Cost for Hardwood Floor Installation

What factors affect the cost of hardwood flooring?

The cost of hardwood flooring installation depends on the following variables:

Square Footage: The square footage you’re covering with wood flooring will be the biggest determinant of your overall project cost.  

Wood Type: Different wood types can vary widely in cost, from more affordable engineered woods to high-end solid hardwoods. In general, solid hardwood is more expensive than engineered hardwood. 

Wood Thickness: Thicker wood planks are typically more expensive than thinner ones because they are more durable and can last longer. 

Labor: When installing hardwood, several variables can impact the amount of labor required. For starters, the type of wood you choose can affect your labor costs, as some woods are denser and more difficult to install. Beyond the wood species of your flooring, these factors can increase your labor costs:

• Flooring Removal: If you need to have carpet or old flooring removed before laying down new wood, it will be an additional cost.

• Special Cuts/Patterns: If the space that you are installing the flooring in has lots of tight corners or an awkward layout, it could cost more. Having your wood planks installed as a parquet, or wood mosaic pattern, will also cost more than simply laying them down vertically. Having an inlay installed in your wood flooring also brings with it an additional cost, as a contractor will have to carefully fit everything together.

• Hardwood Finishing: Unfinished planks are cheaper than prefinished versions, but you’ll have to pay for your contractors to finish them once they’re in place. An advantage of unfinished planks, however, is that your contractors can smooth out any scratches or nicks that may have occurred during installation.

Location: Labor and material rates may vary depending on your geographic location. Expect to pay more in metropolitan areas and places with higher costs of living. 

Wood Types

Below are some of the most common wood types used for hardwood flooring. To see how different wood species affect the cost of your hardwood flooring installation project, refer to the calculator above and update your wood type. 

Solid Wood: Solid hardwood is a slab of one type of wood, and comes in many different wood species. When considering durability, it’s important to note that solid wood is more prone to scratching and water damage than manufactured wood. Still, it keeps its value over time because it can be sanded and refinished, since it's one homogenous piece of wood. It also carries a timeless appeal and can look especially elegant in older or traditional homes. The following are some of the most common hardwood flooring choices:

Oak: Oak is a popular, strong and hard wood that comes in a variety of finishes from red oak to gray oak. It usually has a visible grain.

Ash: Ash is light in color and considered to be one of the hardest woods available.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a very strong and durable wood that comes in a variety of colors. Generally a more sustainable option, bamboo is technically a grass, so it’s always manufactured to some extent.

Cherry: Cherry is a light brown to reddish wood that’s popular for its looks but that’s not as durable as other woods.

Hickory: Hickory is a visually interesting wood with noticeable grain patterns. It’s very strong and versatile enough to be used in rustic log cabins to contemporary homes.

Maple: Maple is light and creamy in color and very strong. Its dent-resistant properties make it great for kitchens and other high-traffic areas.

Mahogany: Mahogany is a deep, richly colored wood. It’s known to be both durable and water-resistant.

Pine: Pine is softer to the touch and has visible knots and striations. It comes in a variety of warm tones.

Red Oak: Red oak is a popular hardwood species known for its warm tones and distinct wide grain pattern. It’s highly durable, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Teak: Teak is one of the most expensive hardwood species, but it’s one of the most durable wood flooring options. It has a warm golden-brown hue and because of the natural oils it contains, it requires minimal maintenance. 

Walnut: Walnut is a more expensive option, although it’s highly durable and scratch-resistant. It comes in various shades of darker brown.

White Oak: White oak has become increasingly popular due to its clean, modern look. It’s highly durable, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. 

Engineered Wood: Manufactured or engineered wood is made of a variety of woods bonded together, often with a solid wood veneer. Because manufactured wood is made from interlocking pieces that lie at a diagonal, it’s more durable than solid hardwood. If you have pets or are concerned about scratching and maintenance, engineered wood can be a great flooring choice. However, unlike solid wood, it cannot always be sanded or refinished. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, sanding engineered wood will quickly whittle away the top portion, revealing only the plywood beneath. When choosing among the different types of engineered flooring, you should determine if a product is low-, mid- or high-quality. The following are the specifications for each quality level:

• Low/Good: Three layers of plywood and five coats of finish

• Mid/Better: Five layers of plywood and seven coasts of finish

• High/Best: Seven to nine layers of plywood and comes in slabs about twice the thickness of the other two levels

Other Hardwood Floor Installation Cost Considerations

Beyond the main variables that factor into your hardwood flooring installation project, keep these additional cost considerations in mind:

• Home Valuation: The ROI of hardwood flooring can vary based on several factors, but on average, the ROI for hardwood flooring is between 70-80%.

• Sustainability Savings: Hardwood floors are an eco-friendly flooring choice if they’re sourced from sustainably managed forests. While they’re an upfront investment, they’re known for their durability and long lifespan, which reduces the need for replacement, minimizes waste and can save you money over time. Wood is also recyclable and has a lower carbon footprint than most flooring options. 

• Timeless Design: Traditional hardwood tones have a classic look with timeless appeal that can complement a wide range of design styles.

Looking for a Flooring Contractor?

Hardwood flooring is an excellent option for homeowners who want quality, lasting interiors. While more expensive than laminate or vinyl flooring, classic hardwood is hard to beat when it comes to character and timeless appeal. 

That said, installing wood flooring is a serious home improvement undertaking that almost always requires hiring a wood floor installation company, which can factor into the overall expense. To make sure you get a fair cost estimate, it’s wise to contact multiple professionals in your area. Find flooring contractors here. 

Considering other interior updates? Perhaps you’re searching for an interior designer to help you achieve your desired aesthetic. If so, you can find local interior designers here.