Types of Hardwood floor

[I0s]

We are thinking of replacing the entire flooring in our house, except the tiles. So the carpets and existing floating laminated flooring have to go. I have no prior experience in hardwood floor so I was doing some reading and was overwhelmed and confused by the different types of hardwood floor (laminated, engineered, conventional hardwood etc). Hopefully, you guys can clear it out for me and help me pick up the right stuff.

Currently, all the bedrooms and staircase is carpet and we want it all replaced, also the hallway on the 2nd floor (all the bedrooms are) have builder installed hardwood floor that need to be replaced too, the main floor has floating laminated floor which also needs replacing, what type of hardwood floor would be best for these area?

I am still in my research stage, so would not be doing this project anytime soon and there is no rush and can wait for good deals, is there a specific time of year I can find good deals, aka seasonal sale etc? As for price, I do not have one yet but nothing too expensive. I do not mind paying for quality and durability as I want these to last.
Also, there are no pets or little kids .

Thanks

[patrob]

We are thinking of replacing the entire flooring in our house, except the tiles. So the carpets and existing floating laminated flooring have to go. I have no prior experience in hardwood floor so I was doing some reading and was overwhelmed and confused by the different types of hardwood floor (laminated, engineered, conventional hardwood etc). Hopefully, you guys can clear it out for me and help me pick up the right stuff.

Currently, all the bedrooms and staircase is carpet and we want it all replaced, also the hallway on the 2nd floor (all the bedrooms are) have builder installed hardwood floor that need to be replaced too, the main floor has floating laminated floor which also needs replacing, what type of hardwood floor would be best for these area?

I am still in my research stage, so would not be doing this project anytime soon and there is no rush and can wait for good deals, is there a specific time of year I can find good deals, aka seasonal sale etc? As for price, I do not have one yet but nothing too expensive. I do not mind paying for quality and durability as I want these to last.
Also, there are no pets or little kids .

Thanks

Well, what I would recommend is the regular traditional hardwood floors, since engineered will cost you a bit more.

Are you planning to remove any of the carpets/laminated floors yourself? Since this will add to the total cost...

I don't believe there is a time of the year where you can get better deals, unless someone needs to sell of some old stock. But be careful of too good to be true deals, if you want these floors to last don't try to go cheap, since that's what you will get...lower quality:idea:

Also a good installer can do magic with not so good wood, but then installation costs more for lower grade wood, so it's better to invest in better quality wood & pay lower install price.....sounds confusing:lol:

Plus if you want to do your stairs, that will not be cheap, since depending what is under the carpet (hopefully oak, but I doubt it) you might need new stair threads plus a lot of labour is involved...

[jandumm]

Well, what I would recommend is the regular traditional hardwood floors, since engineered will cost you a bit more.


are you sure about that? in my experience, engineered has cost less. Conventional hardwood is fully made of wood, whereas engineered has a thin layer of wood on top (usually less than 1/4") and the rest is composite material.

The advantage of conventional is that it can be sanded, refinished a number of times. I think with engineered, u'd be lucky if u can get even 1.

[CharmyPoo]

In my recent search, I have found that engineered hardwood is generally more expensive than hardwood. The only reason to go engineered is for the ease in installation especially for concrete subfloors.

[patrob]

are you sure about that? in my experience, engineered has cost less. Conventional hardwood is fully made of wood, whereas engineered has a thin layer of wood on top (usually less than 1/4") and the rest is composite material.

The advantage of conventional is that it can be sanded, refinished a number of times. I think with engineered, u'd be lucky if u can get even 1.

Most of the time, the manufacturers that make solid & engineered, eng. is more expensive because of more application possibilities.

With todays finishes, even though the finish is thinner than the finish on site, it's a lot stronger & are UV cured with multiple layers. That gives you a long time of wear & tear. Under normal conditions, a reputable (Canadian made NOT Chinese) wood floor will last you minimum of 15-20 years before any thoughts of re-finishing...

[jandumm]

ah i see, thanks for the info....i guess i got my info from my dad who's oldschool and thinks anything that's "solid wood" is superior :).

[patrob]

ah i see, thanks for the info....i guess i got my info from my dad who's oldschool and thinks anything that's "solid wood" is superior :).

:cheesygri

[CharmyPoo]

ah i see, thanks for the info....i guess i got my info from my dad who's oldschool and thinks anything that's "solid wood" is superior :).

I guess I am old school too. The look of solid wood is still superiour.

[I0s]

oh so I guess I will be looking more into conventional hardwood floor then. Its amazing that after so many advances in flooring conventional hardwood flooring is still king.
btw, I can remove the carpet and old flooring to save on labour and spend that money on better grade flooring. I do not know how to install conventional hardwood floor (nailing) but if its just a locking system then I think I can do it.
Also, any specific brand(s) I should stick to?

Thanks

[patrob]

oh so I guess I will be looking more into conventional hardwood floor then. Its amazing that after so many advances in flooring conventional hardwood flooring is still king.
btw, I can remove the carpet and old flooring to save on labour and spend that money on better grade flooring. I do not know how to install conventional hardwood floor (nailing) but if its just a locking system then I think I can do it.
Also, any specific brand(s) I should stick to?

Thanks

Conventional flooring you can't 'click in', you need to have it nailed & I recommend Vintage, but it's not cheapest floor, you can also get Mirage but that's even more $....:rolleyes:

Depending on what colour you want, that might determine who you go with...Louzon is also good but don't buy the Rona/HD stuff & stay away from cheap Chinese stuff:idea:

[I0s]

oh, and what thickness should I concentrate on and a price range?
thanks

[patrob]

oh, and what thickness should I concentrate on and a price range?
thanks

Standard thickness is 3/4" & price range for the "good stuff" can start approx. $9 - $10 total wood with install (depending on width & colour)...

Also depends if you want fancy borders in dining room or 45 degree angle, etc. this would be an extra cost...:)