For centuries, wood flooring has been prized for its beauty and durability. If properly cared for, hardwood flooring can last for decades. When homeowners are thinking about installing wood flooring, one of the most common questions they have is: how long do hardwood floors last?
Type of Flooring
The lifespan of wood flooring depends in large part on the species of wood that was used. Some wood species are harder than others and are therefore more resistant to damage than softer species.
The kind of flooring is another important factor. Solid wood flooring can last as long as a century. Engineered wood flooring, which has a layer of hardwood on top and a core made of a different material, can last up to 50 years.
Maintenance
Like anything else in your home, wood flooring requires routine maintenance. In most cases, that simply entails wiping up spills and sweeping to remove dust and dirt. Wood floors also have to be cleaned periodically with a product that’s suitable for that particular type of flooring.
Refinishing
Hardwood flooring can be refinished multiple times and restored to pristine condition. When wood flooring is refinished, the damaged top layer is sanded off to get rid of scratches, dents, and discoloration. The number of times a wood floor can be refinished depends on how thick the wood was to begin with and how much is sanded off each time the floor is refinished.
If problems are superficial, workers can remove a thin layer of wood, then apply a stain. If a floor has deep gouges, contractors will have to sand off more wood to eliminate the damage.
Get a Quote for Hardwood Floor Installation
Barbati Hardwood Flooring can install beautiful and durable wood flooring in your Pennsylvania home. We offer a range of options, including unfinished, prefinished, engineered, nail-down, staple, glue-down, and floating flooring.
A member of our team can discuss the pros and cons of each type of flooring and tell you more about how long do hardwood floors last. Once you’ve figured out which type of flooring you would like, we’ll give you a detailed estimate. Contact us today at (484) 354-8869 to learn more!