If you’re considering having hardwood flooring fitted in your home, then you know there’s certainly no shortage of choice.
However, since hardwood flooring is typically more expensive, harder to install, and intended to be a long term flooring solution, you’ll want to make sure you take time with the purchase, and ensure that whatever you buy is something you’re really happy with - since it’s not the type of flooring you’re going to be changing every couple of years.
So, in this post we’re going to be looking at the 5 things to consider before buying hardwood following to help you decide if this is the right flooring choice for your home.
Your Budget
Although hardwood flooring is more common in homes, it’s still a good bit pricier than carpet in most cases, so like you would with any larger household renovation purchase, it’s always wise to set a maximum budget for how much you’re willing and able to spend on flooring.
The good news is, hardwood floors don’t need to cost a fortune, and whether you’re looking for a simple beige laminate floor, or a rustic oak hardwood, there are always ways to save money on this purchase but understanding the average prices of hardwood flooring will help you when it comes to narrow down the search.
Since hardwood flooring prices are determined by the size of the room you’re fitting the floor, as well as the type of wood you buy, it should be easy to work out the costs and set your budget ahead of time, so that they don’t spiral out of control.
The Room You’re Fitting the Flooring In
One of the important things about hardwood flooring is how versatile it is. You can fit this type of flooring in any room of your house, but for certain rooms like the bathroom or kitchen, you need to make sure the wood flooring you have is one that stands up to the higher moisture levels of these rooms.
When it comes to shop for your hardwood flooring, the company you’re buying from should explain the two types of flooring, which are solid wood flooring, and engineered wood flooring.
For most rooms, like hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms, solid wood flooring is what you’ll see on offer.
Engineered wood flooring is what is best for higher humidity and moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even rooms like conservatories where a large amount of heat and light will come in during the day.
The Look You’re Trying to Create
Taste is a very personal thing, so the type of hardwood flooring you pick, and the style you go for will be mostly influenced by your own preferences.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that since hardwood flooring is something that’s expected to last for at least 10 years in most cases before being replaced, the on-trend colours, styles, and even finishes of flooring will change within that time.
So, what could be all the rage right now, could be considered very dated years from now.
The good thing is, there are many hardwood and laminate flooring styles available that are equally modern and timeless, so no matter whether you prefer a modern style of decor, something like a natural rustic oak wood floor will never go out of fashion.
It’s also important to think about whether you’re trying to create the effect of more space and light in your room, or if you want to add warmth and depth.
For example, a dark wood floor would make an already small room look smaller, whereas something like a beige laminate, or white laminate would make it look bigger and brighter.
If You Have or Will Have Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is often a wonderful thing when you have hardwood flooring since it makes the feeling of walking on the floor much more enjoyable and takes away the feeling of coldness.
However, the type of hardwood you’re able to fit will be impacted by whether you have underfloor heating or not.
Engineered wood flooring is the only type of hardwood flooring that can be used with underfloor heating, so if you have this, or are planning to have it installed before the flooring is fitted, you will be limiting the options you have for the flooring.
How Busy the Room Is
Most hardwood flooring, including even the most basic laminate is designed to be walked on daily without damage to the floor, but in individual cases, there are certain types of flooring, such as solid oak flooring that are made to withstand larger amounts of foot traffic and will be more durable than others.
So, if you’re choosing flooring for a space like a hallway, kitchen, or living room, then this is something to consider.
Let Us Help
Whether you prefer to shop online and browse our extensive range of hardwood flooring solutions, or you’d like to visit our fully stocked Warrington showroom, our team of friendly experts at Floor Land are here to help with any questions you have.
From help with design and planning, to choosing the right type of materials, we’re here to ensure you find the right hardwood flooring for you, at the best possible price.
Call us today on 0800 996 1922 to have a chat about your next project.