THE NATURAL
Jason Spangler, Wagner Meters’ Sales Manager, discusses the benefits of specifying so will guarantee they continue to perform at th
If the potential for moisture problems in wood is ignored, a costly flooring failure may result.
A new floor gives any space – residential or commercial – a fresh, inviting look. That’s certainly true with the installation of a new hardwood floor, and you can be confident that it will never go out of style.
A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT Many people opt for the natural look of a hardwood floor for obvious aesthetic reasons. Hardwood adds elegance, beauty, and warmth to any space. It’s also a great investment that’s sure to add to the property value of any home or business.
Hardwood floors offer plenty of other benefits, too. They’re easy to clean and maintain. Consider, for example, their stain resistance compared to carpeting. A spill on a carpet can be a huge headache to clean up. But not with a wood floor. If you spill something, all you need to do is wipe it up. No fuss, no muss.
Another big advantage to hardwood floors is their longevity and durability. With proper care, your wood floor’s hard surface could last a lifetime. Even after the finish has long since worn off, you can simply sand and refinish your hardwood floor for a look that’s literally as good as new. In the long run, you may reap a significant cost advantage since refinishing a hardwood floor is less expensive than completely replacing it.
Hardwood floors are also extremely versatile. They look good with almost any interior design theme. And even if you change the furniture, the wall art, or other decorative elements, you can still count on a hardwood floor to provide a complementary fit.
18 | NATURAL MATERIALS
ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS? Although hardwood flooring offers many benefits, it’s important to consider a couple of disadvantages. First is the cost for materials. The initial outlay for solid hardwood is considerably higher than for most other types of flooring such as laminate, vinyl plank, carpeting, and sheet vinyl. No question – the up-front cost of a hardwood floor can be a genuine deterrent.
However, in the long term, the cost factor gets turned on its head. Consider that a hardwood floor will last many decades and is destined to hold its value over the long haul. Consider too, the higher maintenance costs associated with other flooring products such as carpeting. All in all, a hardwood floor can be a smart, long-term investment.
Aside from the initial cost, another potential disadvantage of hardwood flooring is its susceptibility to moisture damage. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it will swell or shrink depending on the moisture level of the surrounding environment. Wood is not a great choice for a room that will experience wide swings in relative humidity or where water will typically be present, such as a bathroom. Instead, you’ll likely want to look at tile, vinyl, or some other water-resistant product.
TYPES OF NATURAL
HARDWOOD FLOORING One especially appealing aspect of hardwood flooring is the array of choices available, the number of hardwood species one could choose from runs into the hundreds. Let’s take a look at the five most popular choices:
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