet than carpet, especially on early mornings when you wake up in bed. Rugs can help with this, but it may be an inconvenience for those who prefer to go barefoot or suffer from achy feet. Additionally, hardwood does not trap heat as well as carpet and can result in higher heating bills.
However, if you choose to use rugs throughout your home or install radiant heat, hardwood can be more comfortable than you might expect. It is also easy to make your hardwood floors softer with the addition of padding or underlayment.
Another benefit of hardwood flooring is that it can last much longer than carpet, reducing the need for replacement and lowering landfill waste. It is a highly sustainable material that can be refinished and sanded many times over its lifespan.
Hardwood floors are a classic that never goes out of style. They can easily be refinished to maintain their beauty and keep up with your lifestyle. In addition, they are an environmentally friendly choice and can increase your home’s value. Home buyers are typically more willing to pay for a house with hardwood than carpet, and many will even remove their own carpets before moving in.
It’s Easy to Clean
Hardwood floors are more attractive and easier to clean than carpet. They also don’t trap dust, pet dander, and other pollutants that can be detrimental to your family’s health. Sweeping or vacuuming a hardwood floor regularly, followed by a mopping with a cleaning solution compatible with your flooring type, is all it takes to keep your floors in pristine condition.
When sweeping, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific floor type. To mop, a microfiber mop or a rag soaked in water and mild cleaner works best. If you have sensitive skin, consider adding a few drops of an essential oil (lavender, cedarwood, or lemon) to your mop water. This will also add a pleasant smell to your home and make the cleaning process more enjoyable.
While spills and messes are easier to clean up on hardwood than on carpet, it’s best not to let liquid sit on the floor for too long. Mop up spills or messes right away to prevent water stains, and blot wet spots with paper towels or cloths to avoid soaking into the wood.
Regularly sweep your floors, and vacuum them at least once a week using the hard floor setting on your machine to prevent scratches. Vacuuming regularly will help reduce allergens in your home, and it’s important to change the filter often to ensure proper airflow.
If you have pets or children, be sure to place a breathable rug or doormat at every entryway into your home to stop dirt and debris from tracking onto your hardwood floors. This will not only protect your flooring, but it will also prevent dirt and dander from spreading throughout the house.
Keep a small stash of rags or paper towels to quickly wipe up scuff marks and smudges that are inevitable. A small amount of baking soda mixed with a bit of water can also be used to remove darker scuffs. When cleaning hardwood, it is also important to remember that harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes or mop pads should be avoided at all costs. These will scratch and dull the surface of your wood flooring.
It’s Elegant
Hardwood floors are a timeless fashion statement that never goes out of style. They have an enduring appeal that’s a hallmark of refined living, just like a Chanel or Louis Vuitton handbag or Tiffany jewelry.
They are also believed to make a room look wider and more spacious. That’s because of the varying width planks that can be laid in a pattern to create dynamic design elements and visual intrigue.
In addition, hardwood flooring can be customized with various stains and finishes. These range from high-gloss options that can provide a polished and upscale look to hand-scraped textures that enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Homeowners can choose from a variety of species, widths, and color options to find the perfect fit for their space.
It’s not surprising that homeowners are attracted to the elegance of hardwood floors. Whether they’re installed in a kitchen or entryway, they create a sense of warmth and sophistication. They can be accented with area rugs to protect the surface and add contrast, as well as to add comfort and texture.
One of the best things about wood floors is that they are easy to maintain. Unlike carpeting, which can become matted and stained over time, hardwood floors are relatively easy to clean. Usually, all it takes is a regular sweep and vacuum to keep the floors looking their best. And if a spill or stain does occur, it’s simple to wipe up.
As a bonus, upgrading to hardwood floors can increase the value of your home. Homebuyers tend to prefer homes with hardwood floors, because they are often less expensive than carpeting and don’t require replacement. And if you decide to sell your home, buyers will be impressed by the quality of your floors and may even offer a higher sale price.
If you’re interested in transforming your living spaces with the timeless elegance of hardwood floors, contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of stylish exotic flooring by Ark. We offer Brazilian cherry, hickory, maple, santos mahogany, and brown heart natural wood floors.
