Whenever we think about hardwood floors, we typically picture the traditional oak planks that constitute the vast majority of wood flooring. Nevertheless, oak is not the only hardwood alternative that is available. Hardwood springs from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is the reason why traditional hardwoods are so durable. Aside from oak, the many other regular sorts of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, despite the fact that they are less well-known than hardwood, continues to be a fine alternative for countless property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring obtains its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most typical classes of softwood floors are built from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For many rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors could, indeed, both give a wide variety of merits. As an example, a traditional hardwood floor may be inviting to a particular sort of renter or help to keep your rental home more in accordance with identical homes. Rental homes in upscale areas, specifically, could make use of the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor.
Softwood flooring may give an appealing rustic charm to a property, a great bonus in locations where tenants are captivated with that aesthetic. There are, moreover, enduring good points that are linked to having a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors may aid you to avoid replacing carpet every five years, the whole time only requiring minimal maintenance to keep it in tiptop shape. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, letting you create a custom interior in your rental home for far less than you might expect.
Wood floors (of either variety) come with a few disadvantages, on the other hand. Hardwood can be very expensive, and if joined with professional installation, could be a significant investment. That investment might not be regained immediately, necessitating years before a hardwood floor could commence paying for itself and help you enjoy its benefits.
In addition, if hardwood floors are not a sought-after design element in your vicinity, you will not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, though, can also be damaged quite easily, which establishes it as a poor choice for high-traffic areas like walkways and kitchens. Both hardwood and softwood floors are also susceptible to moisture damage, and may not work well in humid climates or flood zones.
Knowing both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it can surely be a real difficulty to find out which choices are reasonable for your property. Although this difficulty should be resolved with having the appropriate facts. This makes it vital to primarily get a comprehensive awareness of your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
By grasping very well who you are renting to, how your property can be compared to others in your area, and how much you plan to invest in upgrading the home, you can more clearly resolve on the flooring that is suitable for you. Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 336-355-6677 or 336-777-7444. We’ll be glad to answer any of your questions.