Hardwood floors are sold everywhere, but little do we know that it takes a lot of effort and time to prepare each plank until it is fit for building use. Trees are an exhaustible resource. This means they are not simply manufactured out of factories and have to be grown for a considerable period before they can be used. Oak hardwood, for instance, can take as long as a hundred years to mature.

Is, therefore, because of this that hardwood is comparatively expensive. Standard hardwood floors cost around $4 per square foot and that's still the unfinished version. Prefinished hardwood floors cost a little bit more, usually at around $5 per square foot.

When buying unfinished hardwood flooring, however, don't think that you're saving a huge deal. Unfinished hardwood still has to be finished and stained before it can truly serve its purpose, so it's an extra expense.

If your budget is limited, then you should opt for prefinished boards, instead. They are less costly in the long run and more convenient to install. You will no longer have to worry about stains, polish and finishings once you have them in place.

If you're looking to install flooring on an entire house or a very huge space, you can save on costs if you buy hardwood wholesale. Another way to reduce your expenditure is to purchase them on discount, which may through hardware store sales or through used wood showrooms. Of course, whenever you buy on discount, make sure that you check the entire woodwork for signs of wear and decay.

Overall, while buying and installing hardwood floors is expensive, the benefits definitely outweigh the costs. Hardwood can last generations so you'll no longer have to worry about; just make sure it's properly and regularly maintained and protected well. While concrete also has a similar life, or longer, nothing beats the natural feel that real hardwood affords your home.