Are you thinking about remodeling your home to prepare it to hit the market? Or do you just want to make some updates you can enjoy while adding value? Renovations have the potential to positively impact how much your home is worth. 

There are value-adding projects at every budget. It’s essential to make updates that are neutral to appeal to many tastes to get the most bang for your buck. Focus on making changes that you can enjoy, but will also attract potential home buyers. 

From removing walls to floor renovations, there are both big and small projects that can improve your home’s aesthetics. Making both visual and functional improvements can increase the potential market price of your property. Here are five ways to remodel your home and increase its value.

1. Create a Seamless Feel With Flooring To Increase Home Value

One of the biggest impacts you can make is a full floor remodel. Updating floors can change the entire look of your home. You can add value by using high-quality materials with a timeless look.

Flooring that isn’t consistent from room to room makes the flow of your space feel choppy and awkward. Create a seamless flow by choosing to use the same flooring throughout the whole floor, if not your entire home. The consistency will make your space feel much bigger and more finished. 

Look for flooring materials that stand the test of time both in looks and durability. A beautiful, neutral floor will increase both the value of your home and your enjoyment of the space. Tones of grey and brown are classic hues that will be relevant for years to come. 

Replacing floors is a significant investment, and you want to make sure they look beautiful well into the future. Durable materials like composite, bamboo and high-quality laminate can take a beating and still look great. Classic materials like tile and wood are also good long-lasting choices. Look for a material that has an impressive warranty term that’s transferrable for added value.

2. Give Your Space and Airy Feel

Bright and open floor plans are often more desirable to buyers. It makes a space feel grander and more modern. And it offers more decor options. 

Consider opening up your space by removing a wall. Even eliminating a small wall can make a big difference in the feel of the room. Consult with a contractor to see what your options are. You can often still remove a load-bearing wall by adding structural support. 

Another option to open up your space is by adding natural light. Look for dark areas or expanses of walls where adding a window could make a big impact. Letting in outdoor light makes a space feel larger and completely change the mood. Not only does it impact the inside of the home, but it adds curb appeal and interest to the exterior as well. 

3. Update with Lighting To Increase Value

Lighting is a super cost-effective way to update and add value to your home. The right lighting can perfectly illuminate a space, making it feel bigger and more welcoming. And adding built-in light fixtures is an inexpensive way to make your home more custom. It can also make your home more energy-efficient.

Ceiling fixtures are a perfect way to draw the eye up and flood a room with light. Choose high-quality designs that are neutral and fit the space. Look for fixtures that brighten the room with a design that fits the function of the space. 

Adding dimmable recessed light to your kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces can make a huge difference. They will give you the option to set a cozy mood or fully brighten the space. And having them installed seamlessly in the ceiling creates and timeless, polished look. Homebuyers love the idea of convenient lighting already built-in.  

By choosing energy-efficient lighting, you can add value to your home and make it more eco-friendly. Reduced energy costs are appealing to buyers. Consider adding smart light switches to create a full, updated smart lighting system.

4. Add Luxury to Your Bathroom To Increase It’s Selling Potential

One of the best places to add value to your home is the bathroom. Consider updating your existing bathroom or expanding it to create a larger space. Regardless of the size of your remodel, an updated bathroom is appealing to buyers.

Removing walls to make your bathroom more spacious may not be an option for your layout. But there are many ways to make your existing space more spa-like. Consider improvements that you would enjoy while keeping in mind the preferences of potential buyers in the future. 

Cosmetic changes like an updated vanity or light fixtures make a big difference in the feel of your space. A high-quality countertop can make your bathroom feel polished and luxurious. Keeping colors and materials clean and neutral will make the color scheme appealing long term. 

Functional changes are more investment. But they have the potential to make a significant impact. Consider upgrading a standard bathtub to a Jacuzzi or soaking tub. Or add a steam shower with a built-in seat. 

If you have the ability to expand the bathroom, you have the option to make more extensive changes. Think about adding a double sink or vanity for more flexibility. Or building a water closet to make the room more functional and private. 

5. Make Your Kitchen Beautiful and Functional To Increase Home Value

So much of your time is spent in the kitchen cooking and entertaining. And improving it happens to be the best way to add value to a house. The trick is balancing form and function. 

The flow of the kitchen is essential. Ease of movement makes the space more accommodating to food prep and socializing. Consider restructuring the layout of your kitchen. You want the path from work surfaces, sink, fridge, and cooking surfaces to feel natural.

Updating countertops and cabinets can be a huge transformation. Look for sturdy and neutral materials that are both durable and beautiful. A coordinating backsplash is a great upgrade that brings the look together. 

Appliances can be a huge investment, but also an impactful selling point. Consider upgrading appliances to make your kitchen more functional and appealing. Look for energy-efficient options for cost savings and to appeal to eco-minded buyers in the future.

A Great Looking Home Sells Well

You may plan to stay in your home for years to come or put in on the market in the spring. Renovations can be a smart investment either way. You’re increasing your equity in the property and setting yourself up to fetch a higher price when you sell. 

Once you decide the scope of your project, balance transforming it into something you love but will also be attractive to buyers. You want to enjoy your home but be proactive in making it marketable. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve increased the value while adding beauty to your home.

Commercial offices never seem to have a reputation for feeling inviting. Cubicles, white walls, and fluorescent lighting just don’t make things feel very warm. They’re built for function and most of the time companies are pretty happy to leave them that way. Unfortunately, having an office environment that doesn’t feel welcoming can be hard on employee morale.

Wanting to update your commercial office to make it feel more inviting isn’t a bad thing. It’s a great way to make employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and that can mean morale and production can improve. Trends in office design really have changed in recent years and refreshing how  your office looks is a very popular thing to do. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for used office furniture in Houston, or hoping to find some edgy minimalist looks for your office across the country there’s a design idea out there for you to try. If you’re looking for some design inspiration you’re in the right place. Here are five awesome office design ideas that will make your commercial office feel more inviting.

1. Area Rugs Will Make Your Office Seem More Inviting

Area rugs are inexpensive and easy to move around the office. They don’t require any major permanent changes and they can make a space feel warmer and more inviting almost instantly. You can bring color and intrigue into a room without having to do more than place a rug down. 

Area rugs will cover industrial carpeting and that can make a huge difference in how the whole office looks. They can also be used to define areas of the office. If you have a reception area, placing an area rug there with some couches for your guests to wait can help define where people should be expecting to spend time in reception. 

You can use the same idea to define break areas or meeting spaces. Area rugs are a low risk, high impact way to make an immediate change to how inviting your commercial office building will feel.

2. More Light Sources Will Help Make Your Office Feel Inviting

Another low risk high reward way to make your office more inviting is to bring in lighting that is more like home and less like an industrial building. Floor lamps, table lamps, or even installing hanging pendant style lighting can really warm up a space. 

Fluorescent lighting just isn’t a good look for any space and it does nothing to make anyone feel welcome in any environment. It can even cause headaches for some of your employees if they spend a lot of time in the office. 

You’ll probably still have to use at least some of the fluorescents in your office but you can really make a difference by bringing in lamps or other styles of lighting. Some offices even have chandeliers installed in break areas or reception spaces. It’s all up to you and how much you want to change permanently in your building.

Much like the area rugs, floor or table lamps won’t require permanent changes so you can make a big impact even if you do decide to skip installing new lighting fixtures for now. Your employees are likely to appreciate the more welcoming environment you create no matter which route you go with this one. 

3. Bring Nature Into Your Office To Minimize Standofishness

You can make your office feel a little less standoffish by bringing in elements of the outdoors. Whether you decide to do that by placing plants strategically around the office or by doing something more creative like installing a skylight or floor to ceiling windows is up to you. The benefits of bringing the outside into your workspace have even been studied. 

A Stanford University study found that walking outdoors on a treadmill vs walking indoors on one resulted in 81% of the participants having a higher increase in their creative thinking output after being outside. 

Another study by the University of Utah had similar results, showing that workers who had outdoor elements surrounding them were able to be more productive and solved more creative thinking puzzles than participants who were not around natural environments. 

These studies were both done to determine how bringing the outdoors into a work environment may improve creativity and production. As you can see, both have determined that elements of nature really do make a difference. Not only will your work place feel more inviting, your employees are likely to get more done during the day. It’s a win for everyone involved. 

4. Pops Of Color Are A Great Idea For Keeping Your Office As Inviting as Possible

You can add in pops of color on the walls or in your office furniture to make things more exciting. You don’t have to paint your entire office electric blue, but you can focus on accent walls in meeting rooms or break areas.

You can also source your local art community to see if anyone is interested in painting something like a mural in your office. If you have a very large blank wall sometimes a mural can make things feel a little less cold and sterile. 

Your employees are also likely to enjoy the idea of supporting your local community in a way that improves their work life as well. It doesn’t have to be anything that will be extremely distracting, but changing up the otherwise white walled atmosphere really can do a lot to make your office feel less drab.

5. A Grand Entryway Could Be The Way To Go

If you’re going to make permanent and expensive changes, an entryway that stuns and wows is the first think you should think about. If the first thing everyone sees in the morning is a grand entryway that has features that make them think “wow” no matter how many times they see it, it instantly puts them in a better mood.

Making an entryway that welcomes people into your building puts them in the mindset of getting ready to be productive and creative. It will help people distinguish work time from other things they have going on in their lives, and it will just make your office look better overall. If you’re going to go big with your office design change, this is the place to start.

Conclusion:

Updating your office’s design to make it more inviting can really change how your office operates. Your employees are likely to feel more at home, and more at ease. Stress levels could decrease and seeing more creative ideas come from your entire team would be well worth the time spent to do any changes or renovations. Give some of these tips a try and see what a difference they make for you.

Welding is a dangerous job for many reasons, even at home. You are dealing with flames that could blind you and are often working in the air. Keeping safe and knowing a few simple safety rules for welding is essential.

There are a few easy safety tips that every welder should know and follow. Keeping yourself safe is important, and following these rules will help you do that. Here are five welding safety tips that every home welder should know.

Home Welder Safety Tip #1 – Cover Up

There should not be an inch on skin showing while you are welding. Even if you are wearing the full welding suit, you should still be wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt. All of your skin should be completely covered if you are welding.

The flames that are created when you are welding can get as hot as 6,332 degrees Fahrenheit. Even the little flames that come back at you are enough to create serious burns. Making sure all of your skin is protected by fire retardant clothing is basic welding safety.

If you ever see a welder wearing shorts then they are a danger to themselves and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Wearing the proper clothing for any project is important but is a matter of safety for a welder. Cover up and stay safe.

Safety Tip #2 For Home Welders

This might seem a bit silly to someone who has never met a welder with ear damage, but it is very important. There are a lot of small flames that fly everywhere when a welder works. If one of those flames gets into a welder’s ear they may become deaf in that ear.

The flames that come off a welder’s machine are so hot that they will immediately cauterize any eardrum they puncture. That means a welder not wearing ear protection is in danger of becoming deaf in at least one ear. Basic welder safety includes wearing ear protection any time they are working.

Sadly, not every welder knows the danger that is posed when they do not wear ear protection. Especially newer welders who have never met someone with a burnt eardrum. Wearing ear protection is a huge part of staying safe for welders. 

Home Welding Safety Tip #3 – Look Around 

Before a welder turns on their machine they need to look at the ground around them and the materials near them. If there is a wet spot or flammable material then do not turn on the machine. It is very easy for materials around a welder to catch fire and if they are chemicals they could pose a serious danger to the welders’ life.

Especially when welding near engines or in a garage it is important to know what you are near. A common chemical used in cleaning and with cars is a chlorinated hydrocarbon. When combined with a UV light that chemical creates a toxic gas that can be deadly. 

Not even ventilation will help with the phosgene gas that is created when you weld around chlorinated hydrocarbon chemicals. Every welder needs to know what is in their environment and if it poses any risk to their lives. Especially if they might be welding around chemicals or flammable material. 

Home Welding Safety Tip #4 – Protect Your Eyes

Never weld without a proper face shield. Even a second of looking at the flames without proper eye protection could lead to “arc flash.” Arc flash is a painful condition that does not appear right away so you might think you are fine until suddenly your eyes are in excruciating pain.

Welders should also wear safety glasses underneath their welding masks for added protection. A welder cannot do their project without their eyes and welding without proper eye protection is a great way to take your eyes out of commission. Arc flash is very similar to a very bad sunburn on your eyes and needs to be treated by a doctor immediately.

Always wear a face shield when welding and make sure no one walks into the room you are welding in without a face shield. Wear coated safety goggles underneath your face shield for an added layer of protection. Think of the light that comes off a welding machine like a very small sun and treat it accordingly.

Safety Tip #5 For Home Welders – Wear Gloves

Welding gloves have come a long way from the cumbersome one size fits all make that they used to be. Now welders can find gloves that move with them and do not restrict their fingers. The most important thing is that welders’ gloves are made to keep your hands safe.

It is important a welder can use their hands as they are holding their machine. It is also important their gloves are heavy-duty enough to actually protect them. Welders used to take off their gloves if they became hard to work in, but the creation of better welding gloves have made that an excuse of the past.

Keeping your hands safe while welding is very important. Remember that you can still not pick anything that as been freshly welded up without the use of pliers. Welders gloves are one of the most important parts of a welders outfit and now those gloves are made to be easy to work in as well as protect your hands. 

Stay Safe When Welding at home

Welders work dangerous work. If they are not paying attention they could seriously injure themselves or someone else. Knowing a few basic safety tips for welding is a good way to stay safe at home while welding.

Wear the proper gear like flameproof clothing, ear protection, gloves, and a face mask to protect all of you. A welder should not have even an inch of skin showing while they work. It is also very important a welder knows what sort of chemicals and materials are around them before they start their machine to prevent any possible fires or chemical problems. 

If you’re in the market to buy a home there’s a high likelihood you have at least considered buying a home you’ll have to do a few renovations before you move in. If it were me, I would do everything that needs repair before offering anyone to buy my house. Buying a home that needs some fixing up isn’t a terrible idea but it’s also not as easy as your favorite home renovation shows make it seem on TV. 

Everyone loves a good before and after shot of a living room or entire house, but getting from the before to the after takes a lot of work. While you’re shopping for your new home you’ll need to keep some things in mind if you intend to buy a fixer-upper and renovate it yourself. There are definitely some great advantages to renovating your new home purchase. 

Even with all the advantages, things can get complicated quickly if you aren’t careful. Knowing the process is important. Understanding your limitations and when to bring in experts is a key factor in how things will go. Buying a fixer-upper can be a great idea, you just have to keep some things in mind. Here are the things you should know before you sign on the dotted line.

What Are The Financial Advantages Of Buying A Fixer-Upper?

Depending on where you live and what home buyer programs are available there could be some huge advantages. There are specific loans meant to help you finance both the purchase of your home and its renovation all in one. This means you don’t have to worry about getting two separate loans, or having two different payments later on. 

Using renovation loans is a great idea if you think you’re more interested in purchasing a fixer-upper than a home that’s move-in ready. Applying for this type of loan does mean you’ll have to think ahead and decide that you really do want to commit to a renovation project. You will have to have the financing lined up before you can close on the house and start any remodels. 

Buying a fixer-upper can give you a chance to afford a house in an area or neighborhood that might otherwise be out of reach. Consider what your total budget is and compare that to your dream home locations. Ideally, when buying a fixer-upper you can find a home in your dream area that no one wants right now but everyone will be jealous of when you’re finished.

If you can’t afford a house that’s move-in ready in that area, start thinking about options for homes you can buy and fix up yourself. It could get you into the area in a way that’s still within your budget. 

What Kinds Of Renovations Are Possible?

This is really a situation where the sky is the limit. Your ideas for your renovations can be endless as long as they make sense for your space and your budget. If you want to re-haul the entire house you really could do that. You just can’t be unrealistic about what you can afford and what you can do on your own before you need to hire a professional. 

If you want to change major things about the home you’ve purchased you’ll need to be very honest about your DIY skill level. If all you’ve ever done before now is hang some curtains, you’re going to have to figure in the cost of a professional crew into your renovations. Then you’ll have to listen to that crew’s advice because they really do know best. This is what they do.

If you decide you want to update something like the footprint of the house so it’s an open concept instead of several closed-off rooms, that’s a large undertaking. It’s still possible, but it’s going to take more time, effort, and money than minor updates like fixtures and sinks. When you’re deciding what to renovate keep in mind what’s realistic for you before making final decisions.

Some key things to keep in mind as you’re making renovation decisions for your fixer-upper:

Be Prepared To Go Over Budget:

You need to remember that what you see on TV isn’t always accurate. This is especially true for your budget. Costs of buying and renovating a home are often very much based on the area you live in. What you see on TV may not reflect prices in your area or new neighborhood. 

You’ll also need to be prepared to handle the unexpected. This means things are going to come up and they’re going to cost money to deal with. If you’re not prepared with a 10-20% buffer in your budget you won’t be able to renovate the home you’re buying effectively. It could leave you stuck with a project that will never be finished.

Know Your Own Limits:

This is something you already read a little bit about. It’s important not to overestimate what you can do yourself. Be ready to bring in the pros when you can’t handle something on your own. The house you’re buying is supposed to be your new home for a long time so you don’t want to risk a poorly done job by not bringing in pros when needed.

Be Ready To Compromise:

Remember that if you’re buying a fixer-upper you’re buying a home and a renovation project. Don’t lose sight of important things like fixing plumbing issues because you’re stuck on a specific type of oven. Your house will need to be able to be functional as well as have an updated look. 

When you’re deciding on which fixer-upper to buy keep in mind what you are and aren’t willing to compromise on. If you need to have extremely specific updated appliances then you’ll have to make sure the house you’re buying doesn’t need as much work in other areas. It might limit which kind of fixer-upper you can buy. 

What Types Of Renovation Designs Are Trending Right Now?

If you’re drawn to purchasing a fixer-upper then there are probably very specific things you’d like to see in your new home. Yes, you’ll have to fix basic things within the home first, but you will be able to make decisions about how your new house looks overall too. That’s the exciting part of house shopping when you’re looking at a fixer property.

Chances are you have some design trends in mind that you really enjoy and want to make happen for you. Home renovations have trends just like any other type of design option out there. There are some things you can do that will make your renovation a little more trendy and up to date. 

Open Concept Floor Plans Are Trending:

Open floorplans are a trending design that has been a hot trend for quite a while now. You can use the idea of taking down some walls in your new home’s main living spaces to give your home a more open feel. It will give you the chance to create your own layout for your home. 

Sometimes with an open concept, you can even see your entire main living space from any part of the house.  Open concepts are a great idea for home buyers that love entertaining. You can look for ways to open up your entertaining and kitchen areas so that you aren’t cut off from your guests as you prepare your food. 

Natural Light Is Very Popular:

A lot of older homes that are now deemed to be in the fixer-upper stage of their life have small windows that make the home feel dark and closed off. Remodeling will give you the chance to capitalize on some of the newer design trends for letting some natural light in. Floor to ceiling windows in one room or even a skylight can really change how the entire home feels. 

Letting in the natural light and giving your house an open airy feeling is a popular way to update how a house looks. If you’re already buying a fixer-upper you probably will need to replace at least a few windows as it is. You can use that to your advantage and choose to put in larger picture windows or even a full wall of windows like in the image above. 

The goal of this trend is to make everything a little less closed off from the outside world. However, you accomplish that can be suited to your taste and you’ll still be incorporating some trendy design elements in your renovation.

Exposing What’s Hidden Is Hot:

Sometimes with fixer-upper properties, there are hidden gems underneath some very ugly facades. Exposing what’s already in your home and honoring some of the more classic architectural aspects of the time it was built is something that’s very popular. You can think of things like exposing brick that’s been previously covered in a fireplace or beams in your ceiling. 

You may also find that under some pretty hideous carpeting is amazing hardwood flooring. Depending on when your home was built and what other design trends it’s lived through, there were periods of time where covering hardwood flooring was more popular. If you’re going to be renovating anyhow, find out what’s under those carpets. Hardwood flooring is always an amazing find when you can make it work without breaking the budget. 

Kitchen Remodels And Expansions Are Always Trending:

Kitchens are sometimes one of the most important rooms in a home. When you’re buying your new house consider what you can do to make your existing kitchen turn into your dream kitchen. There are design elements you can consider, like expanding by knocking down walls so you can add in a center island. 

You can update with stainless steel appliances, or consider new cabinets with a more sleek overall look. When you’re buying and renovating your new home you’ll have the chance to consider the small things that would make your life a little better too. 

If you cook a lot you might want a sink that’s built to fill pots (pot filler sinks are a thing, and they’re amazing) or you might want to build in two ovens. These are all trendy designs you can incorporate into your home’s newly updated kitchen.

Laundry Rooms Built For Stylish Function:

The house you’re buying may not have a fully dedicated laundry room but that doesn’t mean you have to keep things that way. You’re renovating your home to suit your tastes and needs. That means you can update your home to have a laundry room that looks amazing and is highly functional. 

Think about what you’re going to want to do in your laundry room. You can consider making the room easier to clean by using all tile flooring. Maybe you can install a really nice laundry sink if you plan to hand wash a lot of your clothes. If your laundry room is going to be located off of your garage you can even make it a great area to store book bags, shoes, and jackets.

Outdoor Living Spaces:

You don’t have to neglect your new home’s outdoor spaces during your renovation. You can think about what you’d like to have outside while you’re shopping for your new house too. Outdoor kitchens or elaborate pool areas are all very popular right now. 

If you like to entertain a lot this is another chance to really wow your guests. You don’t have to stick to an indoor kitchen to keep them intrigued. Think about ways you can build your outdoor living spaces to create a home-like feel even outside. Living room type features brought to your outdoor space are very popular. 

You can also opt for less complex options like just remodeling or building a nice deck outside. Thinking of your home’s outdoor living areas as part of your overall look and feel is very trendy right now and that idea isn’t going to go anywhere anytime soon. Changing up some outdated decking or adding in new elements entirely is a great way to adopt this trend and make it work for you.

Conclusion:

There are a few other things you’ll need to keep in mind as you’re shopping for your fixer-upper. It bears repeating that you don’t want to get in over your head. As you’re looking at potential new homes remember to keep things realistic both in terms of budget and what you’re able to do on your own. Under or overestimating either of those things will not result in a great final product.

After you’ve signed the papers and your home’s remodel is finished you’ll still want to do a final walkthrough with any contractors you’ve hired. Don’t let them leave until you’re all in agreement that the project is truly done. If there are minor touch-ups you want to be done make sure you’re clear about that before they go. Don’t be hesitant to talk to your contractor about anything you’re disappointed in. This is your home, and you’re allowed to be picky.

Buying a new home is always going to be a stressful event. There’s really no avoiding that, especially when you’re buying a home that needs some fixing before you move in. Keeping the things you’ve read here in mind will help you minimize the stress as much as possible. 

Try to use the ideas and tips you’ve learned here to make your new home everything you want it to be. Buying a fixer-upper can be a very rewarding experience after everything is finished and you’re all moved in. Once you’re sitting in your newly renovated home and the hard work is over, it will be worth all the extra time and effort. Enjoy!

Are you getting ready to replace the flooring in your home? There are so many choices available. When you’re considering all of the different options it can be hard to make up your mind. All the types of flooring have benefits after all. 

The first question is how you want your home to feel? Does your home want to be a cozy getaway from the hustle and bustle? Are you hoping to go for a feeling of timelessness? Once you have a plan of what you want your new floor to say it will be easier to find a floor that can achieve that. One floor that can do it all is a hardwood floor.

There are many benefits of choosing a hardwood floor over the other type of flooring (carpeting, vinyl, tile) and you’re sure to find the perfect hardwood option for your home. Keep reading for some of the many benefits of choosing hardwood floors for your home.  

There Are So Many Hard Wood Flooring Options 

Hardwood floors offer so many different options that you can find a hardwood floor that will suit the design style of your house. They are classic and look great in any home. From bedrooms to hallways, choosing hardwood floors are great for any room that doesn’t get too much moisture. 

For example, one of the only drawbacks to a hardwood floor is that it can get weakened or damaged if it gets wet so it isn’t a good flooring choice for a bathroom. If you live in an area with high humidity and aren’t sure whether a hardwood floor is right for you, check in with a flooring professional for their recommendation. 

Did you know that there are two kinds of flooring that fall under the heading of “hardwood floors.” One is the classic solid wood floor, that you are probably familiar with, made from a single timber. This type of flooring dates back to the 1600s and has never waned in popularity. 

But the other type of hardwood floor on the market is engineered hardwood which is made of thin sheets of wood pressed together. If you have higher moisture content in your region, the engineered hardwood is better at dealing with it. It is less likely to warp in high humidity making it a good choice. 

Don’t worry about hardwood floors in a kitchen, however. So long as you wipe up spills promptly and don’t let them linger on the floor, your floor is unlikely to be damaged by your typical kitchen usage. 

One aspect of hardwood flooring that may seem overwhelming is just how many choices you have from a design element. There are many different styles, colors, and finishes available in hardwood flooring, making it a fun time to design your space the way you’d like it to look. You can even mix and match for a completely unique look. 

Hardwood floors can make a dramatic statement or they can blend in so well with your decor that they are barely noticeable. Whatever design option you are looking for in a hardwood floor there will be options that will help you establish the perfect look.

Planks are available in many sizes, wide and narrow, as well so you can truly have the floor you’ve always wanted. Some people also like to use reclaimed wood in their flooring, for instance, old barn wood, for a floor that tells it’s own story. Whether you’re aiming for a historical look or a contemporary one, a flooring professional can help you determine the best plank size.

Hardwood Floors are Durable

You’ve probably already figured out that if a hardwood floor is built to last a quarter of a century that they are a great and durable flooring option. While each wood variety option will bring it’s own benefits as well. Hardwood floors can be made of just about any type of wood you can imagine. And they all look just a little different, so it’s as much a design choice as anything.

For instance, if you are looking for a wood grain pattern that is unlike your neighbor’s floor then consider floor made from ash with its unique grain. Or if you want the most durable wood floor look at floors made by hickory or birch. A flooring expert can help you make the best choice for which wood type would work well. 

Remember that in the especially high traffic area, like a living room, you can always add an area rug to both protect the floor and add a touch of comfort. Rugs can help break up larger spaces and also let you bring in different design elements as well. Hardwood floors in a bedroom pair especially well with a rug for that cozy feeling. 

Hardwood Floors are Repairable

Not many flooring types can be as easily repaired as a hardwood floor can be. Even though hardwood floors are durable they are still prone to damage from things like pet’s nails scratching them or even toys being dragged across the floor. If you have several large dogs and a bunch of small children and still want hardwood floors don’t worry! 

Minor damage to hardwood can be repaired and no one will ever know. In fact, one of the most common renovations for flooring is refinishing hardwood floors. If your hardwood floors are looking all beat up it may be time to bring them back to life. It’s easy to tackle a repair yourself or you can hire someone to help you, whichever you prefer. 

The bulk of a refinishing project is the preparation of the floor. First, you will need to get your floors as clean as possible. It’s important for a floor to be clean no matter if you are recoating the floor or completely sanding down and refinishing the whole floor. 

There’s a simple test you can try to decide which route to take. Just mark off two small areas, one in a high traffic spot and one more tucked away. After the floor is cleaned with a wood floor cleaner and roughed up a bit with a sanding screen, you can put down a layer of polyurethane. 

Wait 24 hours check to see if the sealing will hold. Using a coin try to scrape at the area you’ve recoated using moderate pressure. (Even a perfect finish could scrape if you press too hard.) If the coin doesn’t peel up the finish, you can simply recoat your floors. If the coating comes up easily, you will need to completely sand and refinish your floor. 

Refinishing a hardwood floor is more time consuming but isn’t in itself that much harder than a recoating project. But either version of a repair will be easier and less expensive than completely replacing your flooring. 

Hardwood is One of the Best Bang for your Buck

Did you know that as long as hardwood floors are well-cared for they can last a very long time? In fact, if you opt to install hardwood floors in your home they will probably last longer than you will live in your home! On the low end of things, a hardwood floor will last about twenty-five years but can last much much longer than that. 

Because of their long lifespan, having hardwood floors can boost the value of your home. It’s a fact that homebuyers prefer hardwood floors over all other flooring varieties and so choosing hardwood for a new floor is one of the best investments you can make for your home. 

If you’re looking for a floor covering that is going to give you an excellent return on investment, then hardwood floors are the way to go. Even if you aren’t planning to move any time soon, when you opt for hardwood flooring you open yourself up to a beautiful floor you love that will be versatile for years to come.

Conclusion

Getting a great looking floor for any occasion is easy when you choose hardwood floors. Not only can you pick a floor that will look great and last a long time, but they offer you the other benefits of being easily repaired. No matter what kind of hardwood floor you choose, your floor will be the envy of the neighborhood. 

As you begin thinking about new hardwood floors for your home you’ll see that the many benefits are worth the investment. A hardwood floor is the perfect choice for a floor that will serve you and your home well for years to come. From cozy to artistic, there is a hardwood floor for you!