Cost of installing Wooden Flooring
From American Oak to Ash, European Oak to Maple, there are many varieties of solid wood flooring to choose from. Solid wood flooring is a perfect flooring option in most rooms in the home due to its sleek and natural charm that can transform any room. Solid wood flooring usually comes in strips ranging from 15mm to 20mm thick and can be nailed or screwed down to joists, battens, or even existing floorboards!
Advantages and Disadvantages to Solid Wood Flooring
Like most things, there are pros and cons to wooden flooring, it’s up to you to choose whether wooden flooring is right for your home. Some advantages of solid flooring are its unique look, rustic charm, durability, and easy maintenance (as it only requires an oil or lacquer to keep its shine or as protection from heavy footfall). There are some disadvantages to solid wood flooring. For example, it is quite susceptible to scratches and scuffs, like most flooring, but can be fixed by sanding the area and then applying the stain of your choice. Also, solid flooring expands and contracts in hotter temperatures, so before installing solid wooden flooring an expansion gap between the floor and the wall is needed to make room for the expansion.
Engineered Wood Flooring
If you are looking for a cheaper wood flooring alternative, then engineered wood flooring is the best option. It’s a great alternative as it replicates the look of solid wood flooring but is made from hardwood which is bonded onto a base of either plywood or fibreboard. Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered wood does not expand or contract in hotter temperatures so it’s unlikely that you will need an expansion gap. Engineered wood flooring can be fitted the same way solid wooden flooring can and you can also use the same oil and lacquers on both floorings.
How much does it cost to install solid wood flooring?
The most expensive type of wooden flooring is solid wooden flooring, and it is best to be installed by a professional so that the flooring is installed correctly, is long-lasting and minimises the waste of product during installation. Oiled and lacquered solid wood planks around 150mm wide cost between £30 and £50 per square metre. Prices can vary when installing wooden flooring due to the type of wood you choose or the shape of the room as rooms with awkward shapes will take more time to install. As a general guide, the cost of installing solid timber flooring will range between £15 and £80 per metre which includes the price for sealing the wood.
