Pros and Cons of Handscraped Hardwood

Hardwood is historically one of the best flooring materials you can get. It adds value to a home, looks stylish with any decor, and lasts for generations. The staff at Peeks, a hardwood flooring warehouse, have much experience with these floors. So we thought we’d answer the question: what are the pros and cons of handscraped hardwood flooring?
Hardwood Flooring Cost Considerations
What does hardwood flooring cost? Wood costs from $3 to $12 per square foot before installation. Furthermore, it is currently $2 to $4 per square foot for a refinishing job. Although the cost may stop some consumers, others will look at hardwood floors and see an investment opportunity that you cannot get with manmade flooring types.
Sure, manmade floors are less expensive and quicker to install. They may last a decade before they must be replaced. Hardwood floors have lasted for hundreds of years in some homes, demonstrating that hardwood is definitely the pinnacle of flooring products.
Remember you don’t have to pay for your hardwood floors all at once at Peek’s. We have financing available for your home flooring improvement projects.
Hardwood Flooring vs Engineered
Hardwood flooring is 100 percent natural before a stain is applied. Engineered flooring may be one of a variety of products that may look like wood, but it only has a wood top layer.
At first glance, they may look the same, but hardwood flooring has much more character. It has natural imperfections that can’t be replicated. Color variations, tiny holes, shallow grooves and waves make it evident that the material is the real deal.
Engineered flooring, like carpet, doesn’t add to home values. Hardwood floors are considered luxury items these days, and home shoppers are sure to be impressed. There is evidence that shows that homes with hardwood floors will sell quicker than a similar home without hardwood.
Hardwood Flooring vs Carpet
Many homeowners put down area rugs for softness and sound insulation because a hardwood floor doesn’t muffle sound like carpet. Carpet is less expensive than hardwood, but it will need to be replaced in about eight years compared to a potential 100 years for hardwood. Carpet also doesn’t add any extra value to home prices.
For those who pull up carpeting and discover hardwood in an old house, it is definitely worth it to pay a refinisher, such as the pros at Peeks, to restore the wood flooring. You’ll love the look. At $2 to $4 per square foot, it may be less expensive than installing a manmade flooring material.
Color Match and Refinishing
You can take wood in any direction. A polished stain adds gloss, color and sophistication while an antique finish makes the floor look weathered and rustic. If you start out rustic and decide to change your style, you can have it refinished.
Refinishing won’t be needed for many years, and you can change your style without worrying about your flooring. When the time comes, scraping and refinishing is best done by a professional. However, you are more likely to replace manmade flooring long before you might need to refinish your hardwood floor.
Cleaning and Care
Cleaning can be done with a broom or duster to pick up debris. Your family may leave scratches and scuff marks, but these can be individually fixed with stain or special repair products. Deeper cleaning may require a special product, although some swear by water and vinegar. Products may cause build-up over time which will need to be removed.
Spills may be repelled by a good finish. However, water damage is a threat to hardwood. It is not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Durability: 100 years vs 10 or less | Costs more than manmade materials |
Adds to Home Values | Harder than carpet/engineered wood |
Homes sell more quickly | Doesn’t muffle sound |
Luxury design item | Takes longer to install |
Can be refinished for new look | Water damage is a threat |
Easy to clean | Subject to shrink/expand with cold/heat |
Easy to fix scuffs | Color may fade in areas lit by sunlight |
Natural insulation | Not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms |
Types of Wood
You can talk to the pros at Peeks about how woods differ in terms of hardness and hardiness. We’ve got information on each type and can explain the costs and benefits. Drop by one of our five locations to learn more. Here are examples of what’s available:
- Ash
- Beech
- Birch
- Cherry
- Fir
- Hickory
- Maple
- Pine
- Walnut
- Reclaimed Wood