7 Things You Didn’t Know About Hardwood Floors

Aside from visual appeal, hardwood floors hold quite a bit of functional value. It makes sense considering it is one of the oldest forms of residential flooring. Like any floor type, hardwoods hold their own unique purposes. Keep reading to find out what they are.

1- Improves Air Quality

Considering hardwood floors are made from trees, it should not come as a surprise that they can improve the air quality in your home. Unlike carpet, hardwood floors do not collect dust and other debris that trigger allergies. Air is able to circulate freely. Therefore, they create a healthier environment for you to live in.

2- Makes Spaces Appear Larger

Much like mirrors, hardwood floors give the illusion of a larger surface area. Since hardwood floor planks are longer and larger than alternative flooring panels, they lengthen a room. Fewer end joints make a room look more spacious and less crowded.

3- Easily Change Colors 

It can be hard to make a design decision knowing that trends are constantly fluctuating. However, hardwood floors can be resurfaced to provide a new color or texture of your preference. It also produces a clean slate, doing away with dents and other wear resulting from years of foot traffic. 

4- Lowers Energy Bills

Contrary to what you think, hardwood flooring keeps your home warmer for longer in the winter. This is because hardwoods absorb heat, allowing the air in your home to circulate more efficiently. In effect, you don’t have to constantly set your thermostat higher.

5- Each Plank is Unique

Since hardwood paneling comes from trees, you won’t find any planks that are identical. This adds character to your home. Like the human fingerprint, every tree holds a different pattern and a different story. 

The only way that “wood” floors can be the exact same is if they are not wood at all! Laminate flooring that is made to look like wood does repeat in pattern.

6- A Lot of Variation

Different wood grains have different levels of durability and strength. This means that some grains are softer or harder than others. Harder wood panels are going to last you longer. 

You can measure this with the Janka Rating System. Ideally, you want a grade that is above 1,000 on the Janka Hardness Scale. This scoring means that the wood grain will hold up against the everyday foot traffic within your home. 

7- Improves Acoustics

Unlike carpet, hardwood floors reflect sound. If you’re looking to have a music room in your home, maybe you should consider hardwood floors.

Potentially, you have hardwood floors in your home right now and are interested in knowing more about their potential. Maybe, you’ve been considering hardwood floors as your next option of flooring. Whatever the case, you now have a comprehensive perspective on the value of hardwood floors.