Hardwood flooring—it's timeless, elegant, and a surefire way to make any home feel high-end. But before you commit to those beautiful wood planks, let’s talk about the real deal. At Floor & Wall Guys Inc., we’ve installed more hardwood floors than we can count, and trust us—we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the splintery. So, let’s dive into the pros, cons, and everything in between when it comes to hardwood flooring.
Types of Hardwood Flooring: Solid vs. Engineered
Before we get into the love-hate relationship homeowners sometimes have with hardwood, let’s talk about your two main choices:
1. Solid Hardwood
What it is: Each plank is made from a single piece of natural wood.
Why we love it: It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, meaning your floors could outlive your mortgage.
Potential downsides: Expands and contracts with humidity (hello, seasonal gaps), which makes it less ideal for basements or humid climates.
2. Engineered Hardwood
What it is: A real hardwood veneer over layers of plywood or fiberboard.
Why we love it: More resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making it a great option for basements and condos.
Potential downsides: Can only be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the veneer. So, if you’re the type to rearrange furniture weekly (or have dogs that think your floors are a race track), it may wear out faster.
Pro Tip from Floor & Wall Guys Inc.:
If you're installing hardwood in an area with high humidity or radiant heating, go with engineered hardwood—your floors (and your wallet) will thank you later.
Prefinished vs. Site-Finished Hardwood: Which One is Right for You?
Hardwood comes in two finishing styles: prefinished (sealed at the factory) or site-finished (finished after installation). Each has its perks and pitfalls.
Prefinished Hardwood
✔ Pros:
No sanding or staining needed—just install and enjoy!
Factory finishes are more durable than most on-site finishes.
Less mess and no lingering stain fumes in your house.
✖ Cons:
Pre-finished planks have micro-beveled edges, which create tiny grooves that can collect dust.
Fewer customization options—you get what’s in the box.
Site-Finished Hardwood
✔ Pros:
Totally customizable—choose your stain, finish, and sheen level.
A seamless, smooth look with no micro-beveled edges.
✖ Cons:
Requires more time, sanding, and drying—aka, you might need to crash at a friend’s house for a couple of days.
Can be messier than pre-finished options.
Pro Tip from Floor & Wall Guys Inc.:
If you're renovating and need quick installation (think: real estate flips or rental properties), prefinished is the way to go. If you’re designing your forever home, site-finished might be worth the wait.
The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring
Now that we’ve got the details down, let’s break it all down with the good, the bad, and the “hmm, should I reconsider?”
The Pros of Hardwood Flooring
✅ Timeless Beauty – Let’s be honest—hardwood flooring looks good in any home. Whether you’re rocking a farmhouse, a modern loft, or a traditional suburban home, hardwood just fits.
✅ Increases Home Value – If you ever plan to sell, buyers love hardwood (real estate agents will tell you this over and over again). It’s a long-term investment that pays off.
✅ Durability (If Maintained Properly) – Solid hardwood can last decades (some homes have 100-year-old wood floors that still look amazing).
✅ Hypoallergenic – Unlike carpet, hardwood doesn’t trap dust, pet dander, or allergens, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.
✅ Refinishing = A Fresh Start – Scratched floors? No problem. Sand them down, re-stain, and they’re good as new.
The Cons of Hardwood Flooring
⚠️ Cost – Quality hardwood isn’t cheap. It’s an investment, and installation costs can add up.
⚠️ Prone to Scratches & Dents – If you have kids, dogs, or just love rearranging furniture, you’ll want to choose a harder wood species (like oak or hickory).
⚠️ Moisture Sensitivity – Wood doesn’t love water. Spills need to be cleaned up ASAP, and you’ll want to avoid installing it in bathrooms or basements.
⚠️ Requires Regular Maintenance – You’ll need to sweep, vacuum, and occasionally refinish to keep hardwood looking its best.
Pro Tip from Floor & Wall Guys Inc.:
For high-traffic areas, consider a mat or rug to minimize wear and tear. Also, invest in felt furniture pads—your future self will thank you.
Installation Costs: What to Expect
Hardwood flooring installation costs vary based on material, labor, and prep work required. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Materials:
Solid hardwood: $6–$15 per sq. ft.
Engineered hardwood: $4–$10 per sq. ft.
Labor Costs:
Basic installation: $4–$8 per sq. ft. depends on install method, glued or nail down or (preferably) click and lock.
Additional cost if subfloor repairs are needed
💰 Total Cost Estimate: $10–$25 per sq. ft., depending on the type of wood and complexity of installation.
Is Hardwood Right for You?
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful, durable, and valuable investment, but it’s not for everyone. If you love the look, feel, and long-term value, it’s worth considering. If you're worried about maintenance or moisture, engineered hardwood might be a better fit.
Still on the fence? Let the experts at Floor & Wall Guys Inc. help you make the right choice. We’ll walk you through all the options, help you choose the perfect flooring, and get it installed with precision and care
Get a Free Estimate Today!
Thinking about installing hardwood? Let’s talk. Our team at Floor & Wall Guys Inc. is ready to help you find the perfect flooring solution for your home, rental, or investment property.
Final Thought: Hardwood flooring is like a classic leather jacket—it’s stylish, lasts forever when taken care of, and adds instant value to any space. Let’s get you the perfect one!
Call or Email us today for a free estimate!
📞 (267)419-7147
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