If you are building a home or are renovating an existing one, selecting the flooring for your various living spaces can be a complicated challenge. With so many floor types available and the pros and cons of each, the decision can be a bit overwhelming. The unique needs of your family and the area in which you live can play a key role in what you select. But one thing seems to be certain, those who select hardwood flooring don’t regret it. And additionally, hardwood flooring will never go out of style. 

If you’re looking to replace your flooring in your home, hardwood flooring may be at the top of your list. Of all the flooring trends in recent years and historically, hardwood flooring has become a mainstay in homes all over the world. But what is it exactly about hardwood floors that make them so popular and in such high demand? 

1. Hardwood flooring offers classical elegance. The Palace of Versailles, even though it was originally built as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII, is well-known as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Today’s intricately patterned wood floors get their name from Versailles which has boasted exquisitely detailed hardwood floors for centuries.
   
   

2. Hardwood floors are easy to clean. Regular cleaning by sweeping or dusting with a micro-fiber brush and occasional mopping with a misting hardwood cleaner can help keep your wood floors in condition for years to come.
   
   

3. Hardwood flooring is long-lasting. When choosing to install hardwood flooring, homeowners will benefit because the flooring will remain in style, but also because wood flooring naturally lasts longer, especially when it is well cared for. In fact, the life span of a wood floor can exceed 100 years. Further, a screen and recoat process can refresh the coating and restore the luster of the floor.
   
   

4. Hardwood flooring continues to improve with technology and new finishes. New technology has created engineered hardwood which layers multiple pieces of wood together. This approach makes the hardwood even more durable and helps increase moisture resistance.




5. Hardwood floor is high in value. While hardwood flooring can cost more than many other types of flooring at the time of installation, it also holds in value and can increase the value of your home. Many older homes still have their original hardwood as it is designed and installed to last for decades. Not only that, but many homeowners like the historical feeling of hardwood floors.

What are the most popular types of hardwood floors?

If you have decided that wood flooring is the choice for you, the next step is to decide on what kind of wood to use. This decision is best considered by taking into account the overall style of your home and the preferred décor. While any wood flooring is popular and will add value to your home, there are certain types of wood that are more popular than others.

Oak is the most common type of wood flooring in the United States. Homeowners like oak for its low cost and overall versatility. Further, oak is very resistant to dents and deep gouges and is an excellent choice for homeowners who do not wish to use an area rug. Further, oak can be stained a wide variety of colors and in most cases will have an obvious grain pattern. If oak is not for you, other popular choices include hickory, maple, ash, pine, cherry, Brazilian cherry, walnut, and birch.  

No matter what wood flooring you select, chances are you will love the end result. Provided that you take good care of your floors with regular dusting, sweeping, and light mopping, you can be assured that your hardwood flooring will last through the years and help you to build history in your home.

This post was written by House Tipster, a designing website for homeowners, interior designers, home builders, architects and home service pros.