Hardwood flooring, or any wood flooring, is highly desirable throughout the United States, with more houses adding hardwood floors to increase their home resale value. According to some real estate agents, and if you are planning to sell your house soon, hardwood floors might help a house sell faster than you can say “sold.”
Hardwood floors can increase home value. According to a recent survey, 99% of realtors believe that houses with hardwood floors are easier to sell and may add 2.5% to the sales price. That’s because 54% of purchasers are prepared to pay more for hardwood floors.
But does hardwood flooring pair well with weather in Florida? And are hardwood floors a smart investment in the sunshine state? We’re glad you asked!
Does Hardwood Flooring Pair Well With Weather In Florida?
Not everyone is convinced that hardwood flooring is what pairs well with the weather in Florida. Hardwood floors are worth thousands of dollars, especially if you use engineered wood floors, exotic woods such as Brazilian walnut, or solid hardwood.
On the other hand, laminate flooring is also a rising option for new floors. Some even try to get the best of both worlds by using engineered wood floors which could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Now, if you’re considering installing hardwood floors in your home or on your remodeling projects, you may be wondering if it’s a smart investment. After all, Florida is known for its hot, humid weather, and that can take a toll on wood flooring. However, there are many benefits to having hardwood floors in your home, and if you choose the right type of wood and take care of it properly, hardwood floors can last for many years.
In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of installing hardwood floors in Florida and help you decide if it’s the right decision for your home.
Why Hardwood Flooring Is a Popular Flooring Option
First, let’s talk about why hardwood flooring is seen as a popular flooring option in Florida.
There are many reasons for this, but one of the most important reasons here is that hardwood flooring is a natural product. It comes from trees and it gives your home a more natural look as opposed to tiles or other synthetic products that are often used in flooring and give off a more artificial look.
Another reason why original hardwood floors are becoming more popular is that they are easy to clean. Hardwood floors do not require as much maintenance as other types of flooring, such as carpeting. Carpeting can be difficult to clean, and it often requires special cleaners and treatments. In contrast, you can clean hardwood floors with a simple vacuum cleaner and mop.
Additionally, hardwood floors are seen as a good investment because they are durable. They can last for many years, and will not show wear and tear as easily as other types of flooring. If you take care of them properly, they can last a lifetime.
Lastly, hardwood floors make the lives of real estate agents much easier. A real estate agent can sell a property much more easily if a Florida home has hardwood floors, as many buyers see how real wood is a valuable addition to a home’s curb appeal. In fact, many realtors find that hardwood floors actually add thousands of dollars towards a house’s value. This is because a home with wood floors often looks more luxurious and expensive.
Pros and Cons of Wood Flooring In Florida
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why hardwood floors are becoming a popular flooring option in Florida, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this type of flooring.
Pros
- Appearance: Hardwood flooring is the most popular type of flooring in the United States. Hardwood floors are timeless and classic, which makes them a perfect choice for any living space. They exude elegance and provide warmth to rooms, making them ideal for all sorts of decorating styles from modern to traditional. Hardwood floors offer a neutral backdrop that allows for a wide range of design styles, unlike carpet where you have to match the color scheme of a space. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, don’t have this limitation, plus they can also be stained to match your needs.
- Durability: Hardwood floors will endure for a long time if properly cared for. With little maintenance, hardwood flooring may last a lifetime. To keep solid hardwoods looking good, most experts recommend refinishing them once every ten years. That might involve sanding as well as applying a fresh coat of finish.
- Maintenance: Cleaning hardwood floors is simple, but it does necessitate frequent sweeping and mopping. For cleaning, simply use a solution of vinegar and water.
Cons
- Noise: Hardwood floors tend to be noisy, especially when you have high heels or pet claws clicking across the floor. You may need to add area rugs to help muffle some of the noise.
- High Maintenance: Hardwood floors can be difficult to keep clean. They can be scratched easily, and they are not as resistant to spills as other types of flooring. This means that you will need to be more careful when cleaning your hardwood floors. You will also need to be more careful when using furniture or appliances as it can scratch the flooring as well.
- Costs: The cost of hardwood floors varies depending on the type of wood and the quality of the floors. However, in general, hardwood floors are more expensive than other types of flooring such as laminate or carpet. The cost typically ranges from $6 to $11 per square foot to install and could go as high as $12 to $23 per square foot for both the material costs and installation fee.
Are Hardwood Floors a Smart Investment In Florida?
If you are looking for a flooring option that is natural, easy to clean, and durable, then original hardwood floors might be the right choice for you. Although the cost of hardwood floors is higher than some other options, they are a timeless classic that can last for many years. They also have a good return on investment since they can increase the value of your home.
However, if you are on a budget, then hardwood floors might not be the best choice for you. This is because hardwood floors can be quite expensive.
Maintenance and upkeep are also something to consider when deciding whether or not to install hardwood floors in your home. Hardwood floors require more maintenance than other types of flooring, and they can be difficult to repair if they are damaged. Also, they can be cold in the winter and slippery when wet.
Thus, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of hardwood flooring before making your final decision. Weigh all of the information carefully, and then decide what is best for you.
Other Possible Types of Wood Flooring For Florida Residences
Of course, there are other types of wood flooring that are perfect for houses in Florida.
Bamboo
One popular type of flooring is bamboo. Bamboo is a type of grass often used as an alternative to hardwood. Bamboo floors are just as strong as hardwood floors, and they are also quite beautiful. In addition, bamboo floors are much more affordable than hardwood floors. It is also easier to install than hardwood floors, making it a good choice for people who are not experienced in installing flooring.
Cork
Another popular type of wood flooring for Florida homes is cork. Cork is made from the bark of a cork oak tree. It is a natural product, and it is often used as an alternative to hardwood or bamboo. Cork floors are soft and comfortable, and they are also quite durable. In addition, cork is a good choice for people who have allergies because it does not contain any harmful chemicals or allergens.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also a good choice for Florida homes. This type of flooring looks like wood, but it is made from vinyl. Luxury vinyl plank floors are very durable, and they are also quite affordable. Moreover, luxury vinyl plank floors are easy to install, like bamboo floors.
Brazilian Walnut Floors
Brazilian walnut floors are another popular type of wood flooring for Florida residences. This type of wood is very strong and durable, and it is also quite beautiful. In addition, Brazilian walnut floors are quite affordable. However, they can be difficult to install, so it is best to hire a professional if you are not experienced in installing floors.
Engineered Hardwoods
Engineered hardwood floors are also a good choice for Florida homes. This type of flooring is made from several different layers of wood, and it is often more affordable than solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors are also more durable than solid hardwood floors, making them wonderful for families with pets or children.
Reclaimed Wood Floors
Finally, reclaimed wood floors are a good choice for people who want to be environmentally responsible. This type of flooring is made from recycled wood, and it often has a very rustic look. Reclaimed wood floors are also quite durable, and they are usually quite affordable. One catch: reclaimed wood floors can be difficult to find, so you might have to search hard to find a store that sells them.
In addition, there are several other types of wood flooring that might be a good fit for your Florida home, such as laminate flooring. Other flooring options are made of synthetic material, such as man-made clay tiles. Manufactured boards are also a good choice.
If you are interested in exploring your options, talk to a professional flooring installer to get more information. They will be able to help you find the perfect type of flooring for your needs and your budget.
Final Thoughts
Hardwood floors become a smart investment if you know what you get from them. In general, hardwood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, and can last for many years. However, they can be expensive, and they might not be the best choice for every home. If you are considering hardwood floors for your Florida home, take the time to learn about all of your options before making a decision.
***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).
Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.
Author Bio
Pearl de Guzman is a contributing writer at Onfloor Technologies. She covers all home-related topics including home improvement, gardening, and landscape.
