When it comes to added value and natural beauty, the 'solid' solution is hardwood flooring. After all, hardwood flooring has a projected life of 50 to 80 years.
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National realtor surveys indicate that homes with hardwood have a higher resale value and sell faster than homes with other types of flooring.
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This being said, there are some things that need to be addressed when purchasing hardwood floors.
?
In essence, hardwood flooring can last the lifetime of your home with proper care and maintenance. So let?s touch on some basics.
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First, the choices may seem overwhelming as there are literally dozens of species to choose from. However the hardwood that you choose will most likely be based on your personal preference. Certainly there are certain species that are more regionally popular than others but keep in mind as stated above this is a long term investment. Just because you prefer a very light maple color with your present decor doesn?t mean that your tastes won?t change. Also keep in mind that sometime in the future you might want to sell your home and you will want your home to appeal to a large base of buyers.
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Overall in this part of the country the first choice has historically been Oak. This floor has a relatively high hardness rating and because of its light and dark graining it has the ability to hide the inevitable dents and scratches.
?
Lighter toned floors (if stained to a lighter color as well) such as Maple, Birch and Pine tend to show scratches easily. North Dakota is an area of extremes. The humidity and temperature in the summer can be high and just the opposite happens in the winter.
?
Hardwood has a certain comfort level. In the summer if the humidity is too high, the floor can buckle. In the winter when the humidity tends to be low, the floor can split and you will notice gaps where the joints meet. Think of a door in your house that sticks in the summer but works just fine in the winter. It is important for you and your hardwood to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level year round.
?
Another thing that you will have to decide is whether you want an engineered floor or a solid wood floor. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. It will be to your benefit to do some research on this.
?
Solid hardwood can be refinished many times as compared to engineered hardwood which is far more limited. Engineered hardwood is usually limited to two or three times. When you consider the longevity advantage of hardwood as stated above this is obviously something important to consider.
?
Technology has not left behind hardwoods. Many new floors have a factory applied finish and in addition some companies impregnate the finish with aluminum oxide which increases the hardness of the surface finish.
?
In conclusion, there is nothing more beautiful than a hardwood floor. When you open the door, it greets you and your family with a warm, natural beauty that is incomparable because each board is unique and special. Yes it can dent and scratch but just as we age and gain character in our faces - so does your floor.
?
Take the time to consider hardwood. Talk it over with one of our professionals at Carpet World. At first it may seem more expensive than the other choices but when you balance out the price over the long term it?s usually less.
?
Hardwood wants to keep its natural beauty over its entire lifetime.
?
It just needs a little TLC from you.?
?
National realtor surveys indicate that homes with hardwood have a higher resale value and sell faster than homes with other types of flooring.
?
This being said, there are some things that need to be addressed when purchasing hardwood floors.
?
In essence, hardwood flooring can last the lifetime of your home with proper care and maintenance. So let?s touch on some basics.
?
First, the choices may seem overwhelming as there are literally dozens of species to choose from. However the hardwood that you choose will most likely be based on your personal preference. Certainly there are certain species that are more regionally popular than others but keep in mind as stated above this is a long term investment. Just because you prefer a very light maple color with your present decor doesn?t mean that your tastes won?t change. Also keep in mind that sometime in the future you might want to sell your home and you will want your home to appeal to a large base of buyers.
?
Overall in this part of the country the first choice has historically been Oak. This floor has a relatively high hardness rating and because of its light and dark graining it has the ability to hide the inevitable dents and scratches.
?
Lighter toned floors (if stained to a lighter color as well) such as Maple, Birch and Pine tend to show scratches easily. North Dakota is an area of extremes. The humidity and temperature in the summer can be high and just the opposite happens in the winter.
?
Hardwood has a certain comfort level. In the summer if the humidity is too high, the floor can buckle. In the winter when the humidity tends to be low, the floor can split and you will notice gaps where the joints meet. Think of a door in your house that sticks in the summer but works just fine in the winter. It is important for you and your hardwood to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level year round.
?
Another thing that you will have to decide is whether you want an engineered floor or a solid wood floor. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. It will be to your benefit to do some research on this.
?
Solid hardwood can be refinished many times as compared to engineered hardwood which is far more limited. Engineered hardwood is usually limited to two or three times. When you consider the longevity advantage of hardwood as stated above this is obviously something important to consider.
?
Technology has not left behind hardwoods. Many new floors have a factory applied finish and in addition some companies impregnate the finish with aluminum oxide which increases the hardness of the surface finish.
?
In conclusion, there is nothing more beautiful than a hardwood floor. When you open the door, it greets you and your family with a warm, natural beauty that is incomparable because each board is unique and special. Yes it can dent and scratch but just as we age and gain character in our faces - so does your floor.
?
Take the time to consider hardwood. Talk it over with one of our professionals at Carpet World. At first it may seem more expensive than the other choices but when you balance out the price over the long term it?s usually less.
?
Hardwood wants to keep its natural beauty over its entire lifetime.
?
It just needs a little TLC from you.?
