Pick the perfect hardwood for your home
Shopping for hardwood flooring is more than just a home improvement project, it’s also one of the home upgrades that increase resale potential. Today’s home buyers want timber flooring– even if you don’t intend to sell your house for decades, new hardwood flooring has a lifespan of at least 80 years when cared for properly. But don’t just settle for any hardwood floor- use the questions below to find the best deal (and value) when the time comes to replace your existing floor.
Things to Consider Before Shopping for Hardwood Flooring:
1) How many square feet do you need to floor?
Before you can even begin shopping for hardwood flooring, you need to know the amount of floor space in your home. Be sure to overestimate, as cabinet corners and stairs may require a unique layout. If you’re not sure exactly how much you’ll need, use this flooring calculator to get a general idea.
2) What colour/tone would best match your current interior design?
Installing new hardwood flooring should make your home’s interior look amazing. Pick a floor that brings out the subtle charm of your home by comparing colour samples against the wall colour throughout your house. Feel free to brainstorm using our inspiration hub.
3) How much durability do you need?
A family of young children and pets will need a more durable floor than a family of two retirees. If you have a home with lots of indoor traffic, investing in a floor made of wood with a top hardness raking is worth it.
4) What’s your budget?
To be happy with your new hardwood floor, you need to be happy about the project price tag as well. Take some time to consider how much you can affords to budget on both materials and installation so your flooring representative can help you decide from the many different hardwood options.
5) Is environmental friendliness a priority?
Today more than ever, Australian homeowners are turning their attention to eco-friendly choices. New hardwood flooring products are NSF certified, ensuring that they are sourced and manufactured in a responsible manner. Reclaimed flooring has also become extremely popular among environmentally conscious homeowners because it is sourced from recycled hardwood, and its production has very little impact on the environment.
6) Do you need an underlay?
Underlays are one of the most popular ways to flatten uneven subfloors and ensure your new hardwood flooring is installed without any squeaks. From a utility a standpoint, underlays can make it easier on the body’s joints when standing for long periods of time.
Picking the best hardwood flooring for your home takes some preparation. By answering the questions above, you can be better prepared to pick a floor that you and your family will be happy with for decades. Understanding your budget, colour preferences, and durability requirements, you can narrow down your options and start picking planks that make you and your wallet happy. If you thought the flooring tips here were helpful, subscribe to our newsletter to get useful flooring information sent straight to your inbox.