How to Buy Hardwood

A hardwood floor can add a touch of class to a room.

Hardwood flooring is a desired flooring material because of its durability, design and visual warmth. You can install hardwood floors in any room in your house, although basement floors require a certain construction of hardwood because of moisture issues. Many hardwood types are available and each has a slightly different style, color and hardness.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Determine your budget for the project. The amount of money you are willing to spend is going to factor into almost every other hardwood buying decision that you will make.

2. Calculate the square footage of the area that you want to cover with hardwood.

3. Determine the subfloor that you will install the hardwood over. You can install hardwood over concrete or plywood at ground level, and over concrete below ground level.

4. Visit your local lumber supplier or home improvement store to view and price available hardwood flooring.

5. Pick out the hardwood construction that suits your needs. Three-quarters-inch solid hardwood is designed for installation over plywood at or above ground level, 5/16-inch solid hardwood can go over concrete or plywood at or above ground level. To install hardwood below ground level, you'll need either engineered hardwood or locking hardwood.

6. Determine the exact type of hardwood that you want to purchase. The different types will vary in color and hardness. Try to find the hardest wood that you can afford and that is available in a color that you like; the harder woods will stand up to more abuse without showing any wear and tear. Some hardwood types come pre-finished, with the stain and sealer already on the wood, to make the installation process easier.

7. Pick out a grade of hardwood that you want to purchase. The grade refers to the overall appearance of the wood. Clear or Select grades are the most common for hardwood flooring, as they are uniform in shape, have only minor color variations and very few defects, blemishes or knots. If you want a more rustic look with knots and imperfections in the wood, try a cabin, traditional or country grade.

References

• Lowes: Guide to Buying Hardwood Flooring
• HardwoodInstaller.com: Hardwood Flooring Types, Options, Construction
• HardwoodFlooring.org: Buying Hardwood Flooring
• Barefoot Floor: Selecting a Hardwood Grade