Hardwood Floor Guide
When building a house, one of the most important decisions to make is on the flooring for each room. Hardwood floors are a favorable option because of their durability and visual appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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There are two types of hardwood floors: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Both types of hardwood floors come in set or random lengths, but both are laid using staggered installation.
Solid Hardwood
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Solid hardwood can be used on every floor of a house except the basement. Solid hardwood floors are known for their durability. They can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
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Engineered Hardwood
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Engineered hardwood can be used on every floor of a house, including a basement. This is the only type of hardwood that should be used in a basement.
Protecting and preserving
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Solid hardwood floors can be refinished over and over again to give them a new look. Only certain types of engineered hardwood floors can be refinished. Bristle mats should be placed at the entries of all rooms with either solid or engineered hardwood floors. Protectors should also be placed under all furniture legs.
Considerations
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Hardwood floors are susceptible to dings, dents and scratches. Engineered hardwoods tend to be thinner than solid hardwoods, and therefore, will be more prone to damage. The preferred width of both hardwood and engineered hardwood is 3/4 of an inch to give the floor a more traditional look.
Cost
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Most hardwood flooring retailers do not list the cost because it varies widely. However, you can expect to pay about $3.89 per square foot. Installation and supplies will make the flooring considerably more expensive.
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