Whether a new home construction project or renovating your current home, one of the many decisions you need to make is what type of flooring to install, there are many options on the market today. Still, one of the most popular choices is hardwood flooring made from natural oak. Oak is a beautiful wood that can give your home a classic, timeless look. But before you decide, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of oak hardwood flooring. So, let's explore both sides.
Advantages Of Oak Hardwood Flooring
Among the most notable advantages of oak hardwood flooring is its durability. Oak is solid and sturdy wood, so it can withstand average use and still look fabulous for many years. In addition, Oak floors can last a lifetime with proper care, making oak hardwood flooring a wise investment for your home.
The ability to refinish oak hardwood floors is another advantage. If your floors start to show wear after a few years, you can sand them down and refinish them rather than replace the entire floor. This feature can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Thicker cuts of oak can get refinished several times over the years, which means you can sand down and change the stain if you ever get tired of the look of your floors. And, because oak is such a favored wood choice, it's easy to find someone who can refinish your floors if you don't want to do it yourself.
Disadvantages Of Oak Hardwood Flooring
Of course, something as fabulous as oak hardwood flooring doesn't come without a potential downside or two.
For people concerned about their environmental impact, oak may not be the best choice. Oak is a hardwood, which means it comes from trees that take longer to grow than softwoods. So once these trees become lumber, they don't regenerate quickly.
Another disadvantage of oak hardwood flooring is that it can be more expensive than some other types of flooring. The initial cost of the lumber and installation may be higher than other woods, but keep in mind that oak floors can last a lifetime with proper care, so this point could be moot.
Also, hardwood flooring isn't the best choice for rooms or homes with high humidity. If you are somewhere with high humidity or lots of rainfall, another type of flooring could be best for your home.
The Bottom Line
Whether oak hardwood flooring is the best fit for your home is ultimately up to you. Consider the pros and cons to make the best choice for your needs. If you live in the Greater Dallas area and could use help with your flooring project, contact us or visit our Red Oak Showroom to start the conversation.