For one of the best investments you can make in your home, consider installing hardwood floors. The look of hardwood floors changes everything. They can make a room look bigger because of the clear open space, but at the same time keep it warm and inviting because it is wood. Hardwood flooring is more expensive than other flooring alternatives, but well worth the extra cost because it is so popular among home buyers.
The simple elegance of hardwood flooring has always been in vogue, but never as much as today when people like clean, elegant looks for their homes.
It doesn’t matter what kind of decor you have chosen; hardwood flooring looks equally beautiful in a formal dining room or in the casual family room.
Hardwood flooring adds warmth and beauty to a home, and in today’s hectic world, the home has become a sanctuary where we seek such peace and beauty to comfort us after a hard day’s work. Picture coming in the door after being out in the cold winter and being greeted with the warm ambiance of glowing wood.
Another valuable feature of hardwood flooring besides its beauty and the warm feeling it imbues, is the fact that it is so durable and long lasting, moreso than laminate flooring. If you take proper care of your hardwood floors, they will last for years and years. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding proper cleaning and treatments, and you will not only keep them looking gorgeous, you will also be protecting your valuable investment in your home. Keeping on top of any minor repairs will forestall larger problems in the long run, so be sure to do the proper upkeep.
You will be amazed and even a little overwhelmed when you start to shop for hardwood flooring since the range of choices is so great. You want to make sure you make the right decision, since this is a large, long term investment in your home. Better to spend some time in shopping and researching exactly what the right kind of hardwood flooring is best for you than to shop in haste and be disappointed in your decision.
Another thing to be careful about is looking for a bargain when you are shopping for hardwood floors. Yes, they do exist, but there are many inferior products that just sound like bargains but may not be over the long run. If you end up replacing these floors after a few years, they really cost more than the better quality, more expensive ones. For such a large item as hardwood flooring, you can usually get financing for the product, or you may consider a home equity loan since it is an improvement to the property.
You do have to give your hardwood floors a bit of the velvet glove treatment. You don’t want to put heavy furniture on it without pad under them, and you certainly don’t want to drag any furniture over the floor. High traffic areas should be covered with area rugs, and you might consider scuff rugs for entrances, so that dirt, sand or grime is not dragged onto the floor. Kitchens are not considered the ideal place to install hardwood floors because of the high risk of exposure to moisture and water damage. If you do decide to use hardwood flooring in the kitchen, just be prepared for frequent repairs or replacements.
