Irrespective of what type of wood flooring you’re looking to buy, once you start shopping around, you’ll notice a huge variation in the prices for things that appear to be similar. If you’re new to wood flooring, this can make your job to find the right solution really frustrating. From our point of view there are three main elements that affect the price of wood flooring and they are:
Whether you choose solid or engineered flooring.
Regular readers of this blog will already be familiar with the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring, but, in a nutshell, for those who aren’t…. Solid wood flooring is made from planks of solid wood and nothing else. Engineered wood flooring is a cleverly constructed “sandwich” of different wood products that are bonded together to create a stable sub board. That sub board is then topped off with a solid wood lamella or top layer, which is what makes engineered wood flooring look just like solid wood.
When it comes to price, it’s only fair to say that solid wood is slightly more expensive than engineered wood flooring. That said, solid wood flooring is certain stand up to more sandings in its lifetime than engineered wood. Generally speaking, the likes of an 18/5 engineered wood flooring will allow up to 5 or 6 sandings, whereas a 14/3 board will only stand up to around 4 sandings. Clearly, the number of times you can sand and refinish your floor is one of the factors that will enable you to keep it looking great for longer. A solid wood floor, if it’s professionally sanded, will stand up to about 7 or 8 sandings (and maybe even more).
So when it comes to the price you pay for your wood flooring, you need to think about how long the floor will last as well as the initial investment.
The species and grade of wood you choose.
Different species of woods are priced differently and prices can vary more dramatically than you’d imagine. The general rule of thumb when it comes to pricing wood is that the more rare and the more exotic the species the higher the price you can expect pay. In particular, naturally very dark woods, which are currently highly in demand, are pricey because they are rare. The likes of pine and oak, although they still take a relatively long time to grow are affordable because they are in greater supply.
When it comes to wood grades, each grade demonstrates different characteristics and, generally speaking, the higher the grade, the higher the price. Things like knot size, uniformity and sap are the characteristics that make up the different grades. Wood is split into four grades: Prime or AB grade; Select or ABC grade; Natural or ABCD grade and Rustic or CD grade. AB grade is cut from the centre of the log and has a highly uniform appearance. Because of this, it’s priced higher than the lower grades.
It’s important to say that the wood species and grade of wood you prefer is a highly personal thing, so, there’s nothing to say that a cheaper wood won’t tick all your boxes!
Where you buy your flooring.
There’s little doubt that buying your flooring online will, generally speaking, save you money. With an online option, you’re able to buy your flooring at prices that aren’t helping to pay for a High Street rent or a fancy shop front. What to look out for when shopping online is a comprehensive guarantee and warranty, as well as the ability to obtain samples before you commit to ordering.
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FAQ
How does the type of wood flooring I choose affect the price?
Whether you opt for solid or engineered wood flooring will impact the cost. Solid wood flooring is generally slightly more expensive than engineered wood flooring. However, solid wood flooring can withstand more sandings in its lifetime than engineered wood, which could make it a better investment in the long term.
Does the species and grade of wood influence the price?
Yes, the species and grade of the wood significantly affect the price. Rarer and more exotic species tend to be pricier. Similarly, higher wood grades, which are determined by factors like knot size, uniformity, and sap content, usually come with a higher price tag.
Is there a difference in price between dark and light wood species?
Typically, naturally dark woods are more expensive because they are rarer. More common species like pine and oak tend to be more affordable as they are in greater supply.
What’s the difference between the wood grades?
Wood is divided into four grades: Prime or AB grade, Select or ABC grade, Natural or ABCD grade, and Rustic or CD grade. AB grade, cut from the center of the log with a highly uniform appearance, is usually priced higher than the lower grades.
Does the place where I buy my flooring impact the cost?
Buying your flooring online is generally cheaper because online retailers don’t have to cover costs like High Street rents or shop front expenses. It’s crucial, however, to ensure that the online retailer offers a comprehensive guarantee and warranty, and provides samples before ordering.