Hardwood floors are one of the most popular types of flooring, increasing the resale value of homes and beautifying them in the process. But there are many considerations to consider when choosing and installing hardwood floors, such as type, type, size, cost, and brand. This guide covers everything you need to know about hardwood floors so you can make the best choice for your home.
What is a hardwood floor?
Hardwood floors can consist of a variety of woods, such as bamboo, oak, or teak. Regardless of the species, all hardwood floors are stained to bring out their rich color and grain, as well as sealed to prevent notches, dents, and other damage. Hardwood floors are classified from soft to hard, but the softest hardwood is still quite durable. However, over time, even the hardest types of wear begin to appear. Instead of having to replace it, as you would with carpet, you can renovate a hardwood floor and restore it to its original appearance. The cost of finishing a hardwood floor is much lower than buying and installing a new one.
How to buy the best hardwood floor
To find the right hardwood floor for your needs, you need to weigh factors such as cost, foot traffic and type. The harder the wood, the less likely it is to get damaged, but harder woods are also harder to work with during installation, which can lead to higher installation costs. Another factor to consider is the location of the floor and the type of traffic you expect in this area. An area with a lot of traffic is best served by a very hard type of wood, for example. The following paragraphs describe the main considerations to consider when choosing a hardwood floor.
Types of hardwood floors
You can choose between two types of hardwood floors: solid and engineered. Solid floors have a single species, while engineered floors consist of layers of wood, usually perpendicular. When choosing between a solid floor covering and a technical floor covering, consider the following factors.
Solid floors can be refinished several times, while engineered floors, depending on the thickness of the hardwood layer, can withstand only two or three finishes. Therefore, solid floor coverings can last for decades longer than technical floor coverings.
Engineered flooring can be installed in more environments than solid flooring. While engineering floor coverings can float on many surfaces, be glued to concrete, or nailed to a subfloor, solid floor coverings must be nailed or replaced to a subfloor and should not be installed below level, such as in basements, due to fluctuations in humidity.
Choose the right size
The size of the board of Directors is another important consideration. Narrow boards are affordable, but many people prefer the aesthetics of wider boards, which reduce the number of seams in the floor. The same idea applies to shorter boarders compared to taller boarders. The wider and longer a board is, the more expensive it is per square foot and the greater the percentage of extra flooring you need to make sure it fits in your room. A standard measure is to buy 10% more square feet than you need, but this can increase depending on the shape of the room.
Compare the cost of hardwood floors
The cost can range from $1.75 per square foot to $9 or more, depending on factors such as type, width, and type. Although engineered hardwood floors are usually affordable, the cost compared to solid floors of the same type is usually about $1 less per square foot. In addition, prepainted wood can add an extra $1 per square foot compared to unfinished wood, but this also means you don’t have to finish it after installation .One of the most popular types, red oak, costs about $4 per square foot unfinished and $5 pre-finished, with additional costs for wider planks. More exotic woods or woods that are harder and more durable are more expensive, while softer woods tend to be affordable.
Read reviews of hardwood floors
Be sure to research the suppliers of hardwood floors, read reviews and compare different qualities. Some suppliers specialize in inexpensive floor coverings, while others offer a wide range of prices. You should also look for reviews on issues such as warranties, shipping costs, and available widths. In addition to customer reviews, be sure to read reviews from contractors who can provide the perspective of someone who often handles hardwood floors.
Installation
Solid hardwood floors are installed by nailing or stapling them to a subfloor, which is more limited than built floors, which can be nailed, glued, or driven to a variety of surfaces, including concrete. Once you have decided between solid or engineered flooring, you need to decide whether you want to install it yourself or hire a professional to do it. While there are significant savings in installing a floor yourself, this can void the warranty on your floor. In addition, professional installers usually guarantee their work, giving you the certainty that it will be done right. Installation costs vary depending on many factors, including the essence of the wood and its hardness, with mid-range hardwoods, such as oak, costing between $4 and $8 per square foot to install, according to HomeAdvisor.