The look of hardwood flooring does not need to cost a large amount. If you want to replace your carpet or vinyl with hardwood, two options for affordable flooring are available: going with a lower grade or choosing discount hardwood flooring. "Discount" and "value grade" flooring, however, are not the same. While value grade wood is determined by the amount of type of imperfections on the surface, such as knots and color variations, discount hardwood flooring encompasses all grades sold at a lower price.
Typically sold wholesale, discount hardwood flooring takes a significant percentage off the original price and the quality is not compromised. Exotic and domestic species of solid and engineered hardwoods are all sold at a discount.
Exotic and domestic solid hardwood are sold wholesale at a discount. Solid hardwood, regardless of price, is cut directly from a wood log into a plank and has tongues and grooves added to all sides. Sold in thicknesses from 5 / 16ths to 3 / 4ths of an inch, solid hardwood is sensitive to changes in humidity and, as a result, can only be installed at or above ground level. When installed, the wood needs to be nailed down on top of a wood subfloor.
With more location options, engineered hardwood flooring can be purchased at a discount for domestic and engineered species. Although 100-percent hardwood, engineered flooring is more resistant to moisture and consistants of three to nine thin wood plys bonded together through heat and pressure. The top ply is the visible species, and all below are the same or a more stable wood.
Engineered hardwood flooring can be placed below ground level in a dry basement and in locations at or above ground. The material can be placed over a radiating heat source, concrete, or any hard subfloor, such as vinyl or tile. The wood itself can be glued or stapled down, and floating also saves time and preserves materials. Several brands of engineered hardwood offer click-lock or lock and fold flooring, in which all glue and groove edges lock together and the planks just need to be set in place.
Prefinished and unfinished are two options for discount hardwood flooring . In addition to a lower price, prefinished flooring takes less time to install. If you are covering a large area with new hardwood, prefinished is best for the job. If, however, you want to match new hardwood to existing flooring, installing unfinished hardwood and adding your own finish often creates a better match and seamless appearance.