Polished concrete or rustic hardwood — which material is better for your floors? Since Canada is usually subject to extreme weather conditions, indoor temperature can certainly affect this particular decision.
Both types of flooring have their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, hardwood has gained a better reputation than commercial or residential concrete floors. Here’s what you need to know before buying hardwood floors.
Aesthetics
Elegance and comfort are not exclusive to one another. When it comes to flooring, hardwood floors beautifully fuse both of these qualities. Hardwood flooring radiates a more rustic, luxurious, and warm feel and can be dyed into different stains and colours. This versatility is lacking in concrete, with its dull, industrial, and usually gray finish.
Hardwood floors have the upper hand in creating a cozier and snug space without looking outdated. You can also just leave the natural colour of the hardwood as it is and let the timber’s natural patterns shine. With dizzying rings and intricate heartwood mosaics, hardwood gives more life and vibrancy to your property.
Longevity
For the heated debate on which floor has a longer shelf-life, then hardwood flooring is the clear winner. Paint and staining on concrete fade when constantly exposed to sunlight since the material easily absorbs heat. These sudden changes in the concrete floor’s internal temperature can expand and contract the material. This can lead to cracking, gradual deterioration, and the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.
Hardwood floors, on the other hand, do not easily fade when exposed to sunlight. It releases heat faster and keeps your home cooler. With proper termite pest control, your hardwood floors will surely last longer and may even still be in mint condition when your children — maybe even grandchildren — take over! Even if they do fade, it only adds to the charm of your hardwood floors.
In addition, because of its porous bands, hardwood floors do not easily crack or break and can better absorb shock.
Durability
Hardwood floors have 3 main types currently sold in the market — solid, engineered, and laminate. Among these, solid hardwood is the toughest and scratch-resistant. However, the other 2 types can still be reinforced via a resin coating. Minor scratches can be swiftly repaired through buffing or colouring.
Due to its ingrained structural bands, hardwood has better structural efficiency and can withstand higher pressure without being damaged. In comparison, concrete floors can easily crack and absorb less pressure. Homeowners with concrete flooring also have a higher chance of foot fatigue and joint injuries.
Warmth
With Canada’s extreme temperatures plummeting to -61.4 °C in winter and rising to 36°C (or more) in summer, temperature regulation is a big deal. If you’re looking for a type of flooring that suits your indoor cooling and heating system, then look no further than hardwood. It intrinsically releases and absorbs heat in a more efficient manner. Even with its dead vessels and non-functioning cellulose, its cells are still able to stay cool during summers and retain heat in winter.
Maintenance
To clean up your hardwood floors, you can simply use a vacuum or broom to remove dust and debris. Sanding, recoating, and rebuffing the planks can also help you maintain the sleek shine — but you don’t have to do this until the 10-year mark. More importantly, any spilled foods, drinks, or pigments on the hardwood floor can be easily removed with a rag and soap mixture.
Polished concrete floors on the other hand are sensitive to acidic compounds and excess water can damage the concrete’s components. Concrete floor finishes also have to be maintained for at least 2 to 5 years, which is half the shelf-life of hardwood.
Value
In the real estate world, homes with hardwood floors often sell faster and for a higher price. This fact alone already proves that in the current trends of today, you can have a greater return value when you invest in hardwood flooring.
When the time comes for you to move out and sell your property, hardwood flooring will give it a higher price range. Since hardwood floors do not easily deteriorate (compared to concrete floors) you can still have the floors in near-mint condition even with the most minimal maintenance costs.
Sustainability
Due to its organic materials, hardwood flooring is the perfect option for eco-friendly and environment-conscious homeowners. Recycled from other types of timber, purchasing hardwood can greatly help in reducing timber surplus and waste. Furthermore, its biodegradable nature allows it to be harmless to its surroundings once the home is abandoned or once it has been discarded.
Hardwood floors also offer superior insulation, allowing you to save up money on heating bills and help the environment as well.
Costs and Installation
When it comes to an owner’s budget, flooring installation will always be expensive. You can always go the DIY route, but amateur mistakes during the process can be dangerous and will cost you more money. Experts on the other hand are trained to examine places in your property that need support and reinforce them by installing a proper base.
Now if you are on a budget, you might settle for the cheaper option. Some people might say that concrete is less expensive than lumber since it is subjected to fewer factory processes. However, are concrete floors really cheaper than hardwood? The latest prices indicate that a basic concrete design costs less than hardwood floors.
It’s important to take note that it is only for a fraction. Concrete designs at times can be even more expensive depending on the materials, patterns, overlays, and finishes. In retrospect, basic hardwood flooring can be more expensive than a basic concrete floor. So, are hardwood floors worth it?
The answer is yes, hardwood flooring is a better investment than concrete floors with its lesser need for maintenance, better insulation, higher durability, higher return of investment, and longer shelf-life. There are even numerous affordable timbers available for you! Here in Canada, you can choose from maple, ash, oak, and mahogany. Local hardwood sellers may even be able to offer you a bargain.
Nothing is too small a detail when it comes to your flooring choices. If you’re looking for a durable, rustic, and affordable deck then hardwood flooring is for you. Elegant, and eco-friendly, hardwood best encapsulates the quintessential aspects of a modern home or commercial space. Versatile and sustainable, it is a great investment for any owner! So, call your contractor and have your dream interior space come to life.
With over 20 years in the industry, Capital Hardwood Flooring has a proven track record of offering Toronto high-quality hardwood options and services. Whether you’re looking for high-quality engineered hardwood flooring or traditional hardwood flooring, you can count on us. Call us at (416) 536-2200 or email us at [email protected] for inquiries or to make an order.