PROS – Hardwood is the real deal; it is gorgeous and, depending on the type of wood, can add considerable value to your home. CONS – Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavily trafficked areas.
Are real wood / solid floors hard to maintain?
Hardwood floors are resilient and long-lasting. With proper maintenance and care, they can last centuries. The greatest advantage of hardwood flooring is that it is easy to clean and maintain. While spills and stains on a light-colored carpet can be a disaster, on a hardwood floor you can simply wipe them away.
Which is better engineered or solid flooring?
Engineered flooring is somewhat less expensive than solid hardwood, but most types can be sanded and refinished only once since the surface hardwood layer is relatively thin. There is no clear advantage to one form of wood flooring over the other; your choice depends on how much you value the relative merits of each.
How long do hardwood floors last?
The answer is that hardwood floors can last a long time – usually 25 years or more. Some can last a lifetime. Most will last longer than you live in your home. It depends on the subfloor before installation, the thickness of the floor that gets laid down and the way you care for it at home.
