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If you’re using a carpet runner instead of a traditional carpet, pay attention to your width measurements. Instead of measuring the total width of your staircase with 2 added inches for foldover, simply measure the width you’d like the runner to cover. Runners generally come in standard sizes, so you may need to approximate what would look best in your space.

No subflooring is perfectly level, but you should never ignore any noticeable floor sagging. Most contractors deem a floor that slopes by a 1/2 inch to 1 inch per 20 feet of floor acceptable. Further investigation is required when the slope or sag is more than one and a half inches.

Hardwood offers the highest ROI at around 75%. Engineered hardwood, tile, reclaimed wood, and laminate also increase a home’s value but with lower ROIs. Lighter tiles tend to increase a home’s value slightly more than darker tiles. Taking the ROI into account when you choose flooring can increase your home value and allow you to recoup some or all of the cost to install it.

There are a few different types of finishes to choose from for the final step of the project. 

Water-based polyurethane sealants emit fewer odors and fumes but dry quickly, which can pose a challenge when trying to get a smooth coat. Oil-based polyurethane sealants let out more odors and fumes into the air (it’s especially important to wear a respirator if you choose this type), but they take longer to dry, which can be more forgiving during the finishing step. 

Some may prefer wood oil to polyurethane because rather than creating a layer, it becomes part of the wood. Wood oil takes longer to dry, and is less resistant to wear and tear; however, it creates a natural-looking result by enhancing the grain of the wood.