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While many hardwood floors can last decades with proper maintenance, choosing a harder wood type, like hickory, can help extend the life span of your hardwood floors and reduce the amount of maintenance needed to keep them looking new and shiny. Softer hardwoods, like walnut, may not last quite as long as other types.

Bamboo flooring has several disadvantages to consider. It is highly susceptible to moisture and humidity due to its absorbent nature, which can cause it to warp, buckle, swell, expand, or contract, potentially creating gaps in the floor. For this reason, it is best suited for dry climates. Bamboo can also scratch and dent easily. Aesthetically, it offers fewer color and style options compared to wood, laminate, or vinyl flooring, which can be a limitation for some homeowners. Additionally, bamboo flooring may discolor over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

Dry rot or severe water damage may warrant a replacement, but you don’t always need to replace damaged subflooring. If your subfloor has warped because it was installed incorrectly, you can sometimes shim the panels (in other words, add a thin, wedge-shaped piece of wood to level the surface). If your subfloor bows upward, you may be able to sand it down at the joist so it’s level, depending on the extent of the damage.

Hardwood floors can be installed in most areas of the home, including living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. However, with the exception of high-quality bamboo and engineered wood, hardwood floors are not recommended for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and basements, unless specifically designed for such environments. It's essential to consider the specific conditions of each room before choosing hardwood flooring.