Cost-Effective Hardwood Options for Your Home
You want hardwood flooring, but you don’t have a lot of money to spend. Luckily, hardwood is available in many species of wood. Many varieties are cost-effective, either in the initial cost of flooring installation or in long-term longevity.
Here is a list of hardwood flooring species you can consider with your hardwood flooring specialist. Our list is broken down by price and longevity, to help you make your decision when you’re ready to install hardwood flooring.
Price
If your budget is tight right now and you want the cheapest hardwood flooring options available, then you should consider the following wood species for your home.
Hickory
At a price point of around $3 to $6 per square foot to install, hickory is a wise choice. Hickory is relatively durable (although, the wood is prone to swelling from moisture, so take care if you live in a humid area) and is very attractive in the home.
Cherry
Beautiful and alluring, cherry is also affordable when it comes to hardwood flooring: you can expect an average cost of $3 to $8 per square foot for your installation. Cherry is low-maintenance and comes in a variety of different hues and wood grains to meet your home’s design needs.
Oak
Slightly more expensive than cherry or hickory, oak is still an affordable option because you can install the material for around $3 per square foot on a low end. However, you should discuss the cost in detail with your contractor because oak can cost up to $14 per square foot.
Oak is the most common hardwood flooring choice in America due to its natural beauty and rich grain tones.
Other Options
Bamboo and pine are additional cost-effective hardwood flooring materials. Although neither natural flooring option is an actual hardwood, both are cost-effective for a low-budget floor. For example, pine begins at $4 per square foot to install, while bamboo can cost as little as $2 per square foot. Speak to your flooring specialist about all your hardwood-flooring options.
Longevity
Being able to enjoy the same hardwood flooring for decades at a time is a great way to make a wise investment. The longest-lasting hardwoods typically have the highest Janka ratings or hardness values. Here are long-lasting hardwood flooring species to consider, along with their prices.
Ash
Ash is one of the hardest hardwood flooring options around and is naturally resistant to ample foot traffic. Ash costs an average of $7 to $18 per square foot to install.
Walnut
Walnut, particularly Brazilian walnut, has one of the highest Janka ratings of all hardwoods. The material is also cost-effective at around $4 to $9 per square foot.
Hickory
Mentioned above as a very cost-effective hardwood flooring investment, hickory makes the list again for its hardness factor. Hickory is harder than oak, making the flooring ideal for heavier foot traffic in the home.
Maple
Maple is popular in homes for its relatively cost-effective price range, beauty, and hardness. Maple costs around $6 to $14 per square foot to install, making this material ideal for both budget-friendly needs and long-lasting appeal.
No matter what type of hardwood you choose for your home’s flooring, you will need to have your hardwood floors resealed as instructed by your flooring specialist to keep your floors in excellent condition. Your hardwood flooring installer will show you the proper way to maintain and clean your new hardwood floors to make your investment last longer.
You don’t have to have a large budget to have hardwood floors in your home. Call us at Decca Hardwood Company today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you.
