Home & Real Estate

A Guide to Choosing the Right Engineered Hardwood Floors

Are you thinking of a home makeover anytime soon? If you’re planning to update your floors, you’ll need to know what options are available to you. Hardwood floors are an excellent choice due to their high quality and affordable price.

By combining an engineered board with the gorgeous appearance of a hardwood floor, you can create a seamless blend of the efficient and the beautiful. Keep reading below for choosing the right engineered hardwood floors for your home. 

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Know Your Wood Species

Different species have distinct characteristics that affect how the product looks and wears in your home. For example, red oak will have a pinkish hue, whereas white oak has yellow undertones.

As for durability, exotic woods tend to be more sturdy than American woods. This makes it more suitable for high-traffic areas. It is best to talk to professionals to know what types of wood are available and which ones will be most suitable for you.

Lastly, reading up on the different characteristics of each will pave the way for making an informed decision.

Choose Your Grade

In installing hardware flooring, it is important to determine the grade to know what will best meet the needs of your project. The higher grade is generally:

  • thicker and wider
  • crafted from high-quality materials
  • has a higher level of finish

Conversely, lower-grade flooring is thinner, made from second-rate materials, and may lack finish. However, higher quality does not always mean more expensive, so make sure to evaluate each product on its own merits to make the best choice.

Wear Layer Thickness

The thickness of the wear layer will affect the number of times your floor can be recoated, sanded, and refinished. Generally, the thicker the wear layer, the better quality the floor due to its hardened surface.

So when selecting the thickness, think about the foot traffic in your home and the indoor environmental conditions. Thicker layers are more expensive but can offer more protection from wear and tear.

But if you live in a relatively quiet, low-traffic home, a thinner layer should suffice.

Consider the Overall Cost

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting these types of floors. Look for an option that fits within your budget and will last for years. In addition, installation fees can vary due to:

  • the type of fastener used
  • the amount of skirting boards
  • sub-floor preparation required

If any additional floor protectors are needed, like underlayment, make sure to include that in your cost estimate. Quality is important when deciding on the right engineered hardwood flooring.

So make sure to thoroughly research any product you’re considering and compare prices to get the best deal.

Tips for Choosing the Right Engineered Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood floors adds charm and value to your home. With the right engineered hardwood floors, you can upgrade and refresh any space. With a range of options in species, widths, and finishes, you can choose the perfect style to match your living space.

Considering all these key points before embarking on this project will help you to choose the best flooring for your home. Visit your local flooring store today or call a professional to learn more about the benefits of an engineered hardwood floor.

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