Improve the acoustics in your home by using wood flooring
Wood flooring can also improve the acoustics in a room. They reduce the hollow sounds or vibrations that often occur. This quality is why you can find hardwood in almost every dance or music studio. However, if you’re looking for a wood-like floor that reduces noise, vinyl or cork may be better choices.
Wood floors are easy to maintain, durable, and provide better air quality. But they can be expensive, right? Hardwood floors may be a more expensive option depending on the additional flooring you are considering. However, there are a few factors you should consider.
Think about long-term costs. Wood flooring are easier to clean and less likely to get damaged. This will reduce your cleaning or repair costs over the years. Plus, because they are so durable, hardwood floors can last for generations. This long-lasting quality makes them a cost-effective floor covering. It might be a little more up-front, but it will save you money.
Color will not fade on wood flooring
Many carpets lose their luster over time. The color will begin to change with wear and any stains that cannot be removed. You won’t experience this problem with hardwood. The regular appearance of hardwood is one of the reasons why hardwood lasts so many years and rarely needs to be replaced.
But what if you want to change the color? You can do this with solid hardwood floors. Unlike carpets or tiles, this type of flooring can be renovated rather than replaced.
This is a huge advantage, as the cost of repair is significantly lower than buying and installing a new floor. It’s also convenient because it gives you a chance to drastically change your home without spending a lot of money. Or maybe you just bought a house but you don’t like the color of the wood floors, all you have to do is sand down the paint and stain them to your liking. It’s so easy and much cheaper than replacing the whole thing.
Check Your Shoes at the Door
As soon as you walk into your home, it’s best to remove your shoes and leave them near the door. If you do wear shoes around the house, pay attention to what kind of shoes you wear.
Some types of shoes, such as high heels, can cause significant damage to floors, as the heels can act like tiny hammers as you walk across the wood. Cleats are another culprit that can cause quick damage. When your kids return from soccer or football or any other game play, their cleats may cause deep scratches and dents and track in a bunch of dirt and other unknown muck. Leaving your shoes at the door reduces the chances of scratches on your floor and reduces the amount of debris you need to clean up later on.
If you have four-legged friends in your home, remember to keep their nails clipped short and filed smooth as their claws can ding wood floors, especially if they are a larger breed. Cats can cause damage to your flooring as well, so consider using claw caps to prevent this from happening. This can also be a good method of protecting your furniture. It would also be wise to place felt pads on the bottom of chairs, sofas, and tables to help prevent scratches and scuffs that can occur when furniture is moved or used. Felt pads are available in stick-on versions or tap-in styles, and they are an easy and inexpensive way to help protect your floors.
Be mindful of how you move large pieces of furniture or appliances. Even when you’re careful, sliding these heavy items across your hardwood floors can cause deep scratches. Try to always lift (with your legs, not your back), instead of pushing it across your floors.