Overwhelming research indicates that homebuyers prefer hardwood floors to carpeting. In fact, data from the US National Association of Realtors states that 54 percent of buyers were willing to pay more for hardwood floors.
However, not every home seller should start ripping up his or her carpets and laying down flooring without careful deliberation. To help you decide the best way to renovate your home’s floors before a sale, here are some options:
Traditional Hardwood Floors
Oak is the predominant material used in hardwood floors. It requires little maintenance and is easy to clean. You can also stain it a variety of colors to create a unique look.
Best of all, oak can last hundreds of years when properly looked after. When the surface becomes scratched, dirty or you simply want to update your home’s style, you can sand it down and refinish it with minimal cost.
Other materials can be used than oak that cost slightly less, such as pine or bamboo.
Pine is slightly softer than oak, making it more prone to pitting or scuffs. It is also lighter than oak, making staining not quite as rich or deep. However, the difference is minimal.
Bamboo has been increasing in popularity because it is more affordable than oak. The material can be stained any number of colors, and it absorbs the pigment well.
All of these options will hold up comparably to wear and tear.
Exotic and Reclaimed Floors
Exotic woods like acacia and Brazilian cherry have been gaining in popularity. These options are quite pricey, however, and should be reserved for higher end homes.
Reclaimed floors are similarly sought after. They are made from high-quality wood obtained from tearing down older homes, some more than a century old. The wood has a lovely “distressed” character to it. Since it comes from hardier stock than modern tree farms, it will also be denser.
Like exotic woods, reclaimed wood is generally not worth the investment in mid-range homes unless you can locate a cheap source.
Laminate and Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is made from recycled wood components pressed together. A pre-stained veneer is applied to the top in a finish of your choosing.
Engineered wood is denser than many natural hardwoods. It is also moisture resistant, meaning it can be installed in basements or directly on top of concrete. A major drawback to this material is that it is almost impossible to refinish.
Laminate floor is actually made up of synthetic materials with a highly convincing image of wood printed on top. The floors come pre-sealed and lock together easily, making them possible to install by the homeowner.
Despite their synthetic and affordable nature, laminate floors are actually quite beautiful and hard to distinguish from the real deal.
Hopefully this information will help inspire your decision when replacing your carpet. For more advice on how to add value and appeal to your Okotoks real estate property, take a look at our buying page.