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Hardwood flooring can add value and appeal to a home, but it can also be an expensive project. However, there are ways to reduce the hardwood floor installation cost. One of the simplest ways to do this is to do the installation yourself. Installing hardwood floors is not a particularly difficult home improvement project. Hardwood floor manufacturers typically provide detailed instructions on how to complete this project, enabling most homeowners to complete this type of project without professional assistance. By completing the project as a do-it-yourself project, the installation costs are reduced dramatically because labor costs are eliminated.
Other ways to reduce the hardwood floor installation costs is to consider material selections and installation methods carefully. The type of wood chosen can have a profound impact on cost. Homeowners should seek out a wood which is attractive and durable without exceeding their budget. Finally, the type of installation can also impact cost. Floating floors are usually the least expensive and glue-down floors are the most expensive with nail-down floors falling in the middle.
Before beginning a hardwood floor installation project, it is a good idea to assemble all of the tools required to complete the project. The necessary hardwood floor installation tools will depend on the type of floors being installed. For nail-down hardwood floors, the basic tools required include a staple gun, vapor barrier paper, hammer, chalk line, tape measure, pry bar and pneumatic tools such as an air compressor and hose, a nail gun, mallet and staples. If the manufacturer's instructions involve gluing the floorboards, the recommended glue will also be required. The list of tools may vary, but the instructions provided by the manufacturer should include a complete list of the tools required to complete the project.
The cost to install hardwood floors is a variable which cannot be easily defined. Using the Internet to research the subject may produce information which estimates the cost of installing hardwood floors at approximately $3.00 per square foot. However, it is important to note there are a number of factors which can influence this cost. Some of these factors include the type of wood chosen, the installation process, the experience level of the contractor and even location. Higher quality woods will typically be more expensive to install than other types of woods. Likewise, a contractor with a great deal of experience and an impressive resume may charge more for installation than a less experienced contractor. Also, the location in which the hardwood floors will be installed may also factor into the price of installation. Installation costs will likely be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Finally, the installation process is also a factor. Generally, floating wood floors are the least expensive to install followed by nail-down floors and then glue-down floors.
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Christina Chan |