Whether you have decided on a traditional-style or modernized barndominium, the next thing on the list of decisions is what floor to install. You can use many flooring materials for your barndo, one of those possibilities being a wood floor.
You can install wood floors in your barndominium with a reasonable budget, lifestyle, and conducive weather. Wooden floors offer aesthetic appeal and durability benefits— and are less likely than carpets to promote allergens. However, they are costly and may not suit everybody.
In this article, we’ll go through why you might want to put wood floors in your barndo and some cases where wood floors may not be for you. I’ll also list a few alternatives you could use instead of wood flooring.
Why You Should Choose Wood Floors for Your Barndo
Wood can be one of the best flooring material choices for your barndominium. Here are some benefits:
A Wood Floor Can Fit a Variety of Design Styles
Wood floors come with many different choices. They have colors ranging from gray to yellow and red, as well as light and dark. There aren’t just a variety of colors but fine to rough grains, knots, and swirls in the wood as well.
With so many choices, you can pick just the correct type of wood to complement the style of your barndo, whether modern or traditional. This variety makes the appearance and design of wood floors timeless.
Wood floors also have a warmth, elegance, and natural beauty that can be difficult to replicate with another material.
Wood Floors Can Last a Lifetime or Longer
They’re not just beautiful. Wood floors are known to last much longer than other flooring types that you need to replace every 10-20 years, even less.
Wood floors may lose some luster while they age, but it’s easy to bring back their old shine and natural beauty with a bit of refinishing. With the proper care and maintenance, wood floors can last longer than a hundred years.
Most experts recommend that you refinish your hardwood floors with sanding—and a new, protective coat—every ten years, more often for areas exposed to high traffic or noticeable wear.
Wood Floors Contribute To Better Air Quality and Cleanliness
Wood floors, unlike carpeted floors, will not attract and hold debris particles or dust. This feature is an excellent advantage for those who may suffer from allergies.
Cleaning wood floors with sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping is also simple. Cleaning spills aren’t a problem on wood floors, unlike carpeted floors, where the liquid can easily seep in.
When Wood Flooring Might Not Be Best for Your Barndo
Though there are benefits to installing wood flooring in your barndo, there are still some cases where it might not be the suitable flooring material for you.
A Wood Floor Is on the Expensive Side of the Scale
For wooden floor materials alone—you can expect to pay $3 – $10 per square foot. Labor is a different cost, $3 – $8. You can do the installation on your own or hire a professional.
However, hiring a professional may be more effective if you don’t have much experience installing floors or similar home improvement projects. This way, you can avoid additional costs due to poor installation.
If you don’t go overboard with your construction, a barndominium can be a cheap structure to build. There are a few reasons for that, which I’ve covered in my guide on the costs of building a barndo. Don’t miss it.
Wood Barndo Floors Are Not Ideal for Pets and Little Children
If you have pets or children, wood floors may not be your best flooring choice. Wood is more vulnerable to scratches and dents.
Also, wood is somewhat absorbent, and with playful kids and pets that may have a few spills here and there, you can end up with a stained and damaged floor.
Your Barndo Is Located Somewhere With Humid/ Wet Weather
Even with proper treatment and sealants to protect it, wood is still absorbent. Though you can still mop spills quickly—humid or moist weather can cause your wood floors to warp.
Wood floors are more suitable for temperature ranges from 60°F – 80°F (15°C – 27°C) and humidity levels of 35% – 55%. So, if your barndo is located somewhere with weather too warm or humid, a wood floor may not be ideal for you.
High Maintenance Can Be an Issue
Cleaning wood floors is simple. However, wooden floors dictate that you sweep, vacuum, and mop frequently to keep your wood flooring looking pristine.
If you are a busy person who may not enjoy cleaning or have enough time for the required maintenance, you might want to choose a different flooring material other than wood.
Your Barndo Has Noisy Spaces
People love barndominiums for their broad, open floor plans and spaces, which can be great for hobby spaces. Wood floors can be great for music room acoustics—or provide much-needed playroom space. However, the clear reverberation of sound isn’t ideal for when you want a quiet area.
So if you have a workshop or garage next to an office or study, wood floors might not be the best choice.
You’ll need to account for additional soundproofing among your expenses. Even with quality soundproofing, noise can still bleed through into spaces.
Wood Floors May Not Be the Best for Older People
Wood floors are firm and can be a bit hard on the joints. Unlike carpet or vinyl, wood doesn’t have as much give. A more cushioned surface will be ideal for older residents, especially if they spend a lot of time on their feet.
Wood doesn’t hold heat as well as carpet either. So, it can get a bit cold underfoot. You will need a few carpets or rugs here and there to add to your comfort.
If your barndo will be home to those with joint issues or those a little older, wood flooring may not be the best choice for you.
Alternatives to Wood Flooring
If you want wood flooring but don’t have the budget for solid wood, there are a few alternatives you can choose from
- Vinyl/Laminate flooring
- Cork Flooring
- Ceramic Tiles
- Bamboo flooring
Each choice has options that can offer you the visual appeal of a wood floor but won’t end up breaking your budget.
Final Thoughts
Wood can be a great flooring material choice for your barndo. However, it may not be the best choice if you have kids and pets, humid weather, and noisy spaces. There are a few alternatives you can choose that are similar to wood.
