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Hardwood Floors Are InJohn McCabe
Why wooden floors? -- They're durable. It's not uncommon for century old homes to have the original wood floors. With proper care, wooden floors will outlive almost any other flooring.
-- They look rich. When the cost of vinyl flooring and carpeting got low enough, wooden floors were reserved for high-end applications. Is there a downside to wooden floors? -- They can be expensive. By definition, hardwood trees are slow-growing. That slow growth habit gives them the gorgeous grains we want in our wooden floors. It also means that the trees such a floor is made up of cost more. Okay, you want that wooden floor. What are the alternatives? -- Traditional tongue-and-groove flooring. This is the most expensive option. It can also be difficult to install. Such a floor will require periodic refinishing. -- Laminates. These are pre-finished and are easy for even the moderately talented do-it-yourselfer to install. Once installed wooden laminate floors look just like the "real" thing. Usually less expensive. -- Photo over composite. Basically, this is a photograph of wood grain glued to a composite base. Usually the least expensive, these faux-wooden floors are also the least durable. Wooden floors, especially laminates, come in a wide array of colors and finishes. Make a quick tour of your local Lowe's or Home Depot to get an idea of what your cost might be. Whether you like striking contemporary, or you prefer cozy rustic, there's a wooden floor for you... John McCabe writes for Hearth & Home, a collection of articles and resources to make your home more efficient, valuable and fun. Hearth & Home is part of the Web Guides Network at web-guides.com . more articles related to Installing Hardwood Floors
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