February 18, 2025
The Smart Investment: How Real Hardwood Floors Boost Home Value and ROI
When it comes to home upgrades, few investments offer the combination of beauty, durability, and financial return that real hardwood flooring provides. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for decades or considering resale value soon, installing hardwood floors is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make.
From increasing property value to improving energy efficiency, hardwood flooring is more than just a stylish choiceβitβs a long-term asset. Letβs explore why installing real hardwood floors is an investment that pays off and how you can maximize your homeβs return on investment (ROI) with sustainable hardwood flooring from BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring.
Why Hardwood Flooring Offers the Best Return on Investment
Hardwood floors have been a preferred flooring choice for centuries, and for good reason. Unlike carpet, laminate, or vinyl, real hardwood provides long-term value, durability, and a timeless aesthetic that enhances any home.
7 1/2″ Hard Maple Engineered Hardwood, Traditional Grade, in ‘Natural’ with Nano UltraMatte finish (BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring)
One of the biggest advantages of hardwood flooring is its impact on home value. A well-maintained hardwood floor can boost a homeβs resale value by anywhere from 10-54%, making it a highly desirable feature among buyers (Revive Real Estate, 2024).
Beyond increasing property value, hardwood floors offer an impressive return on investment. On average, homeowners can expect an ROI percentage of 118% for installing new hardwood floors and 147% for refinishing existing hardwood floors (National Association of Realtors, 2022). This makes it one of the highest-yielding home improvement projects in terms of resale value.
Durability is another key factor that makes hardwood an exceptional investment. Unlike carpet or vinyl, which need replacing every 10-20 years, solid hardwood can last for 100 years or more with proper care. This longevity means that instead of replacing flooring multiple times over the years, a single investment in hardwood can serve multiple generations of homeowners.
Hardwood flooring is also a powerful selling feature. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of buyers would be willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors, with some even willing to spend an additional $2,080 just for this feature (USA Today, 2013). This proves that hardwood flooring not only enhances a homeβs look and feel but also makes it more attractive to potential buyers.
In addition to financial benefits, hardwood floors contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Unlike carpet, which traps dust, allergens, and pet dander, hardwood floors provide a cleaner, more hypoallergenic living space, making them a top choice for families and individuals with allergies.
Whether youβre planning to enjoy your hardwood floors for decades or looking to increase your homeβs resale value, investing in high-quality hardwood flooring is a decision that consistently delivers lasting benefits.
How Much Value Does Hardwood Flooring Add to a Home?
The financial benefits of hardwood flooring are well-documented. According to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, homeowners who install new hardwood floors recoup an average of 118% of their investment in resale value.
- Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood β BreezeWoodβs Engineered hardwood has an industry-leading 5mm real wood veneer and is certified βrefinishableβ by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Therefore, our Engineered hardwood can be refinished up to 2-3 timesβsame as our solid hardwoodβand offers nearly the same ROI as solid hardwood, making it an excellent alternative for areas with fluctuating humidity.
- Cost vs. Value β While installation costs range from $4 to $15 per square foot (HomeGuide, 2024) depending on wood species and labor costs, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expense.
- Replacing Carpet with Hardwood β Homes with hardwood flooring sell for higher prices and faster than homes with carpet, with buyers often willing to pay more for the upgrade.
Itβs clear that hardwood flooring isnβt just about aestheticsβitβs a financial strategy that increases your home’s marketability and resale potential.
Hardwood vs. Other Flooring: Why Itβs the Best Choice
When evaluating flooring options, homeowners often compare hardwood to alternatives like laminate, vinyl, and tile. Hereβs why real hardwood remains the best choice for value and longevity:
| Flooring Type | Average ROI | Lifespan | Key Drawbacks |
| Hardwood | 75-80% | 50-100+ years | Requires refinishing over time |
| Engineered Wood | 70-80% | 20-40 years | Limited refinishing options* |
| Laminate | 50-60% | 10-30 years | Canβt be refinished, less durable |
| Carpet | 20-40% | 5-15 years | Stains easily, holds allergens |
| Vinyl | 40-60% | 10-25 years | Prone to scratches, less eco-friendly |
*BreezeWoodβs Engineered Hardwood floor products are certified βrefinishableβ by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) as they have an industry-leading 5mm real wood veneer that allows them to be refinished up to 2-3 times [same as solid hardwood] and therefore, have a similar lifespan to solid hardwood floor products.
Unlike laminate or vinyl, hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times, extending their lifespan and preserving their value. Instead of replacing flooring every 10-20 years, a one-time investment in real hardwood can last a lifetime, making hardwood the best flooring for your home’s value.
Additional Benefits of Investing in Hardwood Floors
Beyond financial returns, hardwood flooring offers several long-term advantages that enhance a homeβs quality, comfort, and sustainability.
One of the most notable benefits of hardwood floors is their timeless beauty and versatility. Whether your home has a rustic farmhouse aesthetic, a sleek modern design, or a classic traditional look, hardwood flooring complements any interior style. With a variety of species to choose from, including White Oak, Hard Maple, Hickory, and Walnut, homeowners can select flooring that best matches their aesthetic preferences while adding warmth and character to their space.
7 1/2″ Hickory Engineered Hardwood, Traditional Grade, in ‘Prairie’ with Nano UltraMatte finish (BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring)
Hardwood floors also contribute to energy efficiency, making them a smart choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. Wood is a natural insulator, helping homes retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer. This added insulation can lead to lower energy bills over time, making hardwood an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
In addition to being energy-efficient, hardwood flooring is known for its durability and low maintenance requirements. Unlike carpet, which can trap dirt, allergens, and stains and requires frequent deep cleaning, hardwood floors are easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional refinishing help them retain their beauty for decades. With proper care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, making them a practical and long-lasting investment.
Sustainability is another key advantage of choosing real hardwood floors. At BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring, responsible forestry is at the heart of our business. Our hardwood is locally sourced within 300 km of our sawmill, minimizing transportation emissions and reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, our wood is FSC-certified, meaning it is harvested responsibly to protect forests for future generations. Since all our products are 100% Canadian-made, we ensure high-quality craftsmanship while maintaining one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry.
Choosing sustainable hardwood flooring not only enhances your home but also benefits the environment. By investing in responsibly sourced, high-quality hardwood, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly flooring option that adds long-term value to their property.
Maximizing Your Hardwood Flooring Investment
To get the best return on your hardwood flooring investment, consider these expert tips:
- Choose High-Quality Wood β Opt for durable species like Hard Maple or Hickory, which offer superior longevity and scratch resistance.
- Professional Installation Matters β Proper installation prevents future issues like warping or gaps, ensuring maximum lifespan.
- Regular Maintenance & Refinishing β Protect your floors by using area rugs in high-traffic areas and refinishing as needed to maintain their beauty.
- Stay on Trend β Natural wood tones never go out of style and increase home appeal and value.
By following these steps, your hardwood floors will remain an asset for years to come.
Final Thoughts: The Best Investment for Your Home
When considering home improvements, few upgrades offer the long-term benefits and high ROI of real hardwood flooring. Whether you’re looking to increase resale value, enjoy a healthier home environment, or invest in a timeless, durable flooring solution, hardwood is the clear winner.
At BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring, we take pride in offering authentic, sustainably sourced hardwood floors that enhance homes across Ontario. With expert craftsmanship and premium materials, our floors are designed to provide lasting beauty and value.
Thinking about installing our sustainable hardwood flooring in your home?
Visit one of our Ontario showrooms or explore our selection online at www.breezewoodfloors.ca. Order free samples today and experience the difference of real hardwood flooring.