Hardwood: The Strong and Mighty

Issue Date: November 17, 2007, Posted On: 11/17/2007

By Marc Henderson

Hardwood: Strong and Mighty

Home improvement projects can be quite costly and time consuming, so it is not surprising that ample consideration be given to the long term outlook of the project. For some people, this means deciphering whether the styles of today will still be complementary to the styles of tomorrow; whereas, for most, the long term focus is centered on how long the immediate investment will continue to pay off. For example, replacing a home’s carpet, hardwood, or tile is a relatively effortless project that can enormously enhance the comfort and style of a home. However, when embarking on such a project, the homeowner wants to have some sense as to how long the new flooring is going to physically hold up under the trampling of feet. Thankfully, the most common everyday surface agents have been in use for years, so estimating durability time is really not that elusive. For example, antique hardwood floors are coveted by some because they show the wear of an active home. In fact, worn hardwood floors are seen as character adding traits, which has led to the newer trend of installing pre-worn wood floors. The aforementioned flooring is designed and meant to look antique, which can be easily compared to the trend of purchasing pre-faded and ripped jeans. On the other hand, for those consumers looking to add their own character to the home, modern manufacturing and chemical techniques have vastly improved the durability of wood flooring, such that scrapes and dents can be nearly prevented.

What is important to consider if you are looking for hardwood floors that are resistant to wear and tear, is to evaluate the actual species of wood flooring you are purchasing. Some species are more porous, which will inherently make them weaker over time, while other species are quite dense and have a stronger biological structure. Look for the wood’s Brunell rating as a reference and comparison between species. From there, most hardwood flooring found in residential construction has been treated with a chemical compound call Aluminum Oxide, which is the same chemical used in sandpaper. This is important to note, as it is remarkably strong and assists in preventing dents and scratches. If you are really looking for durability, the commercial options are out there as well. Specifically, acrylic is applied to the hardwood, which fills in the porous cavities and thus increases the overall structure strength of the material. Unfortunately, as to be expected, this option is more costly. Bottom-line though, modern hardwood floors, when installed properly and maintained throughout time, should not ever have to be replaced for as long as the home is still standing.

Another aspect that enters the equation is the potential damage caused not by feet and pet toenails, but buy heavy furniture. With this regard, much longevity can be obtained by properly installing a thick under-layer of cork. This will provide ample flexibility, which will reduce the lasting pressure being applied by say the feet of a piano. Speaking of cork, it has become a very popular surface choice as opposed to just something to go underneath another material. Additionally, cork is unique in that it does have the ability to spring-back, so to say. However, concerns have been raised about the seemingly short warranty lengths for cork flooring, so it should be clarified that the limitations of the warranty often apply only to the surface coating. This coating can then be reapplied as needed down the road, and for good reason it should be maintained, as this is what makes the surface so easy to clean and care for.

Nevertheless, a conversation on durability would not be complete without discussing carpet, given that it is so popular and widespread in both residential and commercial construction. First and foremost, before dissecting between carpet variances, one has to be reminded that carpet does and can get dirty or stained. This is precisely why it should be cleaned on a regular basis and is probably not a good choice for areas where spills are more likely to occur, such as the kitchen. Having said that, carpet is so popular because it is soft, lush, and inviting. So, when hitting the market for carpeting, pay particular attention to the type of fiber used and to the structure. Numerous nylon fibers each have pros and cons, but can be equally weighed against the particular needs of the home. For example, olefin fibers are very resilient but can melt more easily than other nylon fibers. On the other hand, wool is also very resilient but may cause allergy problems. What it really boils down to in carpet selection is evaluating the homeowner and his or her preferences and needs. So, do your homework and you can greatly increase the lifetime of your carpet if you select an appropriate type.