While most people will choose hardwood flooring, that doesn’t mean softwood flooring has no merits of its own.
When we talk about wood flooring, the conversation typically revolves around hardwood flooring—in fact, many people use the term “hardwood flooring” even when they’re just talking about wood flooring in general. Why is this? Well, it might be because softwood flooring isn’t as common as hardwood flooring. The Janka Hardness Scale determines wood hardness, and hardwood lives up to its namesake—it’s harder and more durable. This makes it a good option for flooring in many different homes. Does this mean softwood is a bad choice for wood floors? Of course not! While softwood isn’t necessarily as good of an option in every instance, there are some reasons why homeowners may choose softwood flooring over hardwood flooring.
Aesthetic
Softwoods are often lighter than hardwoods, which is perfect for creating visual space—especially in a smaller room. Light woods reflect more light, tricking the eye into perceiving a bigger space.
In addition, they have this amazing, light rustic look that can be perfect in some spaces or in tandem with rustic, cabin, or farmhouse interior design. There are also light hardwoods, but they don’t necessarily have the same charm as some of the softwood options.
Eco-Friendly
Softwood floors are more eco-friendly than their hardwood counterparts because softwood trees grow faster, making softwood a more sustainable resource. Hardwood floors aren’t necessarily damaging to the ecosystem, but hardwood trees take longer to grow, so replenishing them takes longer.
Some Disadvantages
Of course, no advantages come without some disadvantages. Softwood flooring is aesthetically stunning and highly sustainable, but its main disadvantage is its lack of durability. When choosing flooring, many people don’t consider softwood because it is easier to damage than hardwood floors. It’s not a good option for families with children or pets, in particular. However, softwood floors can be sealed regularly to help protect against damage. This is not a perfect solution, and significant force can still cause dents and scratches, but it does help against everyday wear and tear.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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