The Long-Term Effects Of Hardwood Floors On Home Resale Value

Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or years down the road, every design choice you make affects how much money you'll be able to get for it. In particular, your choice of flooring can go a long way in this aspect. While there are various flooring options that can help increase your home's resale value, one choice that consistently delivers the best results is hardwood flooring. In fact, hardwood floors can increase resale value by as much as 10%. That's a major return from a single design choice!

Of course, hardwood is also one of the priciest types of flooring, which can cause some homeowners to hesitate. But when you look at the numbers, the payoff is hard to ignore. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, many homeowners record returns on investment as high as 118% when installing new hardwood floors. If you're on the fence about which flooring type is the way to go, this might tip the scales in favor of hardwood — not only will you recoup the cost, but you could even make money on the upgrade. Still, to make sure your decision leads to success, how you go about it matters.

To get the most value out of your hardwood floors and make sure they don't turn out to be a flooring choice that will make it harder to sell your home, quality is key. Well-executed professional installation ensures the boards are laid evenly and securely, which prevents issues like creaking or warping later on and keeps the floors pristine for when potential buyers come around. Choosing the best hardwood floor color to drive up the value should also be on top of your list — natural, neutral tones like warm oak or medium brown tend to appeal to the widest range of buyers, so they're a great way to make sure you'll always be able to sell your home for all it's worth.

Whatever type and color you end up choosing for your hardwood floors, staying on top of proper care and maintenance is crucial for protecting your investment. Regular sweeping, occasional refinishing, and preventing any scratches (think furniture pads and area rugs) all help keep the wood looking its best, making it feel as good as new when it's time to sell. With a little effort, hardwood floors can stay beautiful for many decades, adding lasting value to your home for the long haul.