For many homeowners, a decision to remodel a room in their home eventually leads them to a choice between two flooring materials: vinyl and wood. These materials are two of the most popular materials in today’s modern home renovations due to their durability and versatility. But of these two options, wood is the one that has earned a reputation for its performance as a flooring material, so below you will find the top three reasons to consider wood over vinyl for your flooring installation project:
1. They’re more durable.
Hardwood floors have been known to last for decades when properly treated and maintained, and they’re much more difficult to damage than vinyl flooring. Vinyl has been known to tear, dent, and scratch fairly easily, and, with vinyl, that sort of damage is nearly impossible to repair. With hardwood floors, however, any damage can usually be buffed or sanded out or can be covered with stain or sealant. What’s more, if moisture manages to penetrate the seams of your vinyl flooring, you’ll find yourself struggling to repair a floor that lifts, buckles, and curls, whereas hardwood floors tend to be very stable. And, contrary to popular belief, in order for a hardwood floor to maintain optimum condition, you needn’t treat it very often at all. In fact, most experts recommend resealing your floor every five to seven years, and doing so within that generous time frame usually precludes the need to do any sanding at all.
2. They increase the value of your home.
Whereas many people are of the opinion that vinyl flooring looks cheap and often outdated, statistics indicate that people’s opinions of hardwood floors are exactly the opposite, saying that the material exudes an air of class, timelessness, and wealth. This perception can benefit you immensely when it comes time to sell your home, as hardwood floors can help you to secure a higher offer. For example, in a survey of professional real estate agents conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association, 99% of the real estate agents surveyed said that homes with hardwood floors were easier to sell. Also, 82% said that homes with hardwood floors tended to sell faster than those without them, and a full 90% said that hardwood floors helped sellers negotiate more money for their home.
3. They’re warmer.
It may seem a strange characteristic in which to place value, but many homeowners cherish the warm look of hardwood floors. Wood can add a natural touch to any home décor, and it has the ability to bring an air of hospitality into a room. Not only do hardwood floors look warmer than chilly vinyl, but many homeowners agree that they also feel warmer, a definite advantage on cold winter days.
Therefore, when considering the choice between vinyl and wood flooring, it is important to consider factors other than price. Wood’s increased lifespan and many homeowners’ preference for the material’s warm and timeless look could outweigh its sometimes higher cost.
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