Choosing a floor for your home is a daunting task. Installing new flooring has many benefits, such as increasing the value of their home, upgrading, moving, or because of damage.
Hardwood floors are one of the most sought-after and popular flooring types. But there are so many ones on the market. How do you choose what you need?
Here is a guide to help you find the best hardwood floors for your home and situation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Hardwood Flooring
There are several reasons why owners choose hardwood flooring.
- It’s usually very low maintenance and easy to clean
- Sturdy and durable
- Hardwood offers a timeless look and fits seamlessly with any decor
- Different varieties and colors to choose from
- Reduces noise
- Carpet tends to trap allergens, dust, and other foreign objects not seen with human eyes. Hardwood floors do not.
- Potential homebuyers desire hardwood floors over any other floor type and are more likely to purchase a home with hardwood
- Saves money because they can be refinished and have longevity
- Perfect for any room in the house
Even with all the benefits, hardwood floors are still susceptible to water damage and can be costly to install. However, the benefits outweigh the cons.
Things to Consider
Choosing hardwood is a wise choice for your floor, but there are a few things to think about before you decide.
Ask yourself what your lifestyle is like. Do you have heavy traffic, pets, children? Do messes happen frequently, or do you live alone? Your climate matters, too, as hardwood will absorb water in the air and expand.
Knowing these things will help you choose a flooring that’s suited to withstand your lifestyle.
What is your budget? The average cost of hardwood floor installation is about $2,000-$6,000, possibly more depending on the type of wood, labor costs, and square footage. However, there are many budget-friendly hardwood options.
In your budget, you’ll want to include labor costs (if you have it professionally installed), materials, finishing, replacement and refinishing, and the cost of the flooring itself.
Once you’ve determined your lifestyle and budget, you’re ready to decide which type of hardwood floor will work best in your home.
5 Best Hardwood Floors for Your Home
Over the years, quality hardwood floors have emerged, and there is something for every homeowner. No longer are people crossing their fingers and wishing for hardwood as they pull up an ugly green carpet.
Here are seven types of hardwood floors for you to consider putting in your home.
1. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a convenient and economical option for those looking for hardwood floors. These floors are still genuine hardwood, a mixture of many different types, with plywood underneath for support. They are incredibly stable and can handle a busy lifestyle.
The most convenient part about engineered hardwood is the installation. While no installation is easy, engineered wood comes in planks that click together for quick and straightforward installation. Not every engineered hardwood works this way; some have to be nailed down.
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is affordable, and can hold up in humid temperatures. It isn’t scratch or dent resistant, and can only be refinished or replaced a few times before the plywood starts to break up.
2. Solid Hardwood
Classic solid hardwood is desirable and has been around for many years. They come in planks, finished or unfinished. If you purchase them unfinished, you will have to sand it and finish.
There are endless options and finishes to choose from if you install solid hardwood. It’s gorgeous, durable, and works in almost any room in the home. Refinishing may be done up to five times, once every ten years.
Solid hardwood is expensive, and it’s prone to swelling from moisture. Additionally, it does not hold up well to heavy traffic and may scratch easily. Consider using solid hardwood in rooms that are not heavily used, and are not exposed to water or moisture, like the bathroom.
3. Bamboo
While bamboo isn’t classic hardwood, it’s becoming a growing trend among those who wish to be more eco-friendly.
Bamboo is durable – some say stronger than hardwood – and comes in planks or engineered similarly to hardwood. It’s beautiful, easy to maintain, and can last up to 50 years if taken care of. In general, it costs about the same as engineered hardwood, though installation might be more expensive.
Bamboo does have its disadvantages, however. Though it’s touted as eco-friendly, it’s still shipped in from Asia, so it makes its mark on the environment. Farmers use chemicals to benefit their farming practices as well.
4. Prefinished Hardwood
If you want to save some time try looking for prefinished hardwood. These hardwood planks are already finished and ready for installation, so you’ll be able to get your room back together more quickly. You’ll also save yourself the trouble of inhaling toxic fumes and chemicals during finishing.
You lose the chance to customize the color you want because it comes finished. The planks themselves might cost more, but the installation is less.
5. Laminate
Laminate is not hardwood, but it has many advantages. If you’re on a tight budget but desire the look of hardwood floors, laminate can help you out.
There are options where laminate can mimic the look of hardwood floors without the costly installation and refinishing while keeping it low maintenance.
Which Hardwood Floor Is Best for You?
Hardwood floors are a sight to behold in any home. The best hardwood floors are the ones that work well for your lifestyle. Which floor would you choose?
Are you interested in more home improvement ideas? Keep browsing our page to learn more!
