What is a key disadvantage of wooden flooring?

A key disadvantage of wooden flooring is that it requires treatments to retard decay. Wood is an organic material that can be susceptible to moisture, insects, and various environmental factors that can lead to decay and deterioration over time. To prolong the life of wooden flooring and maintain its appearance, homeowners often need to apply sealants, stains, or other protective coatings. This necessary upkeep can add to the overall maintenance costs and efforts involved with wooden floors, making it an important consideration when choosing flooring options.

While wooden floors can be slippery when wet, this is not a unique characteristic of wood, and other flooring materials also present similar issues. The cost of wooden flooring can vary widely, but it is often not classified as inexpensive compared to other alternatives. Finally, while some types of wood may not be suitable for outdoor use, many wood products are specifically designed for outdoor applications, making this point less relevant as a general disadvantage.