Which Hardwood Floors are the Best Value?

A home is constructed of so many different components that make up one cohesive space. From the windows to the doors, every single piece comes together to create the masterpiece that is your home. That is why it is important to pick the perfect flooring that sets the stage. There are many factors that go into choosing the right floors for your home such as price, type, durability, and much more. Here are the basics to understanding which hardwood floors are the best value for your home.

Determine the Type of Flooring You Want First

The first and most important factor in determining what kind of flooring you’re going to install is the type. Now there are all different types of wood flooring, but the two most popular are natural hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring.

Hardwoods

Natural hardwood floors can also be divided into two categories: solid and engineered.

• Engineered flooring consists of usually a ¾” thick slab of wood that is typically stapled or nailed into the floor.
• Solid wood is the most natural looking flooring and usually will cost the most, ranging from $9-12 per square foot – which would cost about $2,000 every 250 sq.
• If that runs a little out of your price range, engineered wood, which is composed of a core plywood with a hardwood top usually runs slightly cheaper than solid wood.

The advantages to engineered is that is it more versatile in both placement and adaptation in that it can withstand harsher conditions such as water intake, and also can be cut and placed in parts of the home that often times solid wood cannot reach.

Laminate Flooring

Opposite to both of these hardwood options, laminate flooring will save you significant amounts of money when installing new flooring – usually around 50%. On average, laminate flooring usually costs around $5-8 per square foot.

• Laminate flooring is easier to clean and is much more scratch resistant along with being similar to engineered hardwood in that it can reach parts of the home that solid wood cannot.
• Also, laminate flooring has the unique quality of being simple to install; simple enough that if you felt compelled, you could install it yourself.

This task isn’t for the inexperienced home improvement buff, but it is a valid option when it comes to installation. The problems with laminate flooring is that its’ wear and tear is limited to a few years – resulting in a constant refinishing process. It also has significantly less resale value, unlike hardwood flooring.

Hardwoods Have Ample Options to Choose From

Depending upon your budget there is a plethora of hardwood floor types that you can install in your home. It’s a simple matter of value, in that homes that have solid or engineered hardwood usually sell for a higher price than laminate flooring. The value on hardwood remains consistent even when the market is fluctuating, ensuring that your investment will pay off in the long run. As for what brands of hardwood floors to look for, American and Canadian flooring companies such as Armstrong’s Performance Plus or Mont Royal are quality products that last a lifetime.