How to Choose Hardwood Flooring That Increases Home Resale Value
Hardwood flooring – it’s what Coloradans want. We love the way it says “natural.” We love how it brings out that “mountain lodge” feel even if you’re in the heart of the city. And it doesn’t matter if you want country or modern sophistication, hardwood flooring can cover it all.
Now, you’re ready for an upgrade. You know you need new floors. Should you invest in hardwood flooring knowing you’ll be selling in a few years? Hardwood flooring is perfect to increase the beauty, comfort, and value of your home. But what if you’re looking to sell your home in the future?
Not all hardwood floors are created equal when it comes to appealing to potential buyers.
How do you choose hardwood flooring that not only enhances your home but also maximizes its resale value?
Why Hardwood Flooring Adds Value to Your Home
Hardwood flooring is a big deal for today’s homebuyers. Hardwood floors offer timeless elegance, durability, and a sense of quality that many buyers find irresistible. According to real estate professionals, homes with hardwood flooring are often easier to sell, attract more buyers, and can fetch higher offers.
Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- Aesthetic appeal: Hardwood floors provide a classic look that complements a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to modern.
- Durability: With proper care, hardwood floors can last decades. That appeals to buyers looking for a long-lasting investment.
- Low maintenance: Hardwood is easy to clean and maintain, adding to its appeal for busy families or pet owners.
- Allergy-friendly: Hardwood floors don’t trap dust, allergens, or pet dander, which is an added benefit for health-conscious buyers.
See your reason for having hardwood flooring in there? Your buyers will too.
The right hardwood floor can set your home apart in a competitive market. You’re ready to go. You have your eye on upgrading to hardwood flooring. What factors should you consider to maximize resale value?
Opt for Timeless, Neutral Colors
When selling a home, it’s best to think about what will appeal to the widest range of buyers. That’s where choosing the right color comes in.
Buyers are often drawn to homes that offer a neutral palette, as it allows them to envision their own furniture and décor in the space. Light to medium brown shades of hardwood, such as oak or walnut, tend to have broad appeal.
Colors like warm oak, cool gray tones, or rich walnut are some of the most popular shades on the market today. They strike a balance between trendy and timeless, ensuring your floors will remain stylish for years to come.
Avoid overly dark or bold colors that may feel too specific or limit potential buyers’ ability to visualize themselves in the home. Neutral hardwoods offer flexibility for a wide variety of design styles.
Choose High-Quality Hardwood Species
The species of wood you choose plays a significant role in the durability and overall appearance of your floors. Certain types of hardwood are not only more durable but also tend to be more desirable among homebuyers.
Harder wood species like oak, maple, and hickory are great choices because they can stand up to everyday wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option.
Oak, for instance, is highly durable and has a natural resistance to dents and scratches. Maple is known for its smooth, even texture, while hickory adds a touch of rustic charm with its grain patterns.
Selecting a high-quality species ensures that your floors will still look great years down the line, making it a valuable selling point when you’re ready to put your home on the market.
Consider Wide Planks for a Modern Look
What about trends? Worried you’ll choose hardwood a little too trendy for homebuyers’ taste? When it comes to boosting your home’s resale value, it’s important to consider current trends without going overboard. One trend that has been consistently popular is the use of wide plank hardwood flooring.
Wider planks create a more spacious, modern look that appeals to today’s buyers. They can make a room feel larger and more open, which is especially attractive in smaller spaces.
Planks that are 5 to 7 inches wide strike a balance between modern style and timeless appeal. Avoid extremely narrow planks, which can make a space feel busier or dated.
By choosing wide plank hardwood floors, you can give your home an upscale, contemporary feel while still appealing to a broad range of potential buyers.
Go for Engineered Hardwood in Moisture-Prone Areas
If you’re thinking about adding hardwood floors to areas like kitchens or basements, consider opting for engineered hardwood instead of traditional solid hardwood.
Engineered hardwood is made with a plywood or high-density fiberboard core, topped with a layer of real wood. This construction makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, which can help prevent warping or buckling over time.
Engineered hardwood gives buyers the look of solid wood while offering better performance in areas where moisture is a concern, such as kitchens, entryways, or below-grade spaces like basements.
Having hardwood throughout the home is a big selling point for buyers, and using engineered hardwood allows you to expand that appeal into rooms where traditional wood might not be suitable.
Keep It Simple with a Classic Finish
The finish you choose can impact both the look and longevity of your hardwood floors. While it might be tempting to go for something bold, sticking with a classic finish will have broader appeal.
Satin and matte finishes are more forgiving than high-gloss options and are currently trending. They offer a more natural, understated look while hiding scratches and wear better than glossy floors.
Buyers tend to gravitate toward finishes that are durable and low-maintenance. A finish that’s too shiny or reflective can show every imperfection, which can be a turnoff for potential buyers.
Satin and matte finishes offer a perfect middle ground, providing a polished appearance without being overly fussy or difficult to maintain.
Prioritize Durability and Maintenance
Hardwood floors are an investment, and potential buyers want to know they’re getting something that will last. Choosing durable hardwood species and finishes can enhance your home’s resale value by assuring buyers they won’t have to replace the flooring any time soon.
Opt for harder wood species and consider finishes that are resistant to scuff marks and scratches. If you have pets or kids, this can be an especially important selling point for future buyers.
Buyers also appreciate floors that are easy to maintain. Today’s engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes. Try water-resistant or even waterproof for the highest level of durability. You’ll never worry about a spilled water glass ever again!
By choosing hardwood flooring that offers both durability and ease of care, you’ll make your home more attractive to a wider pool of buyers.
Think Long-Term: Refinishable Hardwood
One of the main benefits of hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished multiple times over its lifetime, allowing homeowners to refresh its appearance as styles change.
Buyers love the idea of hardwood floors that can be restored instead of replaced. This means they can update the look of their home over time without investing in new flooring.
Make sure to choose solid hardwood or high-quality engineered hardwood with a thick top layer that allows for refinishing. Floors that can be sanded and refinished multiple times add long-term value to the home. Want to provide extra value? Save the receipt and warranty information – the new homebuyer will appreciate it.
Choosing Hardwood Flooring That Adds Resale Value
Ready for a home improvement project that doubles as an investment for a new homebuyer? Hardwood flooring can be one of the most important investments you make in your home’s value.
It doesn’t take much to create an improvement a new owner will love – simply stop by our retail location and take a look at our high-quality materials, durable finishes, and modern design elements. It’s easier than ever to create a beautiful, timeless space that appeals to a broad range of buyers.
Ready to choose the perfect hardwood flooring that boosts your home’s value? We’re here to help guide you through the process, ensuring you make a choice that not only looks great but also increases your home’s resale potential.
Reach out with any questions, and let’s get started!