In constructing a home or an office, an individual has to make specific decisions. Such a person has to consider several elements that contribute to the structure’s beauty and occupant’s comfort. In this regard, one cannot ignore the place of flooring. Presently, there is a ton of flooring materials in the market, which makes it challenging to select the right option for a building project. However, one stands out from the rest – Hardwood flooring panels.
Manufacturers produce this type of flooring in various colours and finishes. Each species has its unique aesthetics and functionality. Before purchasing hardwood flooring units from a wood company, one has to think of the type of hardwood that will match the design and vibe of the property under construction.
Going for Either Solid or Engineered Flooring
Hardwoods stem from solid timber and are used in several homes and offices worldwide. However, as technology advances, engineered flooring is gaining a strong foothold in the wood construction industry and building construction. Manufacturers produce engineered floor panels, which comprise thin layers of wood on the surface attached to other materials. With this technology, there is less need to worry about floor displacements during contraction and expansion periods. The floor panels generate opposing forces to counter the three-directional movements of a typical wood floor panel. This type of flooring is ideal for buildings with concrete subfloors. Building contractors can raise the height of a room floor via the installation of solid wood on a layer(s) of plywood. However, this procedure may reduce ceiling height and affect the movement of existing doors. Contrastingly, engineered woods can sit on concrete or soundproofing layers conveniently without affecting the ceiling height or door positions.
Prefinished or Site Finish Flooring
Hardwood manufacturers sell hardwood panels in either prefinished or site finish options. Customers can either go for hardwood planks with raw surfaces that may require custom finish after installation or purchase floor panels that come with stain and topcoat finish. With the prefinished option, buyers already know what to expect when purchasing floor panels. They can select an ideal flooring design that matches the scheme of their cabinetry, walls, textiles, tiles, and furniture. Prefinished flooring provides easy and timely installation as building constructors don’t have to add topcoats or stains. Site finish flooring requires customization by a professional flooring contractor. For this reason, this project may be time-consuming. On the brighter side, homeowners have the flexibility to select off-market customization.
Selecting the Type of Flooring Finish
Manufacturers distribute hardwood flooring in different types of finishes. These may include:
- Shellac
- Oil-based polyurethane
- Water-based polyurethane
- Moisture-cure urethane
- Penetrating oil
- Aluminium oxide
- Acid-cured finish
Oiled floor panels have a soft and natural matte-like appearance. However, they are prone to stains and damage. The effects are less detectable and can be enhanced using an oil wood finish. Contrastingly, polyurethane plank finishes have higher resistance due to their hard topcoat surfaces. The downside to this type of finish is that scratches or stains may require the homeowner to change or recoat the entire floor section.
Cost of Buying Hardwood Flooring from Manufacturers
It is essential to note that hardwood flooring does not come cheap. For each square foot, expect to pay anywhere between $2,492 and $6,753. On average, individuals with building projects may spend $4,541 or $8. And there is the cost of installation. Some installers may charge anywhere between $6 and $12 per square foot. On the high end, building project owners may pay between $13 and $25, or more, per square foot.
Several factors are worth keeping in mind when undertaking a flooring upgrade project:
- Avoid dwelling solely on the cost of a specific floor’s square foot. It is essential to factor in other elements that may influence the cost of installation. There is no point purchasing a hardwood floor panel with no means to install it.
- Consider the removal and disposal of existing panels and the movement of furniture and other items to accommodate the flooring project.
- Identify where to install the floor panels
- If the apartment is old, there may be a need to put in extra work into remodelling it, including adjusting the subfloor.
- Consider the price required to repair or change perimeter baseboards that are affected during floor reconstruction.
To reduce cost, it is essential to have more mobility with the placement of furniture and other household items when flooring an apartment. If it is a DIY project, select a flooring material that meets the design and feel of the home. It is essential to know the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements that protect the product’s warranty.
Home Styling is Everything
Gone are the days when hardwood flooring panels came in limited options. Currently, manufacturers roll out a vast range of design varieties to meet customer’s style and taste. it is easy to select a product that matches the interior decoration of a home or an office. But here is an area that some building project owners tend to overlook – design language. To get the best result, one has to consider the type of flooring panel based on the home’s cabinetry, furniture, trim work, and wall colour schemes. Trends are great. However, as the name implies, they come and go. For this reason, one must not jump on this bandwagon too quickly. Select a floor design that promotes scalability over time. The last thing any homeowner wants is the inability to change the floorboards due to limited options or high cost. Neutral-coloured panels provide enhanced aesthetics and allow for more modifications over time.
Bottom Line
With the vast range of design options and prices, it is easy to get lost in the world of hardwood flooring. Interestingly, there is a flooring option for any budget or lifestyle. However, homeowners that still have a tough time making a decision can consult an expert. Interestingly, most wood manufacturers also provide guidance on the right wood flooring to select for a home or office construction. They can delegate their team to evaluate an apartment’s design and structure and give a breakdown of the work needed to give the building a tastefully furnished look.
