Hardwood floors have a high initial cost compared to carpet or vinyl, but their longevity significantly reduces the average cost over the life of the floor. The material and installation costs of hardwood floors are more in line with those of quality tile floors and natural stone floors. If you love the look of hardwood floors, but traditional or engineered hardwood exceeds your budget, there are alternative flooring options that mimic the look of wood. The costs of hardwood floors can fluctuate depending on the type of wood, the width of the boards, the dye chosen, the type of adhesive and the style of the floor.
Hardwood has been more expensive lately, but it has always been considered a luxury flooring option due to the amount of labor required to transform a tree from a forest into a piece of wood suitable for flooring. If the wooden floor has chips and scratches that penetrate deep into the wood, the floor can be damaged by water due to a lack of coating or varnish. The cost of installing tile or carpet floors may be lower than that of hardwoods, but hardwood floors can last many more years without having to repair or replace them. Home Flooring Pros is a consumer website that specializes in providing professional advice on different types of home flooring. A local flooring company is a good start in deciding who to hire to repair creaking floors, replace subfloors and beams, or fix a fallen floor.
Engineered wood floors are more affordable than hardwood floors, as they only have a thin layer of quality wood on top of a layer of something else, usually one or two layers of plywood. Engineered wood floors are more resistant to water damage than hardwood floors, although both types of floors can stain, warp, rot, and separate if exposed to significant amounts of water due to plumbing problems or flooding. Take some time to explore your hardwood flooring options and how they fit your budget to determine if hardwood floors are the right choice for your home. Nowadays, it is more common to buy parquet-type flooring kits with prefabricated wooden tiles that look like the classic parquet design. You'll pay considerably more for high-quality wood from most hardwood flooring suppliers, but it's the best option if you want to have the type of hardwood floor that will stop people when they see it.
It's worth looking for one of the best flooring companies whose professionals know how to properly install hardwood floors and have the right equipment. Some people think they need to replace hardwood floors when they start to show signs of wear and tear, but most hardwood floors can be re-paved multiple times throughout its lifespan. Many people assume that hardwood floors are too expensive to consider, but while they are expensive, there are ways to get most of the appearance of hardwood floors at a more affordable price. Some hardwood flooring professionals include the removal of old carpet or hardwood floors in the price of installation and molding, but others may charge separately for that service.
The Cost Factors Involved in Wooden Flooring
When it comes to wooden flooring costs, there are several factors that come into play. The type and quality of wood used will affect the overall cost.Harder woods such as oak and maple tend to be more expensive than softer woods such as pine and cedar. The width and length of boards also play a role in determining cost; wider boards tend to be more expensive than narrower boards. Additionally, pre-finished boards tend to be more expensive than unfinished boards. The installation process also affects cost; professional installation is typically more expensive than DIY installation. Additionally, if you need additional services such as subfloor repair or moldings installed around your new flooring, these services will add additional costs.
Alternative Flooring Options
If you love the look of wooden flooring but don't want to pay for it, there are several alternative options available.Laminate flooring is one option; it looks like real wood but is much cheaper and easier to install. Vinyl plank flooring is another option; it looks like real wood but is even cheaper than laminate and is also easy to install.
