What to Expect for Hardwood Flooring Prices

If you’ve made the decision to upgrade the home with new hardwood floors, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed by the types of hardwood floors and their costs. Long gone are the days when there was just a solid wood floor to choose from; now there are engineered wood floors and laminates that are taking the flooring market by storm. Although more choices may make the selection more difficult, the addition of engineered wood and laminates have also made it possible to have brand new wood floors for a fraction of the cost. These flooring choices are also easier to install, which means you can save on the cost of installation. Hardwood flooring prices are similar to carpeting prices: The cost you see printed is for the material only. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of installation, the cost of underlayment and other details such as nails, moldings and transitions. Generally speaking, solid wood floors cost between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot, while laminates can cost as little as $0.65. There is a great deal of variation across stores, and if you choose to carry out installation on your own, you can also look for online and wholesale deals. The first questions to ask yourself are how much flooring you need and what type of flooring will best serve your home. Solid wood is most expensive, but many agree, most beautiful. A solid oak or maple construction is often the first choice for homeowners. However, there are some drawbacks to solid wood floors, which are to be considered, especially with their higher cost. First, solid wood floors cannot be installed in below grade applications or rooms with full baths. Second, solid wood floors are soft, easily dented and susceptible to moisture. If your home is busy, you may want to reconsider. Finally, solid wood floors are difficult to install and generally need to be carried out by a professional. This is where the high hardwood flooring prices come from: Labor. In fact, some installers prefer not to handle this type of installation, as it involves a lot of physical labor. If you want to reap the benefits of beautiful wood floors without the high cost, consider engineered wood floors. The difference between these and real wood is that they have a plywood center and a veneered wood top. Engineered wood is more durable and acclimates to its temperature better, which means the floor won’t shift as much. This versatility also allows it to be installed in below grade applications. Best of all, engineered wood floors are installed using a tongue and groove installation, which means each piece snaps and locks together. If you choose to have the flooring professionally installed, installation will be much less, as it’s easy to do and can be carried out in a day. However, the majority of homeowners choose to handle installation on their own, which keeps the cost even lower. Just remember that you’ll need to factor in the cost of a quality underlayment or subflooring. Laminates also require an underlayment, and it’s important not to skimp in this area. A quality underlayment will provide you with excellent sound and noise absorption will prevent the floors from having a hollow sound and will serve as a barrier from moisture. Laminates are a final option, and although not real wood, it’s hard to tell the difference. The top layer is a photograph of actual wood, so you can enjoy grain patterns and different wood species. Laminate flooring can be installed in basements and rooms with full baths, so there are few limitations. Best of all, laminate hardwood flooring prices are affordable, many of which cost well under $1.00. And, you can handle installation on your own using the same tongue and groove installation. Remember to do your research for hardwood flooring prices, as you can shop through retailers, wholesalers and online companies.