A hardwood floor is a beautiful and durable addition to any home. Installing hardwood floors can be a daunting task. But before you install a hardwood floor, it is important to understand the costs involved. The typical cost of hardwood flooring ranges from $2,493 to $6,754, with a national average of $4,540.
The cost of hardwood floors will vary depending on the type of hardwood you choose and the preparation that needs to be done before installation. In this guide, we will explore the costs involved in installing 1000 square feet of hardwood flooring in your home.
Average Installation Cost for Hardwood Floor
Hardwood flooring costs about $4,540 on average and most homeowners spend between $2,493 to $6,754. The low end is around $6 to $11 per sq. foot, while the high end is $12 to $23 per sq. foot for both installation and materials. Finishing, trims, and removal of your current floor are all included in the installation.
Factors in Calculating Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
There are many factors to consider, such as the type of hardwood flooring you choose and the preparation that needs to be done before installation.
Types of Hardwood Floors
The first thing you need to consider is the type of hardwood flooring you want. There are many different types of hardwood, such as engineered hardwood, solid hardwood, and laminate. The type of hardwood flooring you choose will affect the cost of installation.
Traditional Hardwood Floor
Solid hardwood floors are made of 100% wood. These floors are the most durable and require the most maintenance. They can be refinished multiple times, which makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Engineered Hardwood Floor
Engineered hardwood floors are typically more expensive than solid, but they are also more durable and easier to install. Engineered hardwood is made of a plywood base with a layer of hardwood veneer on top. These are more resistant to temperature and changes in moisture.
Pine Hardwood Floor
Pine hardwood is a popular choice for homeowners because it is affordable and easy to install. Pine floors are also exceptionally durable and can be refinished multiple times. The cost of pine hardwood is $2 to $4 per square foot. Engineered heart pine flooring is a more expensive option. The average cost of engineered heart pine is $10 to $11 per square foot.
Maple Hardwood Floor
It is more durable and less prone to dents, and is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The only disadvantage is that because of this, professional help is recommended. The color of the wood varies from white to a red tone. The average cost for maple flooring is $3 to $4 per square foot. Engineered Maple hardwood usually costs $10 to $12 per square foot.
Ash Hardwood Floor
Heartwood Ash is stained resistant, although it is difficult to stain hardwood. Color variation is from tan to pale gray having a grain-like oak. The average cost of ash flooring is $5 to $6 per square foot.
Oak Hardwood Floor
Oak is a hardwood that has intricate earth tones and patterns. Red Oak has a distinct reddish earth tone to its grain, although it is narrower than most. Oak is a mid-range wood flooring material that costs between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Walnut Hardwood Floor
The wood is quite distinctive, with a unique grain and various exotic brownish hues. It is hard and long-lasting, with a material cost of around $5 to $9 per square foot.
| COST PER SQUARE FOOT | |||
| Hardwood Type | Low Grade | Mid Grade | High Grade |
| Traditional Hardwood | $6 – $11 | $9 – $18 | $12 – $23 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $6 – $14 | $9 – $19 | $12 – $23 |
| Brazilian Walnut Hardwood | $5 – $9 | ||
| Pine Hardwood | $2 – $4 | ||
| Red Oak Hardwood | $2 – $6 | ||
| White Ash Hardwood | $5 – $6 | ||
| Maple Hardwood | $3 – $6 | ||
| Engineered White Ash Hardwood | $12 – $13 | ||
| Engineered Heart Pine Hardwood | $10 – $11 | ||
| Engineered Maple Hardwood | $10 – $12 | ||
Preparation Costs for Hardwood Floors Installation
Another factor to consider is the preparation that needs to be completed before installation. This can include subflooring, leveling, and trimming. Depending on the condition of the existing subfloor, preparation costs can range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Subflooring
If your home does not have a subfloor, you will need to install one before you can install hardwood. The cost of subflooring will vary depending on the type of subfloor you choose. If you have a concrete subfloor, the installation will be more expensive than if you have a plywood subfloor.
Leveling
If your floor is not level, you will need to level it before you can install hardwood floors. The cost of leveling will vary depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
Trimming
If you need to trim any doorways or baseboards, you will need to do this before you can install hardwood floors. The cost of trimming will differ depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
Average Labor Cost for Installing Hardwood Floor
The average labor cost for floor installation varies from $3 to $9 per square foot, with the use of an experienced contractor. Labor expenses should account for around 50% of your overall project expenditure. Always get several quotations from different hardwood flooring professionals to ensure an informed selection.
Factors Affecting Labor Cost for Hardwood Floor Installation
The cost of labor for hardwood floor installation will vary depending on the type of hardwood you choose and the preparation that needs to be done before installation.
- If you choose solid hardwood, the cost of labor will be higher because these floors are more difficult to install.
- If you choose engineered hardwood, the cost of labor will be lower because these floors are easier to install.
- If you choose laminate hardwood, the cost of labor will be lower because these floors are the easiest to install.
- The preparation that needs to be done before installation will also affect the cost of labor.
Hardwood Floor Finishing Cost
The cost of finishing hardwood floors will vary depending on the type of finish you choose and the size of your project.
The most common type of finish is polyurethane, which costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot. Other types of finishes include wax, oil, and lacquer, which all have different costs.
Additional Cost Considerations for Hardwood Flooring
The followings are additional cost considerations that you should keep in mind when budgeting for your hardwood flooring project.
Cost Of Removing Your Old Flooring
You will need to factor in the cost of removing your old flooring. This can be a difficult and time-consuming task, so you may want to hire a professional to do it for you. The cost of removal will vary with the type of flooring you have, and the amount of work to be done.
Cost of Hardwood Floor Refinishing
This will vary depending on where you live, the type of wood, and how many coats of finish are applied, but it typically costs between $2 and $7 per square foot. Keep in mind that a well-maintained hardwood floor might never need to be refinished, while a neglected one could need it as often as every five years.
Tips To Save Money While Installing Hardwood Floors
There are few ways you can save money while installing hardwood floors in your home:
Choose The Right Type of Hardwood Flooring
If you choose solid hardwood, the cost of labor will be higher because these floors are more difficult to install. If you choose engineered hardwood, the cost of labor will be lower because these floors are easier to install. If you choose laminate hardwood, the cost of labor will be lower because these floors are the easiest to install.
Get Multiple Quotes
Always get several quotations from different hardwood flooring professionals to ensure an informed selection. This will help you get the best price for your project.
Compare Prices of Materials
Prices for hardwood flooring can vary widely, so it is important to compare prices before you make a purchase.
Consider Used Hardwood Floors
If you are on a tight budget, you may be able to find used hardwood floors that are in good condition. This can be a wonderful way to get the look of hardwood floors without spending a lot of money.
Negotiate With Your Contractor
If you can negotiate with your contractor, you may be able to get a lower price for your project. Always get quotes from multiple contractors before you decide.
Pros And Cons of Hardwood Flooring
| Pros |
Cons |
|
· Easy to clean and maintain · Durable and can last for many years · Increase the value of your home · Available in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles to match any décor |
· More expensive than other types of flooring · Can be scratched and dented · Can be damaged by water and humidity · Can be difficult to install |
Choosing A Hardwood Floor Care Company
When you are ready to have your wood floors regularly maintained, it is important to choose the best hardwood floor cleaning company. Here are a few tips to help you find the best contractor for your project:
· Get Multiple Quotes
As with any home improvement project, it is important to get multiple quotes from different contractors before you decide. This will help you compare prices and find the best value for your project.
· Ask For Referrals
Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they have had any recent experience with hardwood flooring contractors. They may be able to recommend a good contractor or warn you about a bad one.
· Check Credentials
Make sure the contractor you are considering is licensed, bonded, and insured. You can check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor.
· Ask For a Written Estimate
Make sure you get a written estimate from the contractor before work begins. This will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay for the project.
· Read Reviews
Check online reviews to see what other customers have said about the contractor’s work. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from the contractor.
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when installing hardwood floors. The type of hardwood flooring, the size of the room, the level of difficulty involved in the installation, and the type of subfloor all play a role in determining the cost of installation. Be sure to shop around and compare prices before you purchase to ensure you get the best deal on hardwood floors for your home.
