Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a challenge. There are numerous options to choose from, ranging from tile to carpet. But, one flooring material that has been a favorite for a long time is hardwood. Hardwood flooring is versatile and durable. It works well with almost any style of home and is available in various styles and configurations. However, before you start the process of installation, there are a few decisions that you will need to make when it comes to your new flooring.

Engineered Or Solid Hardwood

The first thing that you will need to decide when installing hardwood is whether you want to go with engineered hardwood or solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood planks are constructed of multiple layers of material with a top layer of hardwood. Solid hardwood boards are hardwood throughout. Engineered hardwood offers easy installation and doesn't require as much subflooring as solid hardwood. It's also less expensive than solid hardwood. But, it's important to note that solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times while engineered hardwood cannot. Both are great options, but you may find that one works better for your needs than the other. 

Pre-finished Or On-site Finished

Another decision that you will need to make is whether to go with pre-finished hardwood or to have the hardwood finished on-site. There are benefits to both options. With pre-finished wood, you already know that the wood will look like once it's in place. It's also faster to install since you won't have to wait for the stain or topcoat to dry. However, if you go with an on-site finish, you can make changes and have more control over the finished product. On-site finishing allows for more customization.

DIY Or Professional Installation

If you are thinking about installing hardwood flooring, you have the option of doing it yourself or hiring a professional. While tackling your new hardwood yourself can save you money, you'll likely see better results if you hire a professional. The cost to have a professional lay down your hardwood flooring averages out to $6 to $8 per square foot for the installation work. The labor for a difficult hardwood installation ranges between $10 and $12 per square foot.

If you are interested in hardwood flooring for your home, there are a few decisions that you will need to make before installation can begin. First, you will need to decide between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring. Hardwood is also available in pre-finished and raw formats. The option you choose will depend on your flooring needs. Hardwood can also be installed as a do-it-yourself project, but for the best results, you may want to hire a professional. 

For more information, contact a professional that provides hardwood flooring services.