• Wood flooring adds value to a home, but is easily damaged by moisture.wood background image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  With so many flooring options available, many homeowners are turning to wood when they remodel rooms in their homes. Choices range from dark, rich foreign hardwoods to stylish new options like bamboo, so homeowners can almost always find a color and style to suit their taste. But wood, like the other flooring options, has advantages and disadvantages.
  
  

Warmth

• Wood is the warmest flooring material available. In terms of style, this can be very useful for a homeowner trying to bring a design together or create a warm feeling common in a cottage or farm setting. Even homeowners who have sleek, contemporary designs may prefer wood to add some needed warmth. Visitors and potential buyers tend to respond positively to wood because of the natural feeling it evokes.
  
  

Hypoallergenic

• Wood is very hypoallergenic, making it a quality alternative for allergy sufferers. Carpet fibers trap dust and pollen and attract pests like dust mites. Wood floors, on the other hand, do not allow dust and pollen into their fibers, and some species like bamboo actually have natural resins that fight bacteria.
  
  

Value Additions

• Wood is one type of flooring that almost always adds value to a home, which can be useful for homeowners looking to sell at a profit. Because wood flooring tends to last for many years when properly cared for, its longevity and warmth raise the overall value of a room and of the house as a whole.
  
  

Moisture Problems

• Moisture is the enemy of all wood floors. When the floors are first installed, they must be acclimatized to humidity in the air, or they will warp or shrink over time, creating large cracks. Once they are installed, all spills must be immediately cleaned up before they can soak into the wood, where they can cause cracks and cupping. Wood cannot be installed in bathrooms or below ground level because of moisture problems.
  
  

Damage Problems

• All types of wood flooring can be damaged, especially by impact. Wood flooring is one of the easiest types to dent or scratch--much more susceptible than ceramic, for example. Homeowners must take care moving furniture, and both pets and children can scratch wood floors if they are not careful.
  
  

Maintenance Problems

• Wood flooring requires more maintenance than other types of flooring. It must be regularly cleaned to maintain its appearance, and most types of wood flooring require refinishing after several years. This adds to the homeowner's labor and long-term expense.