Elizabeth's Blog
Fundamental Facts About Hardwood Flooring and Installation in Toronto
Hardwood flooring and installation in Toronto area homes has become the popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike. Whether being used in an upgrade to a home, or to opt the finishing touches to a new one, hardwood flooring comes with many benefits. Those benefits go way beyond practicality and aesthetics, as hardwood floors are more affordable than ever to install. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly products that can be used in a home. Believe it or not, there are even more reasons why more and more homeowners and contractors are considering hardwood flooring and installation in Toronto.
Why Hardwood Flooring and Not Carpet?
Many consumers avoid hardwood flooring because of its potential for warping and expansion. If it is installed and finished correctly however, that need not be a concern. Engineered hardwood especially eliminates that threat, as the planks are laminated in a fashion that prevents any twisting, warping or shrinkage. Layer after layer of strip is laid in a criss-cross manner until a complete plank is fashioned. The criss-cross construction is resistant to bending, twisting, or shrinkage of any sort.
Another advantage of installing hardwood flooring in Toronto homes is that they are extremely low maintenance. Once the floor is laid and finished, a mopping with soapy water once a week will sustain it for years to come. Carpet on the other hand, can be difficult to keep clean, especially from irritants and allergens like mildew, dust, and mites. Even when vacuumed on a regular basis, animal dander, mold, mildew, and mites can remain among the carpet fibers.
Additionally, carpet is manufactured and installed using toxic chemicals, it’s not as good for the home or environment as one might think. Installing engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto homes is a much better environmentally conscious choice. Wood is actually one of the world’s most sustainable and renewable resources, especially since reforesting projects have been put in place.
Engineered hardwood flooring boasts the additional advantage of convenience. It takes considerably less time to install it as it is prepared and finished in the factory. Generally hardwood is a good all-round choice due to its durability, practicality, and aesthetic appeal. Most of all, it is very affordable.
The Cost of Hardwood Flooring and Installation in Toronto
Hardwood flooring can run anywhere from $3 to $25 per square foot, depending on the species of wood, and the finish applied. You can even come across bargains where it is being sold for less than one or two dollars per square foot, although usually there is a limited amount available at those prices.
If you’re having your floor installed by a professional, they will most likely charge you separately for particular parts of the process. They may charge you per square foot, or charge separately for each plank installed. If your floor needs to be finished, there will be an additional charge for sanding, sometimes as much as $3 per square foot, and sealing or application of lacquer might run anywhere form $1.25 -$2.00 per sq.ft. Generally installation should cost no more than $7 per square foot, including sanding and finishing.
There are many special promotional offers and discounts to be found regarding hardwood flooring and installation in Toronto. Be patient and make the effort to shop around a bit. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save on both materials and installation. The more planning you do in advance, the more capable you’ll be of sourcing the best quality engineered hardwood flooring in Toronto at a price that’s right.