Civilization Marches On: Hardwood Flooring in the Modern World

Think back to ancient times: what kind of flooring was used? If you guessed dirt floors you would be correct. Hardwood flooring, although it has been with us for a while, is a relatively new development in the history of the human race. In the past, when floors had to be constructed, they had to be made by hand - a very time-intensive process, to be sure! Modern technology has largely replaced the labor-intensive work, and you, the modern homeowner, reap the benefit: beautiful hardwood floors that are easy to install and easy to maintain!

Perhaps the first obvious question that needs answered is this: "Since there are so many flooring materials available today, why should I install a hardwood floor?" The obvious answer? Durability. Many synthetic materials are very cheaply made and will not last very long - they crack and crumble - especially in high traffic areas. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are very durable.

Versatility? Hardwood flooring is one of the most versatile flooring materials available today. Whether you need it in the den, kids playroom, bedroom, kitchen, home office, hardwood flooring is a great choice. In fact, with modern technological advancements, you can install some types of hardwood flooring below ground - like in a basement - where the ground underneath may be damp.

"But hardwood flooring is expensive!" That is a common refrain. And while it is true that your initial investment can be significant, that is not the full story. You see, installed hardwood flooring will actually increase in value as your whole home value increases. And if it is properly maintained, your hardwood floor can significantly raise the value of your home.

What are your choices? Well, hardwood flooring can be purchased as a solid wood - which means that the flooring boards are each solid pieces of wood, or you can purchase something called an engineered wood floor. The engineered wood floor is made by taking thinner strips of wood and fusing them together in such a way that they will not shrink as much, and will be stronger than, a solid wood floor board. Your installation professional can advise you on which would be best for you.

Hardwood floors can be purchased in strips, or planks (which are much like the traditional strips, but are significantly longer) -- or you might purchase the 'parquet' type, where the wood pieces are arranged into a very pleasing design.

As a consumer and homeowner, you will benefit from the latest technology when you purchase your hardwood floors - you can buy your flooring pieces in a prefinished form, meaning that you (or your installer) will not have to sand, paint or stain the wood at all - just install and you are done! But if you want to go the traditional route, never fear - you can buy your hardwood floor in unfinished strips - which means, of course, that the wood will need to be sanded and finished. Note: leave the installation and any sanding and finishing of your hardwood floors to trained professionals - they will know how to do the job right the first time!

When choosing your woods, you choose lighter colors for high-traffic areas, as this will not show foot traffic as much. To help prevent excessive wear on your hardwood floor in those high-traffic areas, you should buy and place mats and rugs to cover these areas (such as near doorways and room entrances). Again, if you are flooring a high-traffic area, try to choose a high-density wood like hickory, maple, or oak, as these will better handle all that foot traffic.

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Author: Simon Harris writes about home repair issues and Hardwood Flooring Repair Learn more about how toRefinish Hardwood Floors by visiting his website.