By Brooke Chaplan
When it comes to adding value and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home, hardwood flooring is the way to go. However, with so many different types of hardwood flooring available on the market today, finding the right one for your home can seem like an overwhelming task. To help make it easier, we’ve put together this guide to choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
There are three main types of hardwood flooring that you will encounter while shopping around – solid wood, engineered wood, and laminate wood. Solid wood is usually 3/4-inch thick and is made from one solid piece of wood all the way through; this type of flooring is best suited for homes on or above ground level. Engineered wood has a top layer made from real hardwood, but underneath, it consists of several layers of plywood that are glued together; this type of flooring works well in any room in the house because it is much more dimensionally stable than solid wood. Laminate wood is made from a high-density fiberboard core topped with a photographic image layer that looks like real wood; this type of flooring is best suited for rooms that don’t require regular cleaning.
Installation Method & Price Range
Once you've decided which type of hardwood flooring you want in your home, you'll need to decide how much money you're willing to spend on installation and materials. Solid and engineered woods typically cost between $3-$15 per square foot, while laminate floorings cost between $1-$7 per square foot (including installation). As far as installation goes, some types need to be nailed down, while others can be floated on top of a subfloor - so make sure to check with your installer before making any decisions about which method you'd prefer.
Maintenance Level & Durability
When selecting a hardwood floor for your home, it's important to consider both the maintenance level and durability factors associated with each type. For example, solid woods require regular waxing or sealing to keep them looking their best, whereas engineered woods need less maintenance due to their pre-finished layers. Laminate floors are known for their scratch resistance and easy maintenance since they don't need wax or sealant applied regularly. Lastly, all types of floors should be swept regularly and wiped up quickly if liquid spills occur in order to maintain their beauty over time.
With so many different styles and types available on the market today, finding the right hardwood flooring option for your home can seem like an overwhelming task at first glance. However, by taking into consideration factors such as price range, installation method, maintenance level, and durability – you’ll be able to identify what type suits your needs best! Doing this research ahead of time will ensure that you get exactly what you want out of your new floors without having any regrets later down the road!
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends contacting flooring specialists, like Sandmasters Hardwood Floors Inc., for more information on hardwood flooring. For more information, contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
