Hardwood floors are a timeless, durable home flooring solution that has been around for centuries. Hardwood flooring gives an elegant, cozy feel to any living space and can usually handle the wear and tear of life, children, pets, and dinner parties. Many of our Freemodel projects involve refinishing hardwood flooring, or installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring that gives the look of hardwood floors.

I was curious about the pros and cons of maintaining hardwood flooring versus installing LVP flooring when it comes to pre-sale home renovation projects, so I sat down with San Francisco project director Danielle Nash—an expert on the subject! Living and working in a city full of historic homes and apartments with hardwood flooring, Danielle talked about different options that she presents to her clients, hardwood pros and cons, and tips for maintenance:

What is your background with working on refacing, replacing, or installing hardwood flooring in your projects?

I specialize in pre-sale renovation advice and so a lot of the work I do involves cosmetic upgrades - facelifts, so to speak. For pre-sale projects we always try to refinish the hardwood floor if it’s salvageable. This will get the seller the highest ROI. For post-sale interior design projects, this is when people will opt to install new hardwood, especially if it’s their forever home.

When deciding on a project scope, what warning signs point to a client needing to upgrade their hardwood flooring? Or replace it entirely?

Any kind of leak, especially a roof leak, is a red flag that there may be damage to their hardwood floors. A lot of the time the floor isn’t visible as it may be covered with carpet. Although it’s rare, I have seen homes in which the hardwood floors have been covered with an LVT or sheet vinyl flooring. In these situations, refinishing the hardwood floors becomes more difficult because of the adhesive used.

Azary’s project with new luxury vinyl plank flooring in San Mateo, CA

When it comes to hardwood flooring, what trends, materials, or design choices are you seeing rise in popularity?

Lately, people have really been opting to restore hardwood flooring. People seem to dislike the faux wood or stone LVT & sheet vinyl.

What are the pros and cons of hardwood flooring?

First, let me list out the pros.

1. Aesthetic appeal: Hardwood floors offer a timeless and elegant look that can enhance the beauty of any space.
2. Durability: High-quality hardwood can last for decades with proper care and maintenance, making it a long-lasting flooring option.
3. Easy to clean: Hardwood floors are relatively easy to clean and require nothing more than regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
4. Adds value to the home: Hardwood flooring is a desirable feature that can increase the resale value of a property.

Now, the downsides:

1. Cost: Hardwood flooring can be more expensive to install compared to other flooring
2. Susceptible to scratches: Hardwood floors can be prone to scratching and dents, especially in high-traffic areas or with pets.
3. Prone to water damage: Excessive water exposure can cause warping and damage to hardwood floors, so they are not recommended for areas prone to spills or moisture.
4. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep hardwood floors in good condition, including refinishing every few years.

Lara’s project with original hardwood flooring in Berkeley, CA

Do you have any tips for homeowners when it comes to maintaining, cleaning, and getting lasting longevity out of their hardwood floors?

Indeed I do! Here are my top five maintenance tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Sweep or dust your hardwood floors daily to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Use a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber dust mop for best results.
2. Avoid Water: Prevent water or liquid spills from sitting on the hardwood for extended periods. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid damage and warping
3. Use Area Rugs and Mats: Place area rugs or doormats at entryways and high-traffic areas to trap dirt and prevent it from scratching the floor. Make sure the rugs have a non-slip backing to avoid movement.
4. Use Furniture Protectors: Attach felt pads or furniture protectors to the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent them from scratching the floor when moved
5. Regularly Trim Pet Nails: If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching the floor accidentally.

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring has a hardwood look, and we see it being installed fairly often in Freemodel projects. Can you talk about the pros of that alternative? Do you like using it?

There’s a lot to love about the ubiquitous LVP! Here’s why I like it:

1. Realistic Appearance: LVT flooring comes in a wide variety of designs, mimicking the look of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or tile. It offers a high-quality, realistic appearance at a more affordable price.
2. Durability: LVT is highly durable and resistant to wear, scratches, and dents, making it suitable for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial spaces
3. Water Resistance: LVT is water-resistant, which makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
4. Easy Maintenance: LVT is effortless to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep it in good condition
5. DIY-Friendly Installation: LVT often comes in click-and-lock or peel-and-stick options, making it easier for homeowners to install without professional help
6. Affordability: Compared to hardwood or natural stone, LVT is generally more affordable, making it a cost-effective flooring option.

All that said, though, I always lean towards refinishing the original hardwood flooring, if possible. I’m currently working on a project where there is damage to the hardwood flooring in one of the bedrooms due to a roof leak. Even with some damage and replacement needed, the cost is well worth the ROI that this Seller will receive when this home sells. As I mentioned previously people seem to be starting to steer away from the faux stone or wood look, except in bathrooms and kitchens where there is a lot of water. In these two rooms, LVT is a great alternative.

Joelle’s project with original Douglas Fir hardwood flooring in San Francisco, CA

Anything else you’d like to add on the topic?

Absolutely. There are definite steps you need to take when refinishing hardwood floors. Especially if you’re opting to do a large surface area such as your whole home, you will need to empty the rooms being refinished as there is a lot of dust produced during the process. Afterwards, you’ll need to wait at least 48-72 hours before walking on the floors to prevent any damage while the finish settles. If you’re refinishing hardwood that’s currently covered with carpet, make sure to hire a professional—there will be carpet tack strips and staples and nails that will need to be carefully removed to prevent damage. And discomfort. Ouch!

Very enlightening, Danielle! Thanks for telling us how you achieve flawless floors!

Of course! We spend most of our lives on floors, so we might as well have ones we love!