Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture damage
It may be tempting to use solid hardwood in your basement, but this material isn’t as moisture-resistant as engineered hardwood. Solid hardwoods are susceptible to damage from moisture and heat, which can cause the wood to cup, swell, or split. In addition to warping, solid hardwoods can be difficult to repair. So, while you can choose engineered hardwood for your basement, you should check its moisture resistance first before making a decision.
The main difference between solid and engineered hardwood is the amount of moisture it can absorb from the air. Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture and warp, making it a better choice for rooms with fluctuating humidity levels. Because engineered hardwood is more stable than solid wood, it can be installed over cement and works well with in-floor heating systems. If you’re worried about the moisture level in your basement, consider installing hardwood over plywood.
Another difference between solid and engineered hardwood is that solid hardwood is more expensive. Solid hardwood is usually made from whole planks and contains natural wood throughout the core. Unlike laminate, solid hardwood is more expensive to install and requires finishing to remove any imperfections. While engineered hardwood can be installed easily, it is not as water-resistant as solid hardwood. Besides, solid wood is more likely to sustain damage from water and radiant heating systems.
It is an environmentally friendly choice
There are many benefits to installing hardwood floors in your basement, including a cleaner environment. Hardwood and concrete are both fully recyclable. However, the energy required to remove concrete will have an impact on the benefits of recycling. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, will take longer to grow and be damaged by moisture. However, hardwood is also more expensive as raw material and will require less care and maintenance than softwood.
The production process of hardwood floors is environmentally friendly because it uses wood that is harvested responsibly. You can choose the wood that is FSC-certified and sourced from forests that adhere to high environmental standards. Reclaimed wood is especially beautiful, and you can find salvaged hardwood that looks great in an older house. The FSC certification for hardwood helps promote the responsible management of forests and adheres to strict social and environmental standards.
Choosing sustainable flooring is also beneficial because it reduces emissions. Wood from domestic tree plantations is better for the environment than wood from clear-cut forests. Moreover, reclaimed wood comes from dismantled homes, underground piers, and old structures. Logs that sank into rivers can be used to create reclaimed wood floors. These types of floors also have a low VOC content.
It increases the value of a home
A hardwood floor can add significant resale value to a home. However, hardwood floors aren’t a good choice for damp basements or poorly ventilated full bathrooms. Regardless of the reasons for installing hardwood, it is worth it in the long run. These floors provide a timeless ambiance that appeals to buyers. Also, stone floors are a great option because they are durable, attractive, and cool to the touch.
One study from USA Today cites data from the National Association of Realtors, which found that 54% of prospective home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with wood floors. However, the magazine doesn’t break the statistics down by room. Likewise, most real estate websites don’t differentiate between homes with hardwood and those without it. Until more research is done, it’s difficult to say whether installing hardwood in a basement will increase the resale value of a home.
Wood flooring adds warmth, character, and value to a home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners with hardwood floors are more likely to sell their homes faster. While this isn’t a guarantee, the ROI is significant. If the cost is between 2% and 5% of the total price of a home, the return on investment will be as high as $2,000 or as low as $5,000.
