For many homes, stairs are a prominent design feature. They provide access to a higher (or lower) level of the house, while simultaneously accessorizing and styling your living space. Hardwood is a popular choice for stairs, considering their natural beauty and ease of maintenance. They also add to the value of your home. But as good as hardwood stairs sound, there are always a few things to keep in mind when deciding on whether or not to invest in them.
The Benefits
Not only visually appealing, hardwood stairs provide many benefits:
Durability Of Hardwood Stairs
Compared with carpeted stairs, hardwood stairs are less prone to damage. Stains also are not an issue, and hardwood tends to look brand new for a longer period of time unlike carpet. Refinishing and maintenance are also easy enough to accomplish, if you are concerned about the quality of your hardwood over time.
Safety & Aesthetics
Slips and trips are more likely to happen with carpet than on hardwood. Along with their quality, hardwood stairs increase the value of a home, and give it greater appeal. Not only will hardwood stairs benefit you now in terms of their appearance, but you’ll also benefit from having them when you go to sell your home.
Costs
Making note of the cost of materials and labor is extremely important when planning a home renovation. Hardwood stairs are a significant investment, so it would be beneficial to consider the costs and rewards before installation. Depending on the type of wood, as well as the design of your staircase, the cost to install hardwood stairs can fluctuate. A reasonable price to expect would be around $15,000 to $18,000 at a minimum for materials and installation. On the other hand, installation also varies depending on who is hired and the quality of craftsmanship. The total cost will depend on the surface area to be covered. This may sound like an exceptional amount of money for hardwood floors, however, they last for years, so they are worth it if done correctly.
Durability
Durability is the best feature of hardwood. However, there are many factors that determine the durability of hardwood: quality of the wood itself, the finish, maintenance, and how the stairs are used. They can last up to 20 years if properly cared for and maintained. However, durability can also be determined by the type of wood. Some types of wood are stronger than others. For example, oak is more likely to last than a weaker type of hardwood, even if that weaker type of wood is actively maintained by the owner. On the other hand, stairs with heavy foot traffic are more likely to wear down faster than stairs that are rarely used.
Maintenance
Stairs are where the most mess happens in a house. Spilling food and snacks while going up and down the stairs happens frequently. Sweep them daily with a bristled brush to ensure the quality and prevention of scratching. Along with sweeping, vacuuming at least once a week contributes greatly to the health of your stairs. Never wait to clean up spills with a damp cloth, to avoid staining. Deep cleaning is vital to keeping a healthy glow to your stairs, and should be done every few months. However, deep cleaning should not consist of strong chemicals, as they damage the finish of stairs. Applying a topcoat of polish will keep your stairs looking brand new, as if you had just installed them yesterday!
Only Hire the Best
Pros and cons are a package deal with any product, including hardwood stairs. Their durability and cleanliness are lovely, but with this comes maintenance and certain precautions. Always make sure to consider these qualities when deciding whether to install hardwood stairs into your home.
If you’re in the market for hardwood stairs, call an experienced professional. Ozark Flooring installs premier quality hardwood stairs throughout Hampton Roads. Call today for more information.
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