It is so important to find flooring that fits perfectly with the needs of your home. Whilst many people make new furniture their first port of call when improving their interior décor, upgrading your flooring can be a decision that proves even more effective. Wood flooring, in particular, is an outstanding choice in both appearance and functionality, but there’s a problem: the price. The initial cost of solid or engineered wood can make some homeowners shudder. On top of that, the installation process associated with hardwood flooring can drive some people to buy cheaper alternatives. But the truth is, wood flooring is an incredible investment, and there are several ways you can save money if you know where to look. Here are just a few ways you can get more value for money when purchasing wood flooring:
Choose a Style That’s More Forgiving to Surface Damages
There is no question that hardwood is a durable and sturdy choice of flooring, but the last thing you want is for surface damage to be noticeable. With finishes such as lacquer or high gloss, maintenance of any defects can be a costly and time-consuming process. Thankfully, alternative styles of wood are available, and often do a better job of hiding stains and scratches whilst retaining their high quality. Choosing a brushed or hand scraped finish for your wood floors will prove invaluable at masking day to day wear and tear. The added texture will reflect light at multiple angles, allowing for any scuffs to go unnoticed. Ultimately, this will significantly reduce any maintenance costs.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Your Hands Dirty
For some people, getting hands-on when installing their wood flooring can seem like a difficult task. If you’ve got little experience with DIY, it’s easy to think that you don’t have the skills or “know how” to achieve the best results. Consequently, many homeowners will pay for their wood floors to be fitted, spending excess money on the cost of labour. However, DIY isn’t as hard as it might first seem, and with modern techniques making wood flooring installation easier, even a home improvements amateur would be able to manage. Many engineered wood floors are available with either a ‘click’ or ‘tongue and groove’ system, allowing the floors to be floated. This removes the need for adhesive, nails, and other traditional fitting equipment. If this still surpasses your capabilities, choosing an unfinished solid or engineered wood and applying oil or lacquer at home can reduce the initial price of your wood flooring.
Know Which Wood Flooring is Right for Your Room
The amount of wood flooring available on the market can be overwhelming. Even if you know exactly which style and finish are best for your home, it can still be hard to know which type of hardwood flooring is perfect for you. Some homeowners will make the mistake of spending money on a wood floor that isn’t suitable for the environment that it’s placed in. This can lead to disappointment and, in worse cases, costly repairs in the future. It’s important to make sure you know what’s right for you before jumping into the investment of a wood floor. If you’re renovating a space that is high in moisture or humidity, engineered wood floors are a better choice than their solid wood counterparts. The composition of multiple layers of compressed timbre will prove more stable, resisting warping and shrinkages. Alongside this, choose a thickness of wood flooring that matches the traffic of the area it’s being placed in. For rooms with low footfall, you don’t need to spend excess amounts on a thicker board, as your wood flooring won’t need the extra durability. Small considerations like this can save you money with your upfront costs, and further down the line.
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