Hardwood flooring has been a favorite choice for homeowners for centuries due to its timeless beauty, durability, and natural charm. While most people are familiar with its classic look, there are numerous interesting facts about hardwood that you might not know. In this blog, we’ll explore some surprising details that make hardwood even more fascinating, whether you already have hardwood floors or are considering installing them in your home.
Hardwood flooring lasts for generations
One of the most impressive facts about hardwood is its longevity. Properly maintained hardwood floors can last for generations, with some floors remaining in excellent condition for over 100 years. This makes hardwood an incredibly sustainable flooring option, as its long lifespan reduces the need for replacement. Regular refinishing can further extend its life, restoring the surface to its original beauty and keeping it looking fresh.
It improves with age
Unlike many flooring materials that show signs of wear over time, hardwood floors tend to improve with age. As they develop a patina, hardwood floors take on a unique character that enhances their natural beauty. This aging process gives the wood a richer color and texture, making older floors even more desirable in many cases.
Hardwood comes in many species
When most people think of hardwood floors, they often picture oak or maple. However, there is a wide variety of hardwood species available, each with its own unique characteristics. These species not only offer different colors and grain patterns but also vary in hardness, making some more suitable for high-traffic areas than others.
Exotic hardwoods
Beyond domestic species like oak, maple, and cherry, there are also exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and mahogany. Exotic hardwoods often feature striking color variations and distinctive grain patterns, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for something a bit more unique.
Janka hardness rating
The hardness of hardwood is measured using the Janka hardness rating, which tests the wood’s resistance to wear and denting. Woods like hickory and oak rank high on the Janka scale, making them excellent options for areas that experience heavy foot traffic or potential impacts.
Hardwood flooring can be environmentally friendly
Many people associate hardwood with deforestation, but in reality, responsibly sourced hardwood is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. Sustainable harvesting practices and certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure that hardwood is harvested in a way that preserves forest ecosystems.
Hardwood is renewable
Since trees can be replanted and forests regrown, hardwood is a renewable resource when harvested sustainably. Many manufacturers now focus on ethical sourcing, ensuring that new trees are planted to replace the ones harvested for flooring. This commitment to sustainability makes hardwood a green choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Carbon storage
Did you know that hardwood floors can act as a carbon sink? Trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, and this carbon remains stored in the wood throughout its life. By choosing hardwood, you’re essentially storing carbon in your home, helping to reduce overall carbon levels in the atmosphere.
Hardwood floors can increase your home’s value
Hardwood floors are often seen as a luxury feature that can significantly boost your home’s market value. In fact, many homebuyers specifically look for properties with hardwood flooring due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. This makes hardwood a smart investment if you're considering selling your home in the future.
Popular in real estate
Real estate agents frequently highlight homes with hardwood floors because they attract more buyers. Hardwood floors are a timeless feature that never goes out of style, making them a popular selling point for both new and older homes.
Higher return on investment
Installing hardwood floors can offer a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to other flooring types. The natural beauty and lasting appeal of hardwood make it a long-term asset that adds to the overall value of your home.
Hardwood flooring can be hypoallergenic
One little-known fact about hardwood floors is that they are a great choice for individuals with allergies. Unlike carpets, which can trap dust, pollen, and pet dander, hardwood floors have a smooth surface that doesn't harbor allergens. This makes hardwood a healthier option, especially in homes where allergies or asthma are a concern.
Easy to clean
Hardwood floors are easy to maintain with regular sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional mopping. Since allergens don’t get trapped in the fibers like they do in carpets, it's much easier to keep the air in your home cleaner by removing dust and debris from hardwood surfaces.
Resistant to mold and mildew
In addition to being hypoallergenic, hardwood floors are naturally resistant to mold and mildew, provided they are kept dry. Unlike some other flooring types, such as carpet or laminate, hardwood doesn’t provide a favorable environment for mold to grow, making it a healthier flooring choice for damp areas like basements.
Hardwood floors can be customized
One of the greatest advantages of hardwood flooring is its versatility. Not only can you choose from a variety of wood species, but hardwood can also be customized to match your design preferences through staining, finishes, and unique installation patterns.
Staining options
Hardwood can be stained in a wide range of colors, from light, natural tones to dark, dramatic shades. This allows homeowners to match their flooring to the overall color scheme of their home or create a bold statement piece with a richly stained hardwood floor.
Unique installation patterns
Beyond color and finish, hardwood floors can also be installed in a variety of patterns, such as herringbone, chevron, or parquet. These installation styles add a custom touch to your flooring and can elevate the design of any room.
Visit Floor & Home Inc. to explore your hardwood flooring options
Hardwood floors offer much more than just a beautiful surface; they are a long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and highly customizable option that can transform any home. From their hypoallergenic properties to their ability to improve with age, hardwood floors are a smart choice for both design and functionality. To explore the many hardwood flooring options available, visit Floor & Home Inc. at their locations in Westwood, NJ, or Park Ridge, NJ. Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect hardwood flooring to suit your style, space, and needs.
