Why Hardwood?
Affordable
Wood floors add value to your
residence at resale time, not to mention wood is a lifetime
product. If you consider the initial cost versus the life of
a hardwood floor to that of linoleum or carpet, you can't
compare the two since the life of linoleum or carpet is
drastically less than wood. And, that means the value of
hardwood flooring is much greater as well. Hardwood floor
products are one of the most sought after hard surface
flooring in remodeling and new home construction.
Easy
to Maintain
Hardwood flooring is relatively
easy to maintain considering that you take the necessary
precautions: use area rugs, use proper hardwood floor
cleaner, regular sweeping or vacuuming, furniture guards,
make sure that all animals have their nails trimmed/clipped
regularly. Screen and recoating is also recommended
periodically to maintain the floor's beauty.
Ecologically Sound
Unlike most floor coverings, wood
floors come from a natural resource that is sustainable. Long
gone are the days when timber was cut down with little
thought for the long term consequences on the nation's
forests. Today most timber is cut from forests that are
carefully managed to ensure continued resources in the
future. In fact, according to U.S. Forest Service statistics,
almost twice as much hardwood timber Is added every year
through new growth as is harvested. Additionally, there is
more standing hardwood timber today than there was 50 years
ago.
Healthy
The
Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air
quality is one of our top health threats. Installed in the
home or elsewhere, wood floors help contribute to a healthy
living environment. Hard surface flooring such as hardwood
floors do not rap or harbor dust mites or molds. That creates
better air quality for all inhabitants, but especially for
the estimated 35 million Americans who suffer from allergies.
The hard surface of wood floors also helps avoid artificial
substances such as pesticides that can accumulate on some
floor coverings. A recent EPA study found that pesticides
used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other
surfaces in the home, but that wood floors greatly reduce the
accumulation of such toxins. Another concern for the home
environment is the off-gassing of toxins that results from
some synthetic materials. Any of these chemicals can make
people in the home chronically ill.