Goodbye Carpet! Hello Hardwood Flooring!

While we may think our home as a place to escape allergens, most of us don’t fully understand the most common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander can harbor right under our feet. One common item in your home that holds allergen causing substances is carpet, which many Americans have installed. While there has been scientific research indicating carpet may not be fully hazardous to your health, the ability to keep it well maintained will cost you. Thus, this is why many people prefer to have hardwood flooring, especially in high traffic areas. Not only does hardwood flooring add value and beauty to your home, but there are little to no dust particles that get stuck in your floor therefore making it a better option for those with allergies or asthma.

The Carpet and Rug Institute states to keep your carpet in great shape, reduce allergens and retain good indoor air quality (CRI) you must:

1. Vacuum daily, especially in high traffic or pet areas. Medium areas, maybe twice a week and light areas weekly. However, let’s be realistic. Over half of America’s population is employed full time and by the time we get home after dealing all day with work and then the burden of highway traffic, we are exhausted. The last thing we want to do is clean. With hardwood floors, you are able to easily see areas where you may need to pick up without having to clean all your floor. Also, some vacuums no matter how expensive they may be, may not pick up all debris on the carpet.
2. Limit dirt intrusion. An example is asking people to take their shoes off when they enter your home. Nonetheless, not everyone may be comfortable with taking off their shoes and let’s face it adults, kids and pets can wreak havoc on your carpet and dirt is not always avoidable.\
3. Lastly, it is recommended to get a deep cleaning by a professional once a month. According to the site home advisor, most homeowners spend between $120-$235 for a one-time professional cleaning service. You will be looking at spending about $1,500 a year just in keeping your carpet clean and free of allergens. The cost of living is already high, so why not cut costs and invest in a hardwood floor?

The benefits of having hardwood floors are simple:

1. Hardwood flooring doesn’t hide harmful particle matter, making it a healthier and safer choice for allergy and asthma sufferers. With wood floors you see where there is dust or debris and because of this you are able to simply sweep those areas rather than guessing and cleaning your entire floor. 
2. Hardwood flooring last longer and can be repaired when needed and not be completely replaced as would carpet. Carpet flooring can only last  between 5-15 years depending on how well you maintain it, wood floors can last a good 25 years and even a lifetime! 
3. Hardwood flooring is sustainable since wood is a naturally occurring resource and may be a quality ecological choice. They are able to withstand near everything in their natural enviroment, so for sure they will tolerate anything in your home.
4. Hardwood flooring is not only a stunning addtion to your home, but it increases the value of your home in case you should sell it down the line. Fact: the number one choice of flooring new homeowners look for is hardwood flooring, specifically in the main areas of their home and will even eliminate majority of home options if it is not an option. 

Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? Do you have carpet? It’s time to make a change to/for your home and your health. Visit www.woodco.com and browse our beautifully reclaimed and sustainable grown hardwood flooring and find yours today.