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Yes—installing hardwood floors is almost always worth it. New planks instantly elevate a room’s look and can raise your home’s resale value by as much as 118%. They also hold up for the long haul; solid hardwood can last up to 100 years with proper care. When you balance those benefits against the up-front price, the math typically favors going with wood.

Hardwood floors should be refinished when signs of deterioration, such as visible scratches, scuffs, or fading, appear. You should refinish your floors every seven to 10 years to maintain their quality and durability. When exposure to excessive direct sunlight or heavy foot traffic occurs, more frequent refinishing is required to protect the finish and extend the floor’s lifespan.

You can install hardwood floors in many rooms; however, they are not advised for spaces with high moisture such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, because excess humidity damages wood integrity. In kitchens, although installation is safe, you must use water‐resistant mats near sinks to guard against splashes. This approach protects the flooring and sustains its lasting elegance over time.

Affordable hardwood flooring options include pine and bamboo. Pine costs $3 to $6 per square foot, while bamboo ranges from $2 to $10 per square foot. These materials are financially accessible and simplify installation by lowering labor costs. Their durability, however, is less than that of premium woods such as hickory and ash, which means you must perform regular maintenance to sustain their performance and appearance.

Hardwood flooring offers longevity that depends on the wood type used. Solid hardwood floors last 30 to 100 years, while engineered hardwood floors require replacement every 20 to 30 years. Regular upkeep with proper cleaning and refinishing preserves the flooring’s natural beauty, ensuring your investment remains structurally sound and visually appealing for decades.