Plain sawn also known as flat sawn this type is the most common and least expensive.
Least expensive engineered hardwood.
Engineered wood flooring looks very much like solid hardwood but its construction features a relatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a premium quality plywood layer that gives the flooring very good stability.
Engineered hardwood debate right there.
Here in alaska 4 4 poplar and 5 8 soft maple start around 2 30 bf but birch is about double that and hard maple nearly clear triple.
The real hardwood veneer of engineered floors differs from laminate which has a printed paper veneer.
The result includes a cathedral like pattern on the face of the board.
Some engineered floors can be sanded and refinished.
Installation of solid hardwood flooring averages 3 4 per square foot for both unfinished and prefinished wood.
You have to look carefully at the prices especially in the big box stores as they sell a lot of their hardwood by the lineal foot.
Laminate runs 1 to 7 per square foot depending on the quality.
Quarter sawn this one is slightly more expensive than plain saw.
Laminate flooring generally is less expensive than engineered hardwood.
Flooring 3 8 is less expensive than 3 4.
Engineered floors are also more environmentally friendly and less expensive than solid floors because the veneer is only a few millimeters thick instead of 3 4 inch thick.
A good quality engineered wood floor typically lasts 25 to 30 years and it is both less expensive and easier for diyers to install.
The thickness of the engineered wood flooring plays a major role in the price.
For many folks that ends the laminate vs.
That said by far the biggest concern as a homeowner should be avoiding shoddy or inferior engineered manufacturers and products.
Pre finished solid wood flooring prices start at about 4 and can cost as much as 12 per square foot but most is found in the 4 10 per square foot price range.
Engineered hardwood flooring a quick diagram showcasing the process and result of engineered floors.
The most expensive engineered flooring may cost 10 per square foot.
Another good choice is poplar it partly depends on where you live.
Today however this project.
Cheaper versions have 1 4 inch cores and the photo reproductions may not be as realistic as more expensive versions.
In the past there weren t a lot of options for replacing your flooring as the primary materials were beautiful but expensive hardwood or costly carpeting.