As a homeowner, you might be looking for ways to spruce up your home this spring. And like a lot of homeowners, you might be looking at the floors in your house and realizing that it’s been a long while since you’ve had them redone.
Hardwood floors are highly appealing because of their longevity and beautiful, classic look — however, looking more into hardwood flooring you might be surprised to see the price tag on them and just how much time goes into having this kind of
flooring installed.
The high cost and intensive labor required can be discouraging, as many homeowners aren’t aware that there are numerous high-quality yet cheaper alternatives to hardwood floors.
Faux hardwood flooring is an alternative to classic hardwood floors that’s rising in popularity among homeowners. Opting for an artificial wood floor instead of real wood is a great way to save on installation costs, and generally comes with a much more affordable price tag for materials than hardwood floors.
Here are a few things you should consider as a homeowner who wants a classic wood feel and look, but without the price tag of a hardwood floor.
What is Faux Hardwood Flooring?
Faux hardwood flooring is made from thin fiberboard and has a top layer that is made to mimic the look of real hardwood or sometimes stone. This top layer is usually made from laminate or Luxury Vinyl Planks.
Artificial wood flooring has the beautiful appearance of real wood but with a few added benefits that traditional hardwood floors lack. For instance, fake hardwood floors are generally softer to walk on, minimizing the negative affect hardwood has on many people’s joints. This aspect may also make faux hardwood a better option for families with small children or indoor pets.
Durability and Longevity
Artificial hardwood floors generally last between 15-25 years. They are highly durable, can withstand heavy foot traffic, and are extremely water resistant. Their lifespan is generally not quite as long as real hardwood floors (which can last about 30 years) but faux flooring makes up for the shorter life span when you consider its cost-effectiveness.
Cost and Installation
When researching for your upcoming floor remodel, you’ll quickly notice that there is a stark contrast in price between real and faux hardwood floors.
High-quality artificial wood flooring, such as laminate or Luxury
Vinyl, are generally no more than $3 per square foot — whereas mid-range hardwood floors will generally run you between $5-$10 per square foot.
On top of material costs, you also have to consider installation costs. Another benefit of artificial hardwood (such as laminate or Luxury Vinyl) is that installation is fairly simple and can even be completed by you! Traditional hardwood floors, on the other hand, require an installation crew who usually charge per square foot installed. This only adds to the already expensive price tag of classic hardwood floors.
Maintenance and Repairs
Fake hardwood flooring is generally very low maintenance and requires only a quick occasional clean to keep it looking bright and fresh. While the low maintenance of faux hardwood flooring is certainly appealing there is a downside regarding repairs. Fake hardwood floors do not have the same resistance to damage that hardwood floors possess, so once damaged the only solution is to replace that section of your faux floor.
Resale Value
There’s no getting around the fact that should you ever decide to sell your home, faux hardwood floors will do little to increase the value of your home. Traditional hardwood, on the other hand, may positively affect your home’s value. This is because buyers tend to be drawn to classic hardwood floors over faux ones which may lead to you getting a higher resale price than if you had fake hardwood floors.
Nonetheless, for budget-conscious homeowners and those with elderly family members or children, faux wood flooring easily makes up for this by being cheaper to buy and install, and by providing comfort and warmth underfoot.
Contact Our Flooring Experts Today!
We hope this was an informative read and that you now have a clearer idea of the route you wish to pursue as you refloor your home.
Contact Carpet To Go if you’d like to
receive a free quote or if you want to speak to one of our flooring professionals today. We’d be happy to answer any additional questions you might have and want to be of service to you as you pursue improving your home’s aesthetic.
