There is a reason so many waterfront homes – especially lake homes in Minnesota – have wood floors: They provide a ton of benefits that few other flooring options can. They may not be perfect for every house on the water, but homeowners interested in having new floors installed should start by considering wooden flooring first.
We’ll share eight of the most important benefits wood floors provide and explain why they’re so important below.
- Premium wood floors are remarkably durable. Whether you rent out your lake house seasonally or live in it full time, one thing is for sure: Your floors receive a lot of foot traffic, which can leave them looking shabby and worn out over time. But many hardwood floor options excel in these kinds of high-traffic applications. Of course, as with any flooring option, you’ll have to maintain your wood floors properly to ensure they continue to look their best. But if you do, they’ll likely last for years and years.
- Wood floors help insulate your home. Wood is actually a very good insulator – something that’s especially important given Minnesota’s frigid winters. In fact, because wooden floors are situated between the living space of your home and the cold ground below, they provide exceptional insulation value. This helps keep your home warm while the days are short and the nights are freezing (on the flip side, they also help keep your home cooler in the summer).
- Wood floors are incredibly charming. There’s no denying that wooden floors are attractive, and they are a natural fit for lakeside homes. They’re also available in seemingly endless options; you can choose from several different wood species, as well as a number of different finishes to end up with floors that perfectly complement your home décor.
- Wooden floors are comfortable to walk on. Stone and tile floors don’t always feel great on your feet (especially first thing in the morning). But wood floors, on the other hand, often feel fantastic. They may not be as soft as carpeted floors, but wooden floors don’t need to be vacuumed constantly to remove dirt, dust mites, and allergens either. That alone is enough to convince many homeowners to opt for wood.
- Properly finished wood floors resist moisture well. Many lake home owners worry that the humidity surrounding their house will damage wooden floors. But as long as the floors are properly finished and maintained, that’s rarely an issue. Many high-quality wooden floor options can withstand fluctuating humidity levels without a problem. This is especially true of engineered wood floors, as their layered construction provides additional protection against warping or buckling in humid areas. This is part of the reason they’ve become one of the leading choices for Minnesota lake home owners.
- Wooden floors provide a seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition for lake homes. Part of the appeal of waterfront homes is the surrounding environment. Sure, the lake itself is glorious, but the trees, flowers, and wildlife also provide a ton of appeal. Wooden floors help emphasize these natural surroundings and make your home really feel like it fits in the area – with your patio doors open in the summer, you won’t even notice where your home ends and the great outdoors begins.
- The timber species used for many wooden floors are sustainably harvested. Speaking of connecting your home to the natural world around it, it’s important to understand that most premium wood floor products are derived from sustainable, responsibly managed trees. This isn’t always true of low-quality, budget-priced options, but most popular choices for Minnesota lake homes – including white oak and yellow birch – are eco-friendly options.
- Wood floors will increase your property value. For all the reasons discussed here and more, many home buyers love wooden floors and are willing to pay more for houses with them. So, by installing wooden floors, you not only get to enjoy the benefits they’ll provide while living in your house, but you’ll also benefit from a higher asking price once you decide to sell.
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As you can see, wood flooring isn’t just a good option for Minnesota lake homes – it’s the very best choice in most cases. We’d love to help you pick the very best product for your specific space – just head over to our contact page and schedule a consultation. One of our knowledgeable service representatives will discuss your wants and needs, help identify some of the best options for your specific lake home, and answer any wood flooring questions you may have.