Hardwood floors have long been recognized as an icon of good interior design. But did you know that opting for hardwood installation in your home or place of business could have a direct effect on the health of yourself, your family, or your employees? It's true! With no exposed fibers to collect and capture dust, hardwood floors don't aggravate allergies the way that carpeting can. That could mean fewer trips to the doctor, less medication to take, and maybe even a reduction in missed school days or worker absences-all because of your new, gleaming wood floors.
According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, an estimated 50 million people in this country suffer from some form of allergies. Mahogany Teakwood Reed Diffuser In fact, allergy ranks as the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. among all ages, and the third most common chronic disease among children younger than 18. If you, your loved ones, or your employees are complaining of symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, teary eyes, or itchy throat, replacing your carpets with wood flooring can go a long way toward helping to alleviate those ailments. With smooth, solid surfaces that are easy to keep clean, hardwood stairs and floors are an excellent choice for removing harmful allergens from your living or working environment.
As a natural, hypoallergenic option, hardwood installation is suitable for just about any residential or commercial space. It comes in a tremendous array of finishes, patterns, and styles, so it's every bit as appropriate and appealing in a stately old home as it is in a modern-day office. Plus, a professional flooring contractor can help you create a one-of-kind appearance for your hardwood floors using custom-crafted inlays, borders, and medallions.
An experienced flooring contractor can also help you understand the pros and cons of the various types of wood floors available on the market today. From classic domestic hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, to exotic wood species, including bamboo, teakwood, and mahogany, it's important to learn about the distinctions in quality, hardness, and performance. Hardwood installation is a renovation to your property that will endure for many years to come, so it's best to know the ins and outs of the type of wood you choose long before the first plank has been nailed into position.
In addition to their healthful properties and amazing versatility, hardwood floors are also revered for their incredible renewability. While other kinds of flooring have to be ripped out and thrown away after years of wear and tear, all it takes to restore the lost luster of your wood stairs and floors is hardwood refinishing. Even wooden floors that have been buried beneath carpets for decades can often be made like new again through hardwood floor refinishing. Since the installation work has already been done, you need only to hire a flooring contractor for hardwood refinishing.
Love the idea of cleaner, healthier floors but don't want to commit to expensive hardwood installation? If so, then your property could be a perfect candidate for laminate installation. Available in a wide array of colors and designs to mimic the look of wood and other natural materials, laminate installation is a great alternative for allergy sufferers who want to reduce the level of pollution in their indoor air. Simply talk to flooring companies in your area to learn more about the differences between hardwood installation and laminate installation. Either way, you'll be making a smart, stunning choice for not just your home or business, but especially for your health.