Want the longest lifespan, the highest possible resale value, and the option to refinish? You already know solid hardwood flooring is the way to go. 

However, there are even more benefits to choosing hardwood floors in new construction homes. From subflooring to acclimation, the one-time install of solid wood can come with a lower lifecycle cost than other options. 

1. Solid hardwood flooring can be a 100-year floor.

Other flooring options will last 15-25 years on average, which is appropriate for some people. They like the lower up-front cost and updating the floors every so often.

Hardwood is one and done. Install it in a new home, and it will be beautiful, timeless, and high-performing over multiple generations. 

2. Subfloors are built for hardwood floors in new construction. 

When you remodel, the condition and composition of the subflooring impacts your hardwood install. It takes time and money to prep, level, and add underlayment to old subfloors. 

In modern construction, you can be sure ahead of time that subfloor thickness, evenness, material, and joist spacing are just right. Learn more about hardwood floor installation. 

3. It’s the most valuable of all new construction flooring options. 

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) reports that hardwood offers a nearly 120% return on investment. People see lower future maintenance, structural integrity, character, quality, and much more in wood floors. 

This isn’t just consumer perception. Appraisers consider it a premium upgrade versus LVP or engineered hardwood.

4. It has more refinishing flexibility than other choices. 

Speaking of engineered hardwood, it’s a great option if solid wood isn’t right for your lifestyle or budget. It can be refinished up to three times in its lifespan, depending on quality. Maintenance is also very low. 

However, your solid hardwood has a thicker wear layer. If you or the person you sell to wants the ability to update the color and finish, it can take it. Refinish it every decade or so and enjoy a like-new genuine wood floor.

5. Solid hardwood flooring gets better with age. 

That said, not everyone is into perfect and polished. This is where wood floors again have the edge. Deepening colors and a patina come with time. No other flooring gives you this. 

At first, hardwood floors in new construction offer the fresh, unblemished look we love. Over the years, wear on hardwood floors looks like lived-in character, the history of a home. Marks on other options just look like damage.   

6. New builds reduce the biggest threats to solid wood.

There are plenty of reasons why one would choose a more forgiving, affordable flooring for their remodel. HVAC systems, vapor barriers, and more in new builds mitigate the risks of warping seen with solid wood. It isn’t the headache it can sometimes be in older homes. 

The hardwood will arrive in its new environment, not an existing structure. It can be fully acclimated for up to two weeks. Various modern moisture-reducing measures do amazing things for its durability and lifespan. 

7. It’s a possible match for luxurious radiant heat systems. 

Pair flooring of the highest quality with extra comfort features you deserve. Building from scratch lets you configure the tube layout and best subfloor for a radiant heating system. 

This can be very difficult to achieve (or impossible) in older solid wood floors. But some current types and plank widths allow you to add heating, provided it’s installed to spec from the get-go.

8. You may even enjoy better air quality.

Want to reduce allergens, avoid VOCs, and resist microorganisms in general? Solid hardwood flooring is one of your better options. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that these floors are better at preventing the accumulation of dander and dust. 

You get the added benefit of using a natural, sustainable material throughout your new home. Learn how to maintain wood flooring for the long haul. 

9. Buyers prefer real hardwood.

If you’re building to sell, we’ve already covered the high ROI and the appraised value. When it comes to actual offers, more than half of potential buyers prefer hardwood. They have to do fewer calculations (“How much will I spend to replace this floor?”) and can make faster purchasing decisions. 

Ultimately, it could be the one feature that tips the scales toward SOLD.

10. You have more style and finish choices than before. 

New construction flooring options have opened up to an astonishing degree in the last few decades. LVP has gotten more beautiful and durable. Engineered hardwood has gotten more difficult to distinguish from solid wood. Tile comes in an unlimited array of designer colors, sizes, and finishes. 

And so has solid hardwood flooring. Smooth or scraped, bold or bright, The Designery can help you get it.  

Visit your showroom and link up with a professional designer who can guide you toward the best possible results. New builds, remodels, or just dreaming of the future.

“[The Designery] recommended the right floors for our requirements. There were plenty of colors to choose from, the floors were delivered on time, and we are enjoying the new space. Thank you very much for all your time and effort to ensure we got what we were looking for!”

Kanaka, The Designery client