If you’re ready to move forward with flooring but are uncertain about which direction you should go, these simple facts about the differences between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood will have you landing on solid ground.
1. Installation Time
If time is of the essence, your clients may want to consider engineered hardwood. This option comes prefinished in the color of choice, and the planks easily click into place. No need to hire a professional for the installation. There are excellent DIY how-to guides and installation essentials that offer tips from experts to ensure the install looks like it was handled by a professional.
Solid hardwood can last a lifetime, but is a bigger commitment in terms of installation. It’s best to hire a professional to assist, as there is a higher level of technical difficulty, and tools and equipment required for this project. It also requires multiple steps. First, the flooring is installed. To achieve the desired finish, it must be sanded, stained, cured, sanded a second time, stained again and then varnished. Drying times vary depending on weather conditions and the level of humidity in the air. The entire process can take more than a week and requires the owners to leave the house for the duration of the process.
2. Cost
Solid hardwood tends to be more expensive than engineered hardwood, but it lasts for decades and can be sanded, painted and stained multiple times. Bamboo flooring, cork flooring, and parquet flooring offer alternatives to solid hardwood. They add texture, interest and elegance at even more affordable prices, while ratcheting up the wow factor.
3. Return on Investment
The marketability of hardwood flooring is clear. It has a high resale value, and potential buyers prefer it over
just about every other kind of flooring. It offers something for everyone. If potential buyers have pets or seasonal allergies, let them know hardwood is easy to clean, and won’t trap pet hair, dander, and dirt the way carpet will. Do the potential buyers have small children, or are otherwise prone to spills? If they love the feel of a soft carpet under foot but want easy cleanup, its recommended they add area rugs to get the best of both worlds.
Source: Jaqueline Falla is a house flipper who writes for The Home Depot about her adventures DIYing. She provides advice for homeowners about how to get their house ready to sell, from upgrading their hardwood floors to stepping up curb appeal by updating the entrance. Click here to see the Home Depot hardwood flooring options.
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