How much do hardwood floors cost? – Bankrate.com

Ken Gillespie Photography/Getty ImagesHardwood floors are considered a timeless style and can be used in any room of your home. Butthe simple elegance and durability of hardwooddoesnt comecheap.

How much do hardwood floors cost?Hardwood floors can be pricey, especially when compared with other flooring types. In fact, the average cost of covering a 250-square-foot area is $2,300.

Before you install hardwood, the floor must be properly prepared for the new surface. Most homeowners have to factor in and budget for the prep work of a new hardwood floor.

First, old flooring must be removed and disposed of. Then, the floor has to be prepared with a subfloor the bottom-most layer of a floor before mounting the hardwood to it.

From the wood type to wood finish and all manner of decorative detail and patterns, there are multiple decisions when it comes to choosing hardwood flooring. Deciding on the hardwood floors you want is as much about the aesthetic as it is about how much you want to spend.

For example, engineered hardwood, or flooring manufactured out of wood veneer, is relatively inexpensive and highly durable but usually not as attractive as solid hardwood.

Choosing a solid wood floor provides a more natural feel and is easier to sand, stain and finish to your specifications. However, some solid woods are not as durable and may dent or scratch easily. Its important to consider how much wear and tear your floors will receive before making a final decision.

Whether youre installing hardwood floors on your own or hiring a contractor, there are some additional materials you may need to complete the project.

Adding borders and step detailing are extra costs but are usually necessary for completing the installation against walls or in adjoining doorways.

In addition, you will need to consider the cost of disposing of your old flooring. If youre working with a contractor, this cost will be rolled into your final bill. If youre doing the removal yourself, you will need to dispose of the old floor yourself.

While you may never be able to wholly recreate the look and craftsmanship of a professional flooring job, there are ways to save money and still have flooring that looks good and holds up over time.

However, installing hardwood flooring on your own comes with its own hefty investment of sweat equity.

Even so, some homeowners feel that investing their own labor into the project is worth the financial savings of paying for a professional flooring company.

Installation of traditional hardwood flooring can be contracted out to a professional flooring company that will provide the materials, prep work and labor for completing your flooring job.

The cost for each component is rolled into the final bill that you can pay as a lump sum or in installments.

If youre looking for high quality flooring that will last for years, you should consider the expense of hiring a professional flooring company.

Not only does professional installers have the experience and equipment necessary to install flooring, but they also have access to better quality flooring materials than average consumers do not.

While hardwood floors come with a sizable price tag, their durability make them a worthwhile home investment if youve got the budget to splurge.

To be sure, they will improve your property value and be a selling point to any potential buyer, should you decide to sell your home.

Costs can vary widely, depending on which type of wood you choose and whether you decide to do the project yourself or contract with a professional flooring company.

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How much do hardwood floors cost? - Bankrate.com