Hardwood flooring comes in two distinct varieties — solid, or traditional, and engineered. Traditional hardwood planks are all wood.
Exposing traditional hardwood to water or steam can cause it to swell, buckle or grow mold. Hardwood flooring cost is loosely divided into three categories: Low, mid and high.
Low-priced choices are typically softwoods like pine. Soft flooring is prone to dents and scratches, so for homeowners with pets and kids, it may not be the best choice. Still, others believe the lived-in look it develops over time adds to its aesthetic appeal. Harder than pine, mid-priced planks are damage-resistant. Many are imported, so the cost of transportation adds to the price.
Choices like mahogany and walnut are famous for their beauty and sustainability, while exotic species such as kempas, cypress and tigerwood are valued for their rarity. Hardwood is natural — its grain and character marks define both its look and quality. Character marks include:. Knots are dense, round spots that form in tree where branches meet the trunk. The knots in utility hardwood may have chunks of wood missing that affect the integrity of the flooring.
Worms leave marks as they work their way through trees. These can look like holes or tunnels. Streaks are bands of color caused by mineral and sap deposits within tree rings. Grading is similar to that used for all hardwood lumber, regardless of its purpose, but more emphasis is placed on appearance versus other quality factors such as hardness. Cabin grade flooring is inexpensive but sturdy.
Cabin grade flooring is the most rustic in appearance with deep knots, streaks and wormholes. Consider cabin grade flooring for playrooms or workshops. Taken from the heartwood of the tree, Clear Grade wood is free of heavy character marks, and the grain and color are consistent from board to board. Clear grade flooring is costly, but it creates a smooth, uniform look for a living area or library. This means moving furniture and even removing old flooring.
You can then purchase wood flooring yourself, pick it up, and bring it home. That way, the flooring company will only need to install the flooring — not supply it or remove your old floor. Last but not least, if you have a tight budget, consider the layout of your design and keep it as simple as possible. As soon as you request bordering or inlaid patterns, you can anticipate significantly higher costs.
When creating your shortlist of contractors, there are a few criteria you can consider that may help set your mind at ease. Look for contractors with some or many of the following boxes checked:. Whether you have recently bought a new home or plan to renovate your current residence, new flooring can make all the difference. Although it is more expensive than other options on the market, it tends to be the preferred choice. Hardwood flooring is known for its warm, character-rich appearance, versatility, and durability.
Also, hardwood floors add value to a home. Get free estimates. How much will your hardwood floors cost? Hardwood Carpet Vs. Hardwood Tile Vs. Wood Flooring Grades Wood flooring typically comes in 3 different grades. Middle tier — These woods will be hardwood options, which are relatively common, including oak, teak, or American cherry. Hardwood Flooring Grades Similar to traditional wood, engineered hardwood is offered at varying grades and price points: Lowest tier — This will be your most basic engineered hardwood, consisting of three layers, finished with a top layer of veneer.
Middle tier — You can also invest in an upgraded version, which typically includes a five-layer core, finished with a thicker veneer. Installation costs are generally the same. Highest tier — Top-of-the-line engineered hardwood can have as many as seven layers or more.
The top veneer is also significantly thicker, and the layers are often made from exotic woods. Maple Hardwood Flooring This wood is sturdy and much more resistant to dents, making it a great material to use in high-traffic areas.
Ash Hardwood Flooring Ash is durable and typically tough to stain hardwood. Bamboo Hardwood Flooring Bamboo hardwood comes in a wide variety of colors with interesting patterns. Hickory Hardwood Flooring Hickory is a durable wood that embodies fantastic grain patterns with many color variations. Oak Hardwood Flooring Cost Oak hardwood contains rich detailing and deep patterns and earth tones. Walnut Hardwood Flooring This wood comes in many different exotic brownish shades with a distinctive grain.
Laminate Vs. Carpet Vs. Tile Vs. There is a vast array of wood flooring options that will bring your creative vision to life and be perfectly tailored to your color scheme and decor plans.
Easy maintenance — Hardwood floors are low maintenance, and a typical cleaning process includes weekly sweeping, dry mopping, or vacuuming and the occasional deep clean. When compared to carpet, wood floors with the right finish are wonderfully stain and odor resistant.
Life span — Quality wood flooring that has been installed and finished professionally can last for generations , even in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining room, and hallway.
High return on investment — Whether you are replacing a wood floor or upgrading flooring, quality wood flooring installed by a professional contractor will always raise the property value, making it a long-term investment. Eco-friendly — In addition to being kinder to those sensitive to allergens, hardwood floors are also more helpful to the environment because wood is a renewable resource.
The material is already a lot more expensive than engineered wood options, so the precision of the labor is key to avoiding unnecessary waste. The skill level of the contractor and geographic area can influence the cost of installation.
Some woods are more expensive than others. Pine is often the most affordable, but the range of pine prices varies greatly depending on width and appearance. Chestnut and cherry tend to be on the more expensive side of the price range, and exotic hardwoods can cost even more. The price of hardwoods can also vary greatly by region as different varieties of tree are more common than others in different areas.
The cost of transportation can significantly impact the price of certain types of hardwoods. The width of the floorboards selected can also impact the cost.
Wider boards tend to cost more for materials since they are much more rare, while thinner boards will take longer to install so might cost more for labor. Reclaimed materials add character and beauty to a space, but they come at a significant cost.
0コメント