Value Propositions: Wood Flooring

Costs vary widely, but hardwood is generally more expensive than laminate reproductions. However, price should be just one consideration when choosing a flooring material: aesthetics and durability are just as important. For many log home owners, the look of natural wood can’t be beat. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Value: Laminate wood flooring

Pros:

• Fairly easy for DIYers to install
• Very inexpensive
• Does not require polishing
• No fading or color change from exposure to sunlight

Cons:

• Can’t be refinished when damaged
• Shorter lifespan than well-maintained solid-wood flooring
• Grain patterns tend to repeat, revealing it as a fake

Splurge: Reclaimed antique rustic heart-pine flooring

Pros:

• Interesting grain patterns and patina
• Able to be refinished several times, prolonging lifespan
• Available in a wide range of plank widths
• Can be repaired

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than laminate
• Finite resource
• May need to be finished onsite (if it’s not available as a pre-finished product)
• Susceptible to scratches, stains and fading

Cost of ownership: A laminate wood floor’s lifespan will most likely be shorter than real wood, but its cost can be much lower. Authentic wood flooring may be expected in a high-end log home — at least in the main public spaces.