Pros and cons of using hardwood flooring in bedrooms

You are redecorating your bedroom or perhaps building a new home, and you are deciding about the flooring. The basic choices are hardwood or carpeting, and it can be a difficult decision. Here is some info about what to expect with hardwood flooring in your Ottawa bedroom.

Hardwood will add charm and comfort to your bedroom. Made from trees harvested from the forest, it is timeless in all decors. It comes in a number of different grains and can adapt to staining as well as refinishing. Like most things, it has good and bad elements, and here are some of them.

Advantages

It is long-lasting

Hardwood has a history of lasting for decades, especially as compared to other flooring options like laminates. It always remains stylish no matter what the style of decor or current trends. Repairs are minimal, and when the surface does show wear, professional hardwood floor refinishing can restore it to like-new condition.

It is healthier

From a health perspective, hardwood resists dust and allergens, especially compared to carpeting. You will not need to worry about dander, fleas, and fur sinking into the floor if you have pets. This is particularly important if you have pulmonary difficulties. For more on managing pets and flooring, our guide on pets and hardwood floors covers practical tips.

It is easy to clean

Hardwood floors are easier to keep clean. A regular dusting and you are ready to go. Stains are infrequent, and dust is not trapped. Following a simple floor care and maintenance routine will keep your bedroom hardwood looking its best for years.

It adds curb appeal

Hardwood floors add to the home’s resale value. Since they are timeless, you don’t need to worry about current trends. Hardwoods will blend with any colour scheme you choose. It becomes the neutral colour decorators are always looking for. It connotes a cozy feel as you enter the room. It is an excellent insulator and feels good when you walk across it.

Disadvantages

Price.

Hardwood is going to be on the higher end of the price range for flooring. Wood is an expensive commodity, and it will take a professional to install the floor correctly. However, if you amortize it over the years, it is less expensive than replacing your carpeting every 10 or 15 years. Professional floor installation ensures proper acclimation and fitting for Ottawa’s climate.

Noisy.

There will be a higher noise level, especially when someone is wearing shoes. In general, it is a hard surface that will echo any sound rather than suppress it. For light sleepers, this is not a good option.

Scratches

The surface can also be dented by dropping something sharp or hard. Debris on the bottom of a shoe can leave scratches that need to be sanded out and restained. Some pet claws will leave marks. There is an option of having the floor coated with a hard poly finish.

Susceptible to Moisture

Moisture is not a friend to hardwood. It will be absorbed into the wood and swell or damage the floorboards. That means you need to promptly dry any water spill or leakage, including walking across from the bath. That also means that temperature will affect it. So, that en suite bath and shower could cause problems. Engineered hardwood flooring offers better moisture tolerance if your bedroom is adjacent to a bathroom.

Is hardwood flooring worth it?

So, clearly, there are upsides and downsides to hardwood flooring. It really depends on what you are looking for and your specific situation. If you want the look and feel of hardwood but do not want the worry or upkeep, then go with a laminate flooring alternative. Vinyl flooring is another low-maintenance option that mimics the look of real wood. If you want the real deal and are willing to put in the work to maintain it, then go for hardwood flooring.

Continental Flooring offers the best service when it comes to Ottawa hardwood floors. We will be able to help you find the perfect floor for your home. Visit our flooring showroom or contact us today.