Pros and Cons of Hand Scraped Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has been a mainstay in homes for decades. Today, it is still a favored option for flooring for a large number of homeowners. Scraped hardwood flooring works to bring together both the past and present of hardwood flooring. There is a huge selection of hardwood flooring on the market today. It is important to get to know the pros and cost of each option to make an educated decision about what is right for your décor, taste, and budget.

What is Hand Scraped Flooring?

This type of flooring was considered the norm in the past, before machines were available for sanding and finishing the planks down to a smooth shine. This method required master craftsmen to hand plane every board by hand. The result was certain uneven pockets, scratches, and marks on the wood that made each board look unique.

This is why this type of flooring is often found in older structures that pre-date the Industrial Revolution. Today, hand scraped flooring is considered the exception rather than the norm and those who provide this type of flooring are thought of as artists. This is due to the distinct, rustic appearance this method provides. Learn more about the pros and cons of this option here.

Pro: It Provides a Rustic, Antique Appearance

There are many homeowners who believe a hand scraped wood floor will add authenticity to a home or room. They are also able to restore an older home or building to its former look, match antique furniture, cabinets or even add to the style of a room. When you are trying to achieve that “old” or “worn” look then scraped hardwood flooring, either machined or created by hand, is likely the perfect option. This flooring offers a unique, older look that will withstand the test of time.

Con: The Cost

Due to the craftsmanship required to create this beautiful type of flooring, the planks don’t come cheap. The act of hand scraping and distressing the planks is no easy feat. Those who provide this type of service by hand have to spend years learning the trade, which means their services don’t come cheap. While there are machine scraped options, they often don’t have the same character of the manually scraped selections, but both options are growing in popularity.

Pro: Provides a Durable Finish

When you opt for hand scraped wood flooring in your home, you don’t have to worry about treating it with kid gloves, the way that machined flooring with a mirror finish has to be treated. Homes that include children and pets can benefit from this type of flooring since dents, scrapes, blemishes, and scratches tend to blend in. No more unsightly marks and scars is a huge benefit that many homeowners find quite appealing when selecting the hardwood flooring for their home.

Con: More Challenging Installation Process

This type of wood floor can be more difficult to install, especially by a novice. It is a good idea to hire a professional to install this flooring as a result. Since the planks are often more expensive, you don’t want to take the chance of messing them up, or damaging them during installation.

To learn more about hand scraped hardwood flooring, it’s a good idea to speak to your local flooring specialist. Also take the time to look at the different types and find the right design and style that will match your home.