If it is time to finally rip up that worn, old carpet and replace it, take a moment to consider whether timber floors might work in the space.
There’s no doubt that hardwood flooring is a great option. It looks beautiful, makes cleaning easier, lasts longer than carpeting and is preferred by those with allergies to chemicals and dust.
Pulling up the carpets in an older house might reveal floorboards that can be restored, sanded and polished into new life, but if that isn’t possible, there are many varieties of hardwood flooring materials available.
Here are some ways you can save on the costs of installing hardwood floors, without compromising on the overall beauty and durability of the project.
1. Compare estimates
It is important to source a minimum of three estimates before you decide on who you want to have do the work. Getting several estimates helps with understanding what the average price is in your area, as well as introducing you to the different companies.
When considering estimates, it’s important to compare similar ones. If one estimate includes installation, and another is just for the cost of the supplies alone, you’re going to get very different prices – yet the value is not the same. The cheaper-sounding one might be a lot more expensive once all factors are taken into account.
It’s also important to ask about the same flooring types when getting estimates. Blackbutt does not cost the same as Ironbark, and if they give you estimates on different wood types, you may well be comparing estimates that are very different.
2. Look at all hardwood flooring types
You might be able to save money by choosing engineered wood over solid wood. Solid wood is exactly what it sounds like—a solid plank of wood cut directly from the tree. Engineered wood is a plank that just has a small sliver of solid wood on the top, called a veneer, with the rest made of plywood.
Engineered wood tends to be more water resistant than solid wood, but it can’t be sanded down as many times as natural timber can.
Bamboo flooring is a sustainable alternative, but tends to be susceptible to fluctuations in moisture and humidity, which can lead to warping, swelling, or shrinkage.
3. Do some of the work yourself
A typical installation includes removal and disposal of the old floor, the materials for the new floor, installation of the new floor, and all associated labour costs. If you prefer to pay less, consider doing the removal and disposal yourself.
If you are handy, this can be a good option. If you’re not very handy, or the floor is difficult for some reason, it may be best to save for a while longer instead, so it can be done by the professionals.
We hope you have enjoyed this article. It is our pleasure being your real estate agents in Brisbane.
If you would like any assistance or advice, please feel very welcome to get in touch with our Brisbane real estate agents, Brisbane property management team, or Brisbane buyers agents.
