Hardwood floors are definitely "in" these days. Nothing gives a more classic look to a room than a hardwood floor. Some of the most pricey homes use nothing but wood throughout the house. It brings a warmth and charm to every room.
hardwood floor repair costOne of the drawbacks to a real hardwood floor is the cost. Although discount prices are available, you will not find cheap hardwood floor prices. Prices vary considerably depending on the brand you choose, the type of wood, the thickness of each piece and the construction type (engineered, parquet, solid, etc.) In general, you can find beautiful hardwood flooring in the price range of $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot if you plan to install it yourself. The price varies depending on where you buy the flooring, and whether you're having it installed or do it yourself.
True hardwood flooring is made from a variety of wood species including cedar, ash, elm, oak and cherry. While hardwood floor can be significantly more expensive than a laminate wood floor, it does offer several advantages. Hardwood floors can be sanded, allowing for easy removal and repair of surface problems and cosmetic imperfections. Damage to the floor can be repaired without having to replace the entire floor. One of the drawbacks to a hardwood floor is the fact that wood is susceptible to cracks and does require some care to keep it in good shape. If the floor isn't properly treated, a damp environment can cause the wood to swell, resulting in uneven areas on the floor, buckling and even cracking. Fortunately, there are many products available to help a hardwood floor maintain its beauty. Wood flooring maintenance and restoration products can be found online or at your local home improvement center.
If price is an issue, you do have an option. A laminate wood floor gives you the same look and feel for less than half the price. A laminate hardwood floor can cost as little as $1.45 to $3.50 per square foot, not including installation. If your heart is set on a wood floor, it may be beneficial to take a look at both hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring before making your final choice.
A laminate wood floor looks like a real hardwood floor but it's not. It's made from a material that is manufactured from synthetic materials to give the appearance of real wood at a discount price. If you're on a budget, laminate wood flooring may be the more economical choice for you. In addition to price, a laminate wood floor does offer some additional advantages over a hardwood floor. Laminate hardwood flooring is water-resistant and is made up of several layers of material that provide protection to the structure of your floor. Many companies sell laminate wood flooring and almost all offer a lengthy warranty. One of the biggest drawbacks to a laminate wood floor is that it's prone to chipping and cannot be easily repaired if damage occurs. In general, if your laminate floor is damaged, the entire board must be replaced.
Whichever way you decide to go, either a hardwood floor or laminate wood floor will give your home a beautiful classic look. Solid wood floors can add significant value to your home but come with a hefty cost to purchase and install. A laminate wood floor gives you the look of authentic wood flooring without the price but won't necessarily increase the value of your home in the same way a real wood floor does.
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