Wooden
Floors Are In
If you don't believe wooden floors are in high demand, just try watching a
show like "House Hunters" on HGTV. If you had a dollar for every
time someone
said the phrase "hardwood floors" you could pay your cable bill.
Why wooden floors?
-- They're durable. It's not uncommon for century old homes to have the
original wood floors. With proper care, wooden floors will outlive almost
any other flooring.
-- They look rich. When the cost of vinyl flooring and carpeting got low
enough, wooden floors were reserved for high-end applications.
Is there a downside to wooden floors?
-- They can be cold. While not as cold as stone floors, wood is less
friendly to the feet on a cold morning than carpeting.
-- They can be expensive. By definition, hardwood trees are slow-growing.
That slow growth habit gives them the gorgeous grains we want in our wooden
floors. It also means that the trees such a floor is made up of cost more.
Okay, you want that wooden floor. What are the alternatives?
-- Traditional tongue-and-groove flooring. This is the most expensive
option. It can also be difficult to install. Such a floor will require
periodic refinishing.
-- Laminates. These are pre-finished and are easy for even the moderately
talented do-it-yourselfer to install. Once installed wooden laminate floors
look just like the "real" thing. Usually less expensive.
-- Photo over composite. Basically, this is a photograph of wood grain glued
to a composite base. Usually the least expensive, these faux-wooden floors
are also the least durable.
Wooden floors, especially laminates, come in a wide array of colors and
finishes. Make a quick tour of your local Lowe's or Home Depot to get an
idea of what your cost might be.
Whether you like striking contemporary, or you prefer cozy rustic, there's a
wooden floor for you...
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