Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

1. There are many styles to choose from. You can choose from traditional to modern styles.
2. Real wood flooring can be sanded and stained – so if ever you change the style of the room, you can change the style of your wood to match accordingly.
3. You have several different types of woods to choose from like Walnut, Cherry and Oak.
4. Home buyers are willing to pay much more money for homes that have hardwood flooring installed.
5. Hardwood floored homes also sell faster, as well.
6. They are very durable!
7. When hardwood floors are cared for properly, than can last a very long time. Just check out the homes that are over 100 years old with their original hardwood flooring.
8. Damaged floors can be renewed by refinishing them!

Cons

1. A very costly flooring option. Expect anywhere from $3-$12 per square foot and the flooring must be installed on top of the sub-flooring.
2. Installation of hardwood flooring can be a very big job that most unexperienced people can not handle. So while hiring a contractor to do the job may be easier but there are still labor fees – which do vary.
3. Depending on the hardness of the hardwood flooring, it will determine if the floor will be prone to being scuffed and scratched.
4. A professional refinish can be expensive. Depending on different factors – you could expect anywhere from $1.25-$4.00+ a square foot. This doesn’t include labor or additional costs.
5. Refinishing floors creates dust and fumes from the polyurethane coating.
6. Hardwood floors are noisy! Placing rugs down in high traffic areas and anywhere else in the home will help protect the floor, muffle loud sounds, and even act as a cushion for if you are prone to falling.

Vs.

Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Laminate flooring is getting easier to install. Newer manufactured laminate floorings have a “click-lock” design with dry glue that is already on – all that is needed is a swipe of wet sponge or cloth to activate it. It is said that you could install 300 sq. ft. in a weekend! It’s that easy.
2. You won’t ever have pieces with defects.
3. Nearly impervious to scratches and dents due to the “wear layer”.
4. Can be installed in rooms that are bound to have topical moisture levels. Rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, etc.
5. Pretty easy to clean. Only need to sweep or vacuum and only needs to have a slightly damp mop job.
6. Typically stain resistant. However, if you do get a stain – it can easily be cleaned off.

Cons

1. IT’S NOT REAL WOOD. For some, this is a really bad con.
2. Lowers your home resale value.
3. Cannot refinish laminate flooring. So if it gets damaged badly, then you’ll need to replace it.
4. Tends to be slippering, although manufacturers have been making slip-resistant “wear layers”.
5. Feels hard under the feet.