Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has long been revered as beautiful within the home, but it has a multitude of other attractive qualities as well.

While carpet has a tendency to retain odors, dust, and other allergens in its fibers, hardwood flooring's smooth surface makes it virtually void of irritants. Hardwood flooring also comes in a vast array of styles, including oak, pine, and even bamboo. As an ecologically renewable resource, this flooring can give new life to previously used wood.

The National Wood Flooring Association offers these tips for keeping hardwood floors looking their best:

Clean regularly. Use a soft broom or vacuum attachment to keep everyday dust buildup off your floor. Use rugs. Entryway mats inside and outside doors provide occupants extra opportunity to wipe grit from their shoes. Limit contact with water. Wipe up spills and avoid mopping on wood floors to keep them from warping or shrinking.