Wood is a natural material that has been used for flooring for centuries. Wooden flooring is considered one of the most elegant and durable flooring options. Many people prefer wooden flooring because of the warmth, beauty, and natural feel it adds to a room. Although wooden flooring is an expensive option, it has a look that cannot be matched by any other flooring material. This article aims to discuss the factors that influence wooden flooring cost.
There are different types of wooden flooring, and each type has its unique characteristics and price range. Here are some common types of wooden flooring and their cost per square meter:
Solid wood flooring is made of one solid piece of hardwood. It is the most expensive wooden flooring option. The cost of solid wood flooring depends on the type of wood used, the plank thickness, and the width of the plank. The cost per square meter of solid wood flooring can range from $150 to $350.
Engineered wood flooring is made of a combination of layers of hardwood and plywood. The top layer is made of hardwood, while the lower layers are made of plywood. Engineered wood flooring is less expensive than solid wood. The cost of engineered wood depends on the thickness of the top layer and the type of wood used. The cost per square meter of engineered wood flooring can range from $60 to $150.
Laminate wood flooring is made of composite wood that is topped with a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of real wood. It is the least expensive wooden flooring option. The cost of laminate wood flooring depends on the thickness of the board and the quality of the photographic layer. The cost per square meter of laminate wood flooring can range from $20 to $60.
There are several factors that influence the cost of wooden flooring. These include:
As discussed, there are different types of wooden flooring options, and each has its unique characteristics and price range. The cost of solid wood flooring is higher than that of engineered wood flooring or laminate flooring.
The type of wood used in the wooden flooring influences its cost. Some hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are more expensive than others, such as pine and cedar. The rarer the wood, the more expensive it will be.
The thickness and width of the plank also influence the cost of wooden flooring. Thicker and wider planks are more expensive than thinner and narrower ones. Also, wider planks require more wood, which is why they are more expensive.
The cost of installation depends on the method used. Some installation methods, such as nailing down the planks, are more expensive than others, such as floating installation. The cost of installation may also vary depending on the size of the room and the complexity of the installation.
The condition of the subfloor also influences the cost of wooden flooring. If the subfloor requires repair or leveling, it will increase the cost of installation. If the subfloor is in good condition and requires no repair, the cost of installation will be lower.
Wooden flooring requires periodic maintenance, and the cost of maintenance depends on several factors, including:
Different types of wooden flooring require different maintenance methods. Solid wood flooring requires the most maintenance, while laminate flooring requires the least maintenance.
Some woods require more maintenance than others. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, require less maintenance than softwoods, such as pine and cedar.
The amount of traffic that the wooden flooring receives also influences the cost of maintenance. High traffic areas require more maintenance than low traffic areas.
The maintenance method chosen also influences the cost. Some maintenance methods, such as sanding and refinishing, are more expensive than others, such as regular sweeping and cleaning.
In conclusion, wooden flooring is an elegant and durable flooring option that adds warmth, beauty, and a natural feel to any room. The cost of wooden flooring depends on several factors, including the type of wooden flooring, the type of wood, plank thickness and width, installation method, and subfloor condition. The maintenance cost of wooden flooring also depends on several factors, including the type of wooden flooring, type of wood, level of traffic, and maintenance method chosen. It is important to consider these factors before choosing wooden flooring to ensure that you get the best value for your money.