What To Know Before Installing Hardwood Floors
Whether you're replacing your current flooring or putting down floors in a new construction home, there are many flooring materials to consider, but hardwood remains extremely popular. Hardwood flooring is an excellent option for many reasons, including its durability, beauty, and ability to increase home value. While putting down hardwood floors may seem like an easy decision, there are still many choices you'll need to make. Here's what to know before you install hardwood floors in your home.
What You Want
There are many types of hardwood floors to consider before making a decision. First, you'll want to find hardwood flooring that fits your budget and works with your home's style. There are different hardwood species to choose from when selecting floors, including domestic options like oak and maple and exotic hardwoods like acacia. Plank thickness and width also vary, as does stain color. Taking the time to consider what you like when it comes to hardwood flooring will make deciding on your new floors an easier task.
What You Can Afford
What hardwood flooring costs varies depending on factors like wood species, the size and layout of your home, installation method, and the overall quality of the hardwood. High-end hardwood floors will cost more than average quality ones. On average, hardwood flooring installation costs $6 to $12 per square foot. High-end hardwood flooring costs $13 to $25 per square foot to install. If hardwood flooring is out of your budget, some alternatives give a similar look for less. For example, vinyl flooring looks like hardwood flooring but comes in at a fraction of the cost.
How Long They Last
Durability is one of the big reasons why hardwood flooring remains so popular. Once you lay down hardwood, it will be there for 50 years or more as long as you take care of it. Another benefit of hardwood is that once your flooring shows signs of wear and tear, you can sand it and add a new coat of finish to make it look brand new. Hardwood flooring's durability also makes the higher upfront costs worth it since it's a cost-effective flooring material over time.
Before you install hardwood floors in your home, there are three things to know. First, there are many types of hardwood, and knowing what you want for your floors will make it easier to make a selection. Second, knowing how much you can spend on hardwood flooring is crucial. Finally, think about how long hardwood floors last and what you need to do to keep them looking good before installing them. Contact a hardwood flooring supplier near you to learn more.