Hardwood Flooring In Bedrooms: Is It A Good Idea?

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and natural beauty. It is a good investment as it adds value to a home and can complement any style of bedroom. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider before making a decision. This article will explore the pros and cons of hardwood flooring in bedrooms, including its impact on comfort, functionality, and maintenance, to help you make an informed choice for your space.

Pros of hardwood flooring in the bedroom

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms, and for good reason. Here are some of the advantages of hardwood flooring in the bedroom:

Aesthetic Appeal

Hardwood flooring exudes a timeless elegance that can add warmth and charm to any bedroom setting. With a variety of wood species, plank sizes, and finishes available, you can customise your bedroom flooring to your exact preference, whether you prefer a rustic or modern look.

Durability

Hardwood flooring is incredibly durable when maintained properly. High-quality wood can last for decades, making it an excellent long-term investment for your home. Even if it incurs scratches or dents over time, these can often be sanded down and refinished, extending the life of your flooring.

Easy Maintenance

Compared to carpets, hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain. A simple sweep and occasional mopping are generally all that's needed to keep your floors looking their best. This makes hardwood flooring a good choice for busy individuals or those who prefer a low-maintenance option.

Allergen Resistance

For those who suffer from allergies, hardwood flooring is an excellent option. Hardwood floors are less likely to collect dust and other allergens, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. This makes it a healthier choice than carpets, which can trap allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.

Adds Value to Your Home

Hardwood flooring is often seen as a value-adding feature in homes. Potential buyers usually appreciate the timeless appeal and durability of wood, making it a wise investment if you plan to sell your property in the future.

Cons of hardwood flooring in the bedroom

While hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms, there are some drawbacks to consider. Here are the cons of hardwood flooring in the bedroom:

Cost

Hardwood flooring can be expensive upfront, with the cost of materials and professional installation contributing to the price. While it may be a long-term investment due to its durability, the initial outlay can be a significant factor for homeowners.

Noise

Hardwood floors can be noisier than carpets, especially in upstairs bedrooms. They reflect sound rather than absorb it, which can be a concern in multi-level homes. Footsteps and dropped objects may be more pronounced, potentially disturbing light sleepers.

Temperature Sensitivity

Hardwood floors can feel cold underfoot, particularly during the winter months. While area rugs or underfloor heating can help, these are additional considerations that require a solution.

Susceptibility to Moisture and Scratches

Hardwood is susceptible to moisture damage, making it less ideal for en-suite bedrooms. It is also prone to scratches, especially if you have pets or children with toys. Certain finishes can help prevent scratches, but it is still a vulnerable material.

Limited Comfort

While hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain, they don't offer the same level of comfort as carpets. They are less soft underfoot, and you may need to use rugs to increase the comfort level.

Hardwood flooring maintenance

Hardwood flooring is a good investment for your home and can add beauty to any bedroom. It is also a popular choice for its natural beauty and durability. However, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining hardwood flooring:

Daily Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum daily to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
• Dust mopping with a microfiber material is recommended as it uses a static charge to attract dust and allergens and can reach into floor pores to lift dirt more effectively.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth to avoid permanent stains.
• Avoid using vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners as they can damage the floor over time.
• Use felt floor protectors for furniture and chair leg pads to prevent scrapes and scuffs.
• Avoid wearing high heels, which can cause scratches and gouges.
• Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches.

Deep Cleaning

• Clean your hardwood floor regularly, following a schedule.
• Use a cleaner specifically made for your floor's finish.
• Avoid using too much liquid as it can damage the floor.
• Mop with a microfiber pad and a specialised wood floor cleaning solution.
• Polishing with a water-based polish can add shine and extend the life of your floor.

Refinishing

• Hardwood floors may need to be sanded, buffed, or refinished, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Recoating involves applying a new coat of wood floor finish to restore shine and appearance.
• For significant damage, consider refinishing the floor, but be cautious as it can be a delicate process depending on the floor's age and thickness.
• If you are inexperienced, contact a professional for refinishing to avoid potential damage.

Hardwood flooring alternatives

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility. However, it tends to be expensive and may not be suitable for all lifestyles. Here are some alternatives to hardwood flooring that offer similar benefits:

• Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring is a hybrid covering made of a particleboard wood base with an image layer and a transparent wear layer. It is inexpensive, durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to install and maintain. While it is not waterproof, it is water-resistant and suitable for high-traffic areas. The main drawback is that it cannot be refinished if scratched.
• Luxury Vinyl Planks: Modern vinyl planks offer a realistic wood look and feel, and they are waterproof. They are easy to install, durable, and resistant to scratches, stains, and fades. Vinyl is a good option for homes with pets and children. However, it is susceptible to gouges and dents, and if glued down, it can be challenging to remove.
• Engineered Hardwood: This option combines multiple layers, including a thin slice of real wood, offering a more authentic look and feel than laminate. It is moisture-resistant, budget-friendly compared to solid hardwood, and can be refinished if the veneer is thick enough. However, it requires a high level of maintenance and is prone to fading, scratches, and dents.
• Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood. It is engineered and glued together, making it similar to engineered hardwood but with less maintenance. Bamboo is dent-resistant, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It is suitable for most rooms but not ideal for spaces with standing water. The main drawback is that the subfloor must be perfectly smooth, as bamboo will show imperfections.
• Cork Flooring: Cork is a renewable and natural insulator that absorbs loud noises. It is comfortable underfoot and repels insects, mould, and mildew. However, it is not suitable for high-traffic areas and can be dented by heavy furniture. Cork also has a low tolerance for humidity and requires a mandatory lining underneath.
• Tile Flooring: Ceramic tile flooring is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms but can also be versatile for other areas of the home. Tiles come in various shapes, sizes, and textures, offering many design possibilities. They are water-resistant and can be easily replaced if damaged. However, tile flooring can be cold underfoot and may require sealing to prevent mould and mildew growth.

Hardwood flooring installation

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms, adding beauty, value, and warmth to a home. Before installing hardwood flooring, it is important to consider the pros and cons of this type of flooring.

Hardwood flooring has undeniable aesthetic appeal, exuding a timeless elegance that can add warmth and charm to any bedroom. It is also incredibly durable when maintained properly, with high-quality wood lasting for decades and the ability to sand down and refinish scratches or dents. Hardwood flooring is also easy to maintain, requiring just a simple sweep and occasional mopping. It is a good option for those with allergies, as it is less likely to collect dust and other allergens than carpets. Additionally, hardwood flooring offers design versatility, with a variety of wood species, plank sizes, and finishes available to customise to your exact preference. Hardwood flooring can also add value to your home, with potential buyers often appreciating its timeless appeal and durability.

However, one of the main drawbacks of hardwood flooring is the initial cost, which can be expensive upfront. Hardwood floors can also be noisier than carpets, and they can feel cold underfoot, especially during the winter months. They are susceptible to moisture damage and scratches, and they may not offer the same level of comfort as softer flooring options.

If you decide that the benefits of hardwood flooring outweigh the potential drawbacks, you can choose from three basic types of installation: nail-down, glue-down, and click-lock. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install hardwood flooring using each of these methods:

Nail-Down Installation:

• Prepare the area by placing spacers inside the expansion gap and pre-drilling nail holes in the first board.
• Countersink the nails with a nail punch and fill the remaining holes with matching putty.
• Blind-nail the next board at a 45-degree angle through the tongue, concealing the nail with the next board.
• Lock the tongue and groove of the boards and tap them together with a mallet and block for a tight fit.
• Stagger the ends of adjoining boards by at least 6 inches, cutting the end board if needed.
• Repeat the process, using a flooring nailer once you have enough room.
• For the last few rows, switch back to nailing by hand. Cut the pieces to fit, measuring the distance from the wall to the board minus the expansion gap.
• Install the transition pieces and remove the spacers.
• Reattach the baseboards and shoe moulding to the wall, not the floor.

Glue-Down Installation:

• Spread flooring adhesive with a trowel, working in small sections to prevent the glue from drying.
• Lay the first row on the starting line and cut the last board to fit, leaving a 3/4-inch expansion gap.
• Fit the groove of the second row onto the tongue of the first and gently tap it into place with a rubber mallet.
• Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap and tap any rows in place to ensure they are flush against each other.
• Cut the width of the boards in the last row to fit, measuring the space and subtracting the expansion gap.
• Put the boards in place and install the baseboard and shoe moulding.
• Install threshold or transition strips where the edge of the floor is exposed.

Click-Lock Installation:

• Use spacers to maintain the expansion gap between the first row of planks and the wall.
• Put the first board against the wall with the groove side facing away.
• Drill pilot holes spaced according to the manufacturer's instructions and drive flooring nails through.
• Place the second plank on the first, maintaining a straight edge.
• Cut the last board of the row to fit, leaving a 3/4-inch expansion gap.
• Cut off a section of the first plank lengthwise to stagger the joints.
• Hold the plank at a 30-degree angle, insert the tongue into the groove, and press the plank flat to lock the edge joints.
• Cut the last row to width, leaving a 3/4-inch expansion gap.
• Install the baseboard and shoe moulding to cover the expansion gap.
• Install threshold or transition strips where the edge of the floor is exposed.

Frequently asked questions