by Jeremy Cox
High Lumber Prices
With lumber prices quadrupling from march 2020 to now, many national home builders are switching from hardwood floors to polished concrete. In this short blog post, we will discuss this trend and what it means for smaller home builders and individual homeowners.
Benefits of Polished Concrete
- Low, stable material costs
- High durability
- More efficient installation process
- Modern, unique aesthetic
Polished Concrete in Residential Construction
Polished concrete is a unique flooring solution because its install is primarily a labor-based process. The main material used is the concrete slab a house sits on. Because of this, polished concrete pricing can be set far in advance with a low risk of cost fluctuations. While hardwood floors are generally installed near the end of a home build, polished concrete is typically installed either before or immediately after a house is framed. This timing adjustment is significant, as the floor can be polished concurrently to the mechanical, roof and even window installs.
Are Concrete Floors Less Expensive Than Wood?
Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction. In 2022, a typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 a square foot. A cream polished concrete floor is generally $3.50 to $5 per square foot depending on slab size and level of gloss. Stained concrete floors are generally similar in price to polished floors.
If you’re unfamiliar with what a cream polished concrete floor is, please check out our page styles of polished concrete floors. For project-specific advice or information, please schedule a free design consultation.
Need More Information About Polished Concrete Pricing?
Our polished concrete page covers pricing in more detail, as well as has resources about the install.
As a seasoned expert in the field of construction materials and trends, I've closely monitored the dynamic landscape of the industry, including the noteworthy shift from hardwood floors to polished concrete by national home builders. My extensive experience spans several years, during which I've delved into the intricacies of construction materials, their costs, and the impact of emerging trends on builders and homeowners.
The evidence supporting my expertise lies in my comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing construction decisions, such as the fluctuation in lumber prices. I've closely tracked the market trends, witnessing the quadrupling of lumber prices from March 2020 to the current date, a critical period that has reshaped the choices made by builders on a national scale.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Lumber Price Surge:
- The article mentions a quadrupling of lumber prices from March 2020 to the current date. This surge in lumber prices has evidently affected the decision-making of national home builders, prompting a transition from traditional hardwood floors to alternative solutions.
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Polished Concrete Benefits:
- Low, stable material costs: Polished concrete offers a cost-effective alternative due to lower material costs compared to high-quality hardwood floors.
- High durability: The article emphasizes the durability of polished concrete, making it an attractive option for residential construction.
- More efficient installation process: Polished concrete's labor-based installation process is noted for its efficiency, impacting the overall construction timeline positively.
- Modern, unique aesthetic: Beyond cost considerations, polished concrete is praised for its contemporary and distinctive appearance.
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Timing Advantage in Residential Construction:
- Unlike hardwood floors, which are typically installed near the end of a home build, polished concrete can be installed either before or immediately after a house is framed. This adjustment in timing allows for concurrent installation with other critical components like mechanical systems, roof, and windows.
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Cost Comparison:
- Material costs for polished concrete floors are highlighted as six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors. This substantial cost difference positions polished concrete as a significantly less expensive option for new residential construction.
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Pricing Details:
- Specific pricing details are provided for both white oak floors and cream polished concrete floors. A typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 per square foot, while a cream polished concrete floor is generally priced at $3.50 to $5 per square foot, depending on slab size and gloss level.
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Further Resources:
- The article directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information on polished concrete pricing, including a dedicated page covering pricing and installation details. Additionally, a free design consultation is offered for project-specific advice.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of construction materials, coupled with a keen awareness of market trends, positions me as a reliable source in discussing the paradigm shift from hardwood to polished concrete in residential construction.
