The Cost to Get Hardwood Floors |
Posted: August 24, 2018 |
Many people love the look of hardwood flooring, but they think they can’t afford it. They often say, “I would have hardwood floors in my home, but they’re too expensive.” Much of the time, they don’t even have an idea of what “too expensive” is. It’s important to understand the cost of hardwood floors before you make the decision that you can’t afford them.
Materials
The first cost associated with hardwood flooring is the material. This is the most expensive part of the process in most cases. You must pay for the boards and any trim needed for the project. Another cost is the underlayment.
You’ll need transitions for your floors. A transition is used where two floors meet. For instance, you would need a transition piece where the hardwood meets carpet, tile, laminate or another hardwood. You also need one where the floor meets a staircase.
While these are necessary expenses, they can vary based on the type of wood you’re getting. Some hardwoods are more expensive than others. If you’re on a budget, you can talk to a hardwood flooring store to determine what products are more affordable. Just don’t forget to ask about the additional costs of underlayment, trim and transitions so you aren’t surprised by the total.
Labor
Once you’ve paid for your materials, you must have the floor installed. Unless you’re an expert DIYer, you’re probably going to want to have a professional do the installation. You may see prices on installation and think that covers it, but there are often hidden costs you aren’t aware of.
Installation usually includes installing the floors and transition pieces, but it may not include trim. Make this clarification before you hire someone. Your old floor may need to be removed before the new one is installed. Floor removal is an added expense. You may be able to do this part yourself if it’s carpet, but tile and wood are more difficult to remove.
Once the old flooring is removed, the subfloor will need to be inspected. It may be damaged or simply uneven. Any issues with the subfloor will need to be fixed before the hardwood is laid.
Another part of the labor cost is moving furniture. Some companies charge extra for this task, especially if there are multiple pieces. Don’t forget about items that are attached to the floor, such as the toilet. It must be removed and reinstalled if you’re putting hardwood in the bathroom. Other appliances will need to be unhooked and hooked back up, which often results in an added charge.
Some of these tasks you can take care of yourself which will lower your total labor cost. Others will need to be handled by professionals. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of the costs included so you can be prepared for the total expense of installing hardwood floors.
Just know that there are a lot of variables in having hardwood flooring installed in your home. Know what those costs are and how you can reduce them before you decide if you can afford to have beautiful hardwood in your home.
Canada's premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring installation.
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