Ask these simple
questions?
What Rooms, Square footage needed (add 5%) ?
of Wood Floor products for your conditions/subfloor
Determine the area you want to add wood floors, then measure for the amount you need (Sqr. footage +5%)
Always set a budget after doing some preliminary shopping, remembering, if the price sounds to good to be true, it's most likely is of lesser quality (no warranty) and will cause serious concerns later. Wood floors are a life time investment ! Take care and time in making these decisions. Also keep in mind, there many other factors that will effect the final price, such as, removal of existing floor coverings, subfloor prep, moldings, and the application of additional coats of finish if needed.
Check the rooms subfloor. Is it satisfactory for the type and thickness of the wood floor product you would like to use? Is it sound and level? Will it required an engineered or solid wood floor? See Engineered Wood Floors vs Solid Wood Floor products.
Do you want an unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring product. Prefinished wood flooring has the finish coats already applied at the manufacturer, so once it is installed the project is complete. Unfinished wood flooring requires a job site sanding, and/or
staining, and finishing after installation. This can add unwanted time (unfinished products must acclimate prior to finishing) and cost to the project. See prefinished vs unfinished wood floor products.
Choose a style/design to match and/or compliment the rooms decor. Simple to custom wood floors, and there are many.
Consider a wood floor product with proper finish that can handle the traffic for that specific area/room. If job site finished always consult with your wood floor contractor as to what type of and how many coats of finish should be applied.
Always shop different outlets and vendors, not only for pricing, but to get an ideas of the many styles, colors and types of prefinished wood floor products in today's market place.
Prefinished wood floor pricing varies, as do most flooring products. A quality prefinished wood floor product ( material only) can start at $5.00 and up per square foot. Width, thickness, color, brand and species will effect this price. Exotics can run $3+ more.
Again, using a professional wood floor contractor is highly recommended, as there are many technical concerns that can adversely effect and/or compromise the product.
Also see these additional
detailed
FAQ's when considering the purchase of a wood floor product.
