If you’re getting ready to build or renovate a home, you may have a “floor of your dreams” in mind. Chances are you’re envisioning beautiful hardwood floors.
There are wide choices available. From rustic to elegant, contemporary to exotic—whatever your taste. Chose from a multitude of species, sizes, grades, surfaces, colors, and finishes.
If you’re like most people, your dream may be a bit fuzzy. You have a sense of what you want, but you may need help honing in on that perfect floor.
Make Yourself at Home in the Showroom
It’s good to look at magazines, the internet, and other people’s floors to come up with an idea of the finished wood floors you want. But once you have arrived at a general preference, it’s time to visit the showroom of an experienced installer.
If you find that the flooring professional isn’t ready to work with you as a consultant, you’re in the wrong place. You should expect them to be as eager as you are to find just the right floor for you. They should be able and willing to go over the pros and cons of every choice. They should listen to your needs, and then show you options to fulfill those needs. They may have already designed a hardwood floor that perfectly fits your vision.
Your hardwood floor professional should be very conscious of what you can afford, helping you find creative ways to get the finished wood flooring you want within your budget. The entire process should be a collaborative—not a pushy sales job. There should be no rush; you shouldn’t even consider buying until you find the ideal floor that fits your taste and budget.
Choose The Right Floor
One caveat regarding budgeting: When considering cost, think about whether your budget is driving your choice in hardwood flooring to the point where you really aren't getting what you want. Will you become unhappy with them and want to replace them? If so, consider that cost when figuring your budget now. Looking down the road may lead you to realize that your most cost-effective decision is to invest a little more now and get the floors you really want.
This decision, like all the others regarding your finished wood floors, should be made in consultation with a hardwood floor professional you trust.
