Today’s flooring market offers a greater selection than ever before, with wood flooring standing as one of the most popular choices. Some homeowners and builders may question if wood flooring is within their budget. However, with the right knowledge and approach, you can find wood flooring options that are not only incredibly cost-effective but also competitively priced alongside quality luxury vinyl and laminate flooring, its closest counterparts. In this pricing guide, we will delineate your options and highlight opportunities to save, making your choice of wood flooring much more affordable than you might initially think.
Choose the Least Expensive Wood Flooring Type
The most prevalent real wood flooring nowadays is engineered wood. Comprised of a 2mm to 6mm top layer of real wood atop a man-made core, this type of flooring delivers the authentic look and feel of wood at a surprisingly affordable price. Quality engineered wood flooring can be found from as little as £30/m2.
The second and more expensive option is solid wood flooring, made from 100% wood, carrying a higher price tag—often around £60/m2. Thus, starting your search with engineered wood flooring can significantly reduce costs.
Choose the Least Expensive Wood Flooring Species
The choice of wood species is a major factor in pricing. Oak, being common and abundantly available, is among the least expensive hardwoods. Opting for exotic hardwoods like Rosewood, Ebony, Tigerwood, or Wenge will increase costs. While these exotic types offer a unique color spectrum, similar effects can be achieved by simply staining Oak to the desired finish. Therefore, selecting engineered oak flooring over solid exotic wood flooring can save money.
Choose the Least Expensive Wood Flooring Grade
Wood is graded based on factors such as color variation, sap content, and knot presence—not on quality. Choosing rustic or natural grade wood flooring, as opposed to select or prime grade, can make your purchase more affordable.
Choose a Cost-Effective Wood Flooring Fitting Method
Installation labor significantly impacts overall cost. Substantial savings can be made by selecting a wood flooring that’s quick and easy to install. Click wood flooring, whether installed by yourself or a professional, can substantially lower overall project costs.
Choose the Least Expensive Wood Flooring Thickness
To maximize cost-effectiveness, consider engineered oak flooring of the click type and in rustic or natural grade. Thickness also plays a role; opting for 10mm or 12mm engineered wood provides a fine balance between performance and cost. For slightly better value, you might also consider 15mm engineered wood, as opposed to the 18mm to 21mm options.
Still Too Expensive? There Are Other Options
If real wood flooring remains out of reach, wood-effect options like laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring offer a close aesthetic resemblance to engineered wood and can be found from around £20/m2. Similar to real wood flooring, choosing the click-fit method can further enhance savings.
Conclusion
Wood flooring doesn’t have to break the bank. By carefully selecting the type, species, grade, fitting method, and thickness, you can achieve a beautiful wood floor that fits within your budget. With the right guidance and consideration, your dream of owning a wood floor can be a reality without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
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FAQ
Is Wood Flooring Expensive?
Wood flooring doesn’t have to be expensive. By carefully selecting the type, species, grade, fitting method, and thickness, wood flooring can be made affordable.
What’s The Most Cost-Effective Wood Flooring Option?
The most cost-effective wood flooring option is engineered oak flooring, particularly when chosen with the click type fitting method and in rustic or natural grade, and in thicknesses like 10mm or 12mm.
What Are The Common Alternatives To Wood Flooring?
Common alternatives to wood flooring include laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring, which come close in terms of look and feel to real wood flooring.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Real Wood Flooring?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is considered real wood flooring. It consists of a top layer of real wood (2mm to 6mm thick) on top of a man-made core, providing an authentic look and feel of wood.
Does Wood Flooring Grade Refer to Quality?
No, the grading of wood flooring doesn’t refer to its quality. Instead, it’s based on factors like colour variation, sap content, and knot presence within the wood. Different grades like rustic or natural as opposed to select or prime can influence the appearance but not the overall quality.