Is Antique Heart Pine Flooring For You?

Antique heart pine flooring is just one of many ways to make a design statement in your home. What covers the floors has much weight in what the décor in an abode looks like. If the floor coverings are worn out and shabby, all the expensive furnishings in the world won’t make it appear elegant. On the other hand, elegant and well cared for hardwood can look good merely strewn with floor cushions. Real lumber actually adds to the property value and maintains it over time. What is the best option for your home? Here are some things to think about:

Choices: A homeowner can choose to install carpeting, timber, laminate, tile, linoleum or to simply paint or stain the cement. There are pros and cons to each. Carpeting may be less expensive than other options and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It can add softness underfoot and muffle sounds. The negatives include that it may stain easily and wear out more quickly. Real timber is classic and will last a very long time. Antique heart pine is particularly classy and eco-friendly too, especially if it’s derived from reclaimed lumber. Laminate may look like wood or tile but costs less and is easier to install. A homeowner can’t refinish it, though, like real timber. Tile is another long wearing choice. It is hard surfaced and doesn’t wear out easily. Tile comes in various colors, finishes and styles. It can be shiny ceramic or rough and porous. The existing interior design choices will inform the selection of tiles. Linoleum is great for kitchen or bath; stained cement can be artful and “warehouse-esque” if that’s the look the designer is going for.

Budgets: A homeowner’s budget will have a bearing on what type of interior design choices are made. Linoleum and certain types of carpeting and laminate are in the lower price range while tiles and timber may be in the upper range. There are varying grades in each category, however, so a shopper will need to invest some hours in researching the options.

Investment or quick fix: Investing in some of the more upscale floorings will add to property value. A home that has a lovely antique heart pine floor will be worth more than the exact duplicate down the street that has cheap carpeting. Making an investment in high quality flooring will pay back through increased property value. The quick fix of cheap carpeting may seem like a good idea but it won’t add as much to the bottom line.

Maintenance: Carpeting requires constant vacuuming and shampooing to look its best. Once it’s worn or stained, even that won’t help much. Laminate, tile and linoleum just need sweeping and mopping. Hardwood and antique heart pine will require sweeping, mopping with an oil based product which is approved for the lumber floors. It will look good for many years and when it doesn’t, it can simply be refinished.

What type of flooring is the best choice for your home? Carpeting, laminate, tile, cement or antique heart pine flooring are all options that may work depending on a homeowner’s taste and needs.