With so many styles of hardwood and so many different companies to choose from, buying hardwood floors can be overwhelming. At PurezaWood, we understand that a key component to any beautiful home is the floors you walk on. Without having a solid flooring foundation, you’re already starting at a disadvantage for home decor. Since we never want our clients to make informed purchases, we’ve compiled a list of the best tips when buying hardwood floors.
Here are some things to consider
Species of Hardwood
When thinking about buying hardwood floors, the species of wood should be one of the first aspects to consider. Because each species carries different characteristics, it’s important to understand what kind suites your house best. The species of wood will determine the color and grain pattern of your hardwood floors.
Subfloor
Before you make your decision on whether or not you want engineered hardwood or solid hardwood, you first have to check out your subfloor. Your subfloor is the base on which all of your main flooring will be placed. For the most part, you will either have a plywood subfloor or a concrete subfloor.
It’s imperative to know what type of subfloor you have before buying hardwood floors. If you have a plywood subfloor, it’s recommended to go with solid hardwood. Conversely, if you have a concrete subfloor your options become limited and usually more expensive. Your best bet is to go with engineered hardwood, as it can go directly on top of concrete. Otherwise, if you choose solid hardwood, you would need put a plywood subfloor first.
Budget
At PurezaWood, our goal is never to have a client over pay or buy the most expensive product. We want you to work with us and decide on a fair price point. Determining your budget is a big part of the preplanning process when buying hardwood floors. You want to make sure that you have an idea on how much you’re willing to spend that is within a realistic range. Some people tend to underestimate the total cost.
You want to remember that quality hardwood floors aren’t the same as the discounted prices you see at a Home Depot. The reason that their hardwood can be so much cheaper is because the quality of hardwood is way worse. Since we handpick our own lumber with the highest expectations in mind, we offer clients quality over quantity. However, keep in mind that you don’t need to spend your entire budget simply because you have the money.
Prefinished vs Unfinished
Another aspect of hardwood floors to consider is whether you want it to be prefinished or unfinished. Here are some advantages for both:
Prefinished:
-avoid dust and odor from sanding and refinishing
-faster installation, as the wood comes ready to place
-ability to walk on floors immediately after installation
Unfinished (Site Finished)
-can adapt hardwood to be consistent with entire house
-smoother edges with more consistent color
-more resistant to humidity and water damage
We hope you take all these factors into account when buying hardwood floors, as they will ensure you purchase your ideal style. At PurezaWood, we will also help with any questions or concerns you have to make sure you’re completely satisfied!
