Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

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The Pro's
There is no doubt that hard wood flooring lends an air of natural elegance and a warm welcoming glow to any home. Hardwood flooring has a timeless air of quality and it certainly exudes a feeling of permanence. Hardwood floors are natural and so it brings a natural earthy feeling inside your home which is something that more synthetic flooring just can not match - there is just something about the feel of hardwood that can't be duplicated in a factory and it has been said that installing solid hardwood flooring in your home is a great investment that will retain its value over time.

Various exotic lumber options make dramatic design statements, and these varieties of wood can be used in enumerable ways for virtually any type of decor. Each genus exhibits a different sense, a different color, a different grain and texture, even scent.
Hardwoods in all their variety of colors and styles will never go out of fashion. There is a timeless quality about hardwoods that will ensure your house never becomes outdated because of its flooring.

The Cons
Hardwood Flooring is not as resistant to scratches and ‘wear and tear' than harder surfaces (like laminate floors for eg.) and therefore does not cope as well with heavy foot traffic, kids, and pets.

Hardwood is a living material that reacts to variations in humidity and wears naturally over time so it is not as durable and tough as other floorings. Hardwood Flooring is prone to stains, scratches and fading unless great care is taken and hardwoods can be quite affected by moisture so you must be very careful of spillages and leaks in your home.
Maintenance of these floors can be time consuming and at times inconvenient (you must not move furniture along its surface and you must place mats in your kitchen near sinks and dishwashers to prevent spills). Cleaning is important as well. It must be cleaned regularly.
As far as price is concerned, hardwoods are not the cheapest option either. They are expensive but it stands true that as far as looks are concerned you'll be getting the look of luxury.

If you're willing to pay for it and look after it well then hardwoods will add an irresistible beauty and warmth to any home that any other flooring just can't match.

About the Author
Mellissa O'Brien is a freelance writer who has become an expert in Flooring and Home Improvement and has written over 200 articles on the topic including independent reviews of online flooring retailers, tips and advice on flooring and also reviews of different flooring types.

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