3 Decisions To Make If You Are Installing Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is an excellent option if you want floors that will last for a very long time. As long as you maintain hardwood flooring, it can easily last for decades. It's also a flooring material that works well in various styles of home and nearly any room. The only drawback to hardwood is that it is not an appropriate flooring material for areas with a lot of moisture like bathrooms or kitchens. If you want to install hardwood in your home, here are three decisions that you will need to make.
What Type Of Wood You Prefer
The first thing that you will need to decide is what kind of hardwood you want. Numerous options may work for your home. You'll have various hardwood species to choose from in addition to different styles of flooring. Some popular species of hardwood include ash, oak, hickory, pine, and more. You'll also have the option between various stain colors and levels of sheen. Hardwood planks come in multiple widths. There's more to hardwood flooring than just planks; parquet and herringbone patterns are also popular as are inlays.
Pre-Finished or Finished Onsite
Another decision that you will need to make when it comes to hardwood installation is whether to go with hardwood planks that are ready to go, or planks that are bare and will need to be stained after installation. Pre-finished planks allow for quick installation and can be walked on immediately. You also don't have to deal with the fumes produced by applying a finish. Adding the finish after the installation is an excellent option if you are trying to match existing hardwood or if you want to make changes. You can easily customize when you finish onsite.
How Much To Spend
When it comes to hardwood installation, you'll also want to decide how much you want to spend before you jump in and start the process. On the low-end, you can expect to pay between $1 and $6 per square foot. Mid-range hardwood costs between $5 and $10, while high-end exotic hardwoods range from $8 to $15 per square foot. Setting a budget beforehand and looking at options that you can afford is essential when installing hardwood floors.
If you are laying down hardwood floors in your home, there are a few decisions that you will need to make. First, you'll want to determine what type of hardwood you want for your home. Another decision you'll need to make is whether to go with a pre-finished option or one that you finish onsite. A flooring profession, such as those found at 1-2-3 Floor! can help you in making your decisions. They can also help you stay within the budget you have in mind when looking at your options.
