Hardwood Flooring Cost Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the cost per sq ft:
| Size by Square Feet | Low-End Estimate | Average Cost | High-End Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $3,000 | $7,750 | $11,500 |
| 1,000 | $6,000 | $14,500 | $23,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 | $21,750 | $34,500 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 | $29,000 | $46,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 | $36,250 | $57,500 |
| 3,000 | $18,000 | $43,500 | $69,000 |
Materials: $4 to $12 per square foot
The type of hardwood changes the price a lot. Choices include common ones like oak and maple, and special ones like Brazilian cherry and teak, each with different looks and costs.
Domestic Hardwood
Woods like oak, maple, and hickory are easy to get and cost $4 to $8 per square foot. They are strong and flexible, making them popular home choices.
Exotic Hardwood
Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry, teak, and mahogany have special patterns and colors. They cost more, about $8 to $12 per square foot, but are picked for their unique look.
| Hardwood Species | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) | Average Total Cost per Square Foot (Including Installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | $4 – $8 | $8 – $15 |
| Maple | $5 – $9 | $9 – $16 |
| Hickory | $6 – $10 | $10 – $17 |
| Cherry | $7 – $11 | $11 – $18 |
| Walnut | $8 – $12 | $12 – $19 |
| Ash | $6 – $10 | $10 – $17 |
| Birch | $5 – $9 | $9 – $16 |
| Teak | $9 – $13 | $13 – $20 |
| Mahogany | $10 – $14 | $14 – $21 |
Labor: $4 to $8 per square foot
Labor costs can be a big part of the total cost. Using experts to install hardwood floors ensures they look great.
Labor costs usually include setting the flooring and preparing the base, plus any extras.
Installation
Installing hardwood floors needs careful work to look smooth. Skilled workers might charge $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on job difficulty and local rates.
Finishing
Besides installation, labor costs may include finishing services like sanding and sealing floors. These steps help floors look nice and last longer.
Subfloor Preparation: $1 to $2 per square foot
Preparing the subfloor is important for strong hardwood floors. This includes fixing uneven areas, repairing damage, and adding moisture barriers.
Leveling
If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, leveling creates a smooth base for hardwood. This costs about $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the work needed.
Moisture Protection
Moisture can damage hardwood floors, so adding a moisture barrier is key, especially in humid places. The cost is between $1 and $2 per square foot.
Removal of Existing Flooring: $1 to $3 per square foot
Before putting in new hardwood floors, old floors like laminate may need to be removed. This ensures the new hardwood is on a smooth, level surface.
Laminate Removal
Removing laminate floors might need more work and tools, costing $2 to $3 per square foot.
Summary of hardwood flooring cost breakdown:
Solid Hardwood Flooring Installation
Solid hardwood flooring is beautiful and strong. It costs $11 to $25 per square foot for materials and labor.
Costs depend on the wood type, how hard it is to install, and any extra work needed.
Installation Method
The way we install solid hardwood affects the price. Nail-down is often cheaper than glue-down or floating.
Additional Services
Extra services during installation can change the price. This may include getting the floor ready by leveling or adding a moisture barrier for a smooth finish.
Staining or finishing floors can add cost but improves look and durability.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Installation
Engineered hardwood flooring is strong and flexible, great for homes. Installing it costs $7 to $20 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Special woods or finishes can increase costs. Thicker veneers also cost more.
Installation Method
Installation affects the cost. Floating floors, which don’t attach to the subfloor, are often quicker and cheaper than glue-down or nail-down methods.
Complex setups, like uneven floors, might cost more.
Factors that Affect Hardwood Flooring Costs
| Cost Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Wood Type | Different hardwoods have different costs. Common types are oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or teak cost more. |
| Wood Quality | Wood quality affects price. Engineered hardwood is often less pricey than solid hardwood but looks similar. |
| Installation Method | Installation methods impact cost. Nail-down and glue-down are usually cheaper than floating floors. |
| Room Size | Bigger rooms need more materials and work, so they cost more. |
| Subfloor Condition | Fixing or leveling the subfloor before installation will add to the cost. |
| Additional Features | Extras like borders or custom designs raise the cost. |
| Additional Services | Extra services include removing old flooring or installing baseboards. |
Professional vs DIY Flooring Installation
Homeowners can either hire experts for hardwood flooring or do it themselves.
Both choices have good points and challenges. Understanding them helps decide based on budget, skills, and needs.
Professional Installation
Advantages
- Expertise: Pros have skills for top hardwood installation.
- Efficiency: They use special tools to work fast and avoid mistakes.
- Warranty: Many offer warranties to fix any issues for free.
- Professional Finish: They complete the finishing, making it look great.
Drawbacks
- Cost: Hiring pros costs more upfront than DIY.
DIY Installation
Advantages
- Save money: DIY avoids labor costs, ideal for small areas.
- Flexibility and control: Work on your schedule and make changes if needed.
- Learn new skills: Gain experience by doing it yourself.
Drawbacks
- Risks mistakes that can affect flooring quality, like uneven boards.
- Demanding and time-consuming with heavy lifting and long hours.
