Somerset hardwood floors conjure images of luxury and timeless beauty. Their smooth, glossy planks seem like a dream. But behind the façade of perfection lies a minefield of potential problems for homeowners.
From costly repairs to daily headaches, Somerset comes with some serious downsides. This article will explore the most common issues with Somerset hardwood so you can make an informed decision before installing it in your home.
Somerset Hardwood Floors Problems
- Fading, Discoloration, and UV Damage
One of the major drawbacks of Somerset is that it fades, discolors, and shows UV damage over time. All hardwoods are susceptible to light damage, but Somerset seems especially prone to drastic color changes.
Within just a few years, you may notice the rich reddish-brown planks turning an orangey-golden hue or paling significantly. This fading is caused by exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV light. Somerset’s thin veneer leaves the color-bearing layer vulnerable.
Prolonged UV exposure can also cause the floor to look washed out or patchy as planks fade at different rates. Discoloration like grey or whitish spots can appear where area rugs were placed. The floors may develop a dull, mottled look that ruins the intended effect.
To make matters worse, these changes are irreversible. No amount of refinishing or staining can return the floor to its original color. You’ll have no choice but to live with the differences or completely replace affected planks.
- Scratching and Denting
Somerset is easily marred by daily wear and tear. Its soft grain means it scratches and dents more readily than harder species like oak or hickory. You’ll soon notice fine scratches from pet nails, furniture legs, and everyday foot traffic.
Somerset is also prone to ugly dents from dropped objects, appliance dolly wheels, and high heels. Some light scratches can be sanded out, but deeper marks are nearly impossible to remove without refinishing.
And since Somerset has such a thin veneer, it can only be refinished once or twice before it must be replaced.
To prevent scratching and denting, you’ll have to be vigilant about furniture pads, area rugs, shoe removal, and being careful when moving objects over the floor. Pets’ nails will need frequent trimming as well. But even with diligent care, you’ll likely encounter some level of damage over time.
- Difficult Repairs
When damage does occur, repairs on Somerset can be quite difficult.
Its thin veneer makes sanding risky – it’s easy to break through to the cheaper wood underneath.
The rich color resides only in the top layer, so sanding removes color as well as damage.
Stains applied during repairs won’t match the original tone either.
And the narrow planks don’t lend themselves well to board replacement. Piecing in new strips right next to old ones highlights any variation in color.
Major repairs like refinishing or plank replacement also require that the homeowner vacate the home for an extended period. The loud equipment and chemical fumes disrupt daily life.
Some repairs even require removal of appliances, kitchen cabinetry, or bathroom fixtures to access the whole floor – driving up costs significantly.
- Moldings Don’t Match
With Somerset, it can be impossible to find matching moldings like baseboards and stair risers. The planks are a proprietary design made exclusively for one company.
Outside suppliers can’t replicate the size, thickness, multi-layer construction, and coloring. Trying to match old and new pieces results in noticeable differences you’ll always see. The mixed moldings look sloppy and disjointed.
Many homeowners opt to replace all baseboards and stairs when the floor must be repaired. This compounds the expense and hassle.
- Moisture Damage Risks
Somerset’s engineered construction makes it highly prone to moisture damage. The pressed wood layers can swell and warp from spills, pets, leaks, and humidity.
Cupping, peaking, and gapping planks become common when moisture seeps between layers. The veneer also bubbles and peels away from dampness.
Once moisture damage happens, the planks must be fully replaced. There is no method for fixing or reversing the warping. Preventing water issues requires diligent maintenance and climate control regulation in the home.
But despite your best efforts, it’s difficult to avoid all moisture problems over decades of use.
- Negative Impact on Resale Value
While stylish at first glance, Somerset floors will likely hurt your resale value down the road. As the floors fade, scratch, gap, and show other damage, home buyers will see them as a detriment and negotiation point.
Since the floor can only be refinished once or twice, buyers know they’re inheriting a floor near the end of its lifespan. The proprietary sizing also means replacements will be difficult to source.
Savvy home buyers will request you lower the asking price to account for the inevitable cost of replacing the existing floors.
- High Upfront Cost
All these headaches don’t come cheap either. Somerset remains one of the pricier engineered hardwood options on the market. Material for an average-sized home can easily cost several thousand dollars.
Add in labor fees for installation and you’re looking at a hefty upfront investment. When you factor in the floor’s lack of long-term durability and problems with repairs, the high initial pricing seems even less worthwhile.
- Noise and Echo
The lightweight engineered construction of Somerset amplifies noise and echo within the home.
Without a thick hardwood layer to absorb sound, clicking heels, furniture shuffling, and other footsteps reverberate loudly throughout the home.
Rooms also take on an echo effect.
Ambient conversations and media sound bounce off the flooring for an unappealing resonant effect.
Those looking for quieter living spaces may find the poor acoustics off-putting.
- Staining and Finish Issues
For a floor promoted for its rich color, Somerset has major problems when it comes to retaining its staining and finish. The thin veneer has fewer pores for holding stain, so the coloring appears faded and uneven. The smooth surface also makes it difficult for polyurethane to adhere properly.
Finish tends to pool and puddle rather than dispersing evenly. This gives the floor a cheap, plastic-like sheen. Reapplying finish can temporarily improve the effect, but it ultimately wears away unevenly. The floors soon revert back to a blotchy, uneven appearance.
- Limited Style Options
Homeowners seeking a personalized look are out of luck with Somerset. The rigidly uniform planks come in only a few muted colors like brown, black, or gray. There are no options for interesting grain patterns, inlays, borders, or mixed plank sizes.
For those who prefer bold, dramatic styles or want a floor that complements their décor, the limited aesthetic of Somerset leaves much to be desired.
Somerset Hardwood Floors FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Somerset hardwood floors.
No, Somerset is generally lower quality despite being marketed as a premium floor. Its thin veneer and engineered construction make it prone to scratching, denting, moisture damage, and other problems. It cannot be refinished more than once or twice before needing full replacement.
Oak hardwood floors are a timeless classic that blend well with any décor. Oak offers great durability too. Other good options are hickory, maple, and walnut. Stick with traditional tongue-and-groove planks in these species for the most enduring look.
Yes, Bona products are safe for cleaning and protecting Somerset floors. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Test cleaners in inconspicuous areas first to check for any damage to the Somerset finish.
Somerset can technically be refinished, but it carries significant risks. The thin veneer means there’s little wood to sand down before exposing lower quality wood or adhesive. Refinishing also permanently lightens the wood. Somerset floors should only be refinished once or twice before replacement is needed.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Somerset hardwood may look gorgeous in showrooms, but its beauty is only skin-deep. Underneath the pleasing exterior lies a flooring plagued by damage, costly repairs, poor acoustics, and limited style options.
For longevity, durability, and retained value in a home, there are far better hardwood choices than Somerset. Carefully weigh these factors before you invest in new flooring. Your future self will thank you.