Hardwood Selection Process

• Begin your selection process by analyzing the different types of hardwood floors available. The most common are maple, oak and mahogany. Each offers durability and natural beauty. The difference lies in the your home's style and personal preferences. Price is also a factor. Shopping around at lumber liquidators, home improvement stores and flooring outlets will produce a variety of price points for each type of wood.
  
  

Solid vs. Laminates

• Another option in hardwood flooring is design, and choosing a solid hardwood floor instead of a laminate is something to consider. Although hardwood floors offer an advantage in terms of character, they are susceptible to warping from moisture and temperature change. Fluctuations in temperature cause the boards to expand and contract, trapping moisture inside. Engineered hardwood floors are constructed from layers of wood glued together. This process prevents expansion and contraction; therefore, the flooring withstands moisture more effectively.
  
  

Pricing

• The best way to know the approximate cost of a flooring installation is to measure the room where you want to install the floor. Multiply the width and length of the floor to find the square footage. Round numbers up to play it safe. Calculate the total cost based on estimates contractors and flooring outlets provide, which are given in square feet or yards. Include the cost of installation if this is not provided as part of the initial quote.