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Hardwood floors are sold all over the word and vary in cost according to each region. According to Wood Fiber Index these numbers can fluctuate according to what is available in tree supplies, which are an exhaustible resource. For instance it takes about a hundred years for one oak tree to mature. Other factors include the labor and time to prepare each plank until it is ready for use. Consider also all of the different types of trees utilized for hardwood floor production:

Hardwood in general can be expensive compared to other manufactured resources such as carpet, vinyl, ceramic, synthetic wood, ect.. The average cost is around $2 to $4 per square foot unfinished, and around $3 to $5 per square foot for prefinished material. Buyers of unfinished hardwood still need to pay for the finishing and staining, would could create an additional expense.

High-end wood can cost consumers as much as $30 per square foot according to Chris Burton, co-owner of Burton’s Flooring Center of Franklin, Ind., in a recent article on The Columbian. The article also points out that a typical hardwood floor installation can range anywhere from $1,800 to $2,475.

Prefinished boards are good for low-budget installations because they are less costly in the long run and involve less preparation such as staining, polishing and finishing. Buying wholesale can also be less expensive, especially if you’re looking to install flooring in the entire house or in a very large space. Buyers can check with their local hardware store or used wood showrooms for more options. Whenever you buy at a discounted rate, always be sure to check the entire woodwork for signs of wear and decay.

Unlike man-made materials hardwood can last for generations to come, which makes the initial investment worth it. They key to maintaining your flooring for years is to make sure it’s cleaned and protected on a regular basis with the use of high-quality wood care cleaners. While concrete and stone are also long lasting nothing beats the natural look and feel that real hardwood provides.