One of the major obstacles facing those considering teak hardwood flooring is determining the price. There are several factors to consider starting with laminate teak hardwood or pure teak hardwood, which variant of teak to choose from, which coloration to select, environmental factors to consider, the size and width of the teak planks, and even the contractor to install it all! All these variables make it difficult to narrow the price of teak flooring down to a range worthy of consideration.
Before proceeding further it is important to note that any figures or comparisons mentioned here are generalizations based on research of U.S. prices conducted in May of 2009. The global teak market is extremely diverse and rapidly evolving. As a result these figures may not remain accurate forever, but the generalities will probably hold true for some time. All facts and figures reflect product pricing only and don't take into account shipping or installation charges.
It is also worth noting that no appreciable price difference was found in teak hardwood flooring from FSC certified vendors. These vendors and their supply chain must meet stringent business and ecological standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council. While environmentally friendly business practices are usually diametrically opposed to business practicalities, the FSC has developed a certification process that not only produces a net benefit to the environment but does so in a financially responsible way.
If given the choice between two products of similar price, one bearing an FSC logo and the other not, it is certainly worth going with the FSC-certified brand; even for consumers who aren't concerned about the environment the FSC logo represents sustainable operations not only when it comes to harvesting trees, but such a logo also represents long term strategic business thinking. In short companies with an FSC logo aren’t likely to fold up shop overnight.
The very first step for anyone considering teak flooring is to decide if they want pure teak or teak laminate flooring. Both are quite strong, but the latter is nothing more than a synthetic material with a decorative applique affixed to the exterior. The pricing difference between the two can be dramatic. So can the delta in resale value of any property once the new flooring has been installed. Inexpensive teak laminate tends to start at just over $1 US per square foot while genuine teak starts at nearly $4 per square foot. Teak laminate can top out in quality around $6 per square foot while authentic teak hardwood flooring can go for dozens of times that price.
Whether or not one selects teak laminate flooring or genuine teak hardwood flooring the question of coloration and plank size are probably next. Various forms of teak come in colors ranging from a rich sand tone with a slight ruddy hue to mellow reddish browns. The grain is generally tightly packed with a coloration running from pitch black to a very rich dark sienna. For lower end teak laminate, the price doesn't fluctuate as much as authentic teak hardwood does when it comes to color selection, and the same holds true for plank size.
The reason plank sizes vary so much in pricing for authentic teak hardwood flooring is fairly simple. If you imagine a teak tree, about 40 meters tall, how many boards could be cut from it? Obviously the outer layers could more readily provide thinner boards, but the wider boards take up much more space and thus are a rarer commodity. On the teak laminate side this is still true, but the fact that the actual teak layer is very thin mitigates the pricing difference to a large degree.
What holds true for plank width also holds true for length. Only taller teak trees can produce large quantities of long lumber. Long and wide together can be extremely expensive.
So once the color, plank size, and variety of teak have been selected it is possible to start looking at prices for both unfinished and finished pieces. Finished pieces generally cost more and more often than not carry longer warranties.
If one is dead set on purchasing unfinished teak it may be worth checking with local contractors to see which ones will and won't deal with unfinished teak hardwood flooring. Optionally, with a little experience or some background research one can choose to to undertake the installation on their own.
Ultimately the price varies on the exact type of teak hardwood flooring chosen, the shape and size of the room(s) it will be installed in, and who does the installation.