Are you interested in installing hardwood floors in your home? This is one of the newest trends in interior design. Despite the fact that you may be interested in hardwood, there is a detail that could be holding you back: cost.
When compared to ceramic tile, vinyl, and carpet, it is easy to see that hardwood is generally the most expensive option. Sure, you could find expensive ceramic – or even granite or slate tiles – but generally, hardwood is usually more expensive.
Fortunately, saving money on the cost of hardwood flooring is easier than ever before. By taking the right steps, you can have great looking wood throughout any room (or multiple spaces) in your home in almost no time at all.
1. Consider Your Options
Not all hardwood floors are created equal. In fact, as you begin to shop around, you will find that you have multiple options. Your three basic choices include:
- Solid wood floors
- Engineered wood floors
- Laminate wood floors
Solid wood floors are the most expensive. These consist of one solid piece of wood, usually ¾ inch thick. Solid hardwood floors come in many sizes, colors, and types of wood. The most common types of wood include maple, hickory, and cherry.
If you want the look and feel of hardwood, but don’t want to spend the money, take a step down to engineered wood floors. These floors are produced by laminating multiples pieces of hardwood plies. While not hardwood through and through, this is a great option.
What about laminate wood floors? This is the cheapest of the three. These floors are not made of wood, but do give off the appearance. If you are solely interested in getting the wood look and feel at the cheapest price, laminate is probably your best choice.
2. Look for Closeout Deals
With so many companies manufacturing hardwood flooring products, from time to time you will find great deals on “old” product. Buying a closeout product does not mean you are getting ripped off. At one point, this sale flooring was the cream of the crop – the new kid on the block.
You will have to do a bit of comparison shopping to find the best closeout deals. In addition to big box and local hardware stores, check online prices. Don’t be shy about ordering online if you are confident in what you are buying and are able to get a great deal.
3. Do It Yourself
One of the biggest costs associated with installing hardware flooring is labor. But what if you do the job yourself? This is by far one of the best ways to cut back on the cost.
Take, for example, a 500 square foot space. If you are able to find flooring for $3 per square foot, your approximate cost will be $1,500. However, if you hire a professional to install the floor, you can expect this price to increase by $1,000 to $1,500. Even if you don’t have experience, hardwood flooring products today are generally simple to install.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your home can be a lot of fun. Adding hardwood floors is a great way to take the look of any room to the next level. If you are interested in this flooring option, but worried about the cost, consider the three strategies above. By employing one or more of these tips, you can save a lot of money.
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