Hardwood flooring is timeless, beautiful, and adds an unparalleled sense of elegance and class to any residential setting. And, according to a poll by the National Association of Realtors, homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell, spend less time on the market, and sell at an average of five-to-ten percent more money than homes with other types of flooring.
Many homeowners still harbor misconceptions about the cost of installing hardwood floors, the amount of time and effort required to maintain and clean hardwood flooring, as well as how to prevent scratching and denting of hardwood floors. To debunk the myths around hardwood flooring, we put together a list of the questions we hear most often from homeowners interested in purchasing hardwood flooring.
How much does it Cost to Install Hardwood Floors?
Plenty of variables come into play when determining the total cost of installing hardwood floors, but the cost of installing hardwood in your home may be much more affordable than you imagine it is. Depending upon what type of flooring you have in your home, installing new hardwood could be as simple as moving the furniture, removing the existing carpet and pad, and having a licensed contractor install your preferred species of prefinished wood.
Alternatively, if your home has ceramic tiles that require removal before your flooring contractor can assess your home’s substrate, the cost of installing new hardwood flooring could be significantly higher because of increased rates for labor and disposal. Depending upon the species of wood you choose, you should expect to pay anywhere from $10-$18 per foot for new hardwood planks, with an additional charge to cover the cost of installing coordinating moldings.
Are Hardwood Floors Difficult to Keep Clean?
Hardwood floors are very easy to clean and maintain. When cleaning your hardwood flooring, avoid using steam mops, all-purpose cleaning solvents, oil-based soaps, floor wax, or any cleaning product designed to mimic the scent of a coniferous forest or an orange grove.
The best way to clean hardwood flooring is to develop a consistent cleaning schedule, use a microfiber mop to collect loose dirt and dust, and use a specialized cleaning product to maintain your floors finish. (Please note that oil-based finishes and water-based finishes require the use of different cleaning products.) For detailed information on how to clean your hardwood floors, we recommend visiting https://us.bona.com/Wood-Floors-101/cleaning-and-maintenance.html
How Can I Prevent my Hardwood Floors from Becoming Scratched and Dented?
Though the finish on your hardwood floors will inevitably show signs of wear over time, keeping your hardwood floors free of unsightly scratches and dents is quite easy—if you’re willing to take some preventative measures. Place felt pads under the legs of your furniture to avoid damaging your floor’s finish, and be sure never to drag furniture or other heavy objects across your floor while cleaning, rearranging your furniture, or attempting to locate your toddler’s favorite toy behind the couch.
Also, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes when walking on your hardwood floors, as the concentration of the wearer’s weight can easily cause unsightly dents on your flooring. (Yes, even if you wear a size zero.)
How long do Hardwood Floors last?
Depending upon the species of wood used, and how well you care for your floors, hardwood flooring can last upwards of 100 years. Preventative maintenance, a consistent cleaning schedule, and an occasional sand-and-refinish will keep your hardwood flooring looking beautiful for generations to come.
If you would like additional information about hardwood flooring, please visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s website at www.nwfa.org
