Hardwood floors add timeless beauty and value to any home, but understanding the costs involved in their installation is crucial before diving into this investment. From the type of wood you choose to the size of your space and labor expenses, several factors influence the overall price. Whether you’re planning to install oak, maple, or exotic wood species, it’s important to know what to expect. Here, we’ll break down the key factors affecting hardwood floor installation costs and offer tips to help you stay within budget while achieving the elegance and durability hardwood floors provide.
Key Takeaways
- The type of wood significantly impacts the cost, with options ranging from affordable oak to pricier exotic species like mahogany.
- Labor expenses, including leveling the subfloor and removing old flooring, make up a large portion of the total cost.
- Larger rooms require more materials and time, leading to higher installation costs.
- Adding finishing touches like sanding and staining will boost your final bill but ensure lasting durability.
- Refinishing worn hardwood floors is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement.
- Doing some pre-installation tasks like cleaning and moving furniture can reduce labor costs.
- Opting for basic installation methods can lower labor expenses, as complex patterns take more time and skill.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hardwood Installation
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of hardwood floor installation. Understanding these variables will help you plan and budget more effectively for your home improvement project.
Wood type
Hardwood flooring installation cost depends on the type of wood. Some popular options include oak, maple, and walnut. The lower-priced woods can cost as little as $3 per square foot. Meanwhile, high-end woods like mahogany and cherry can go up to as high as $15 or more per square foot. You can even choose from the canto collection and customize your hardwood flooring.
Labor cost
Labor costs account for most of the installation costs. It includes the sum total of the labor that the installer carries out and the cost of additional materials, tools, and paperwork. Factors like leveling the subfloor and removing old flooring can also increase labor costs.
Room size
The room size also impacts the cost of wood floor installation. The larger the room, the more materials will be needed, and more time is needed for the installation, ultimately leading to higher expenses. So, accurately measure the room area to know the exact cost.
Finishing touches
If you want to get additional finishing touches to your flooring, like sanding, sealing, or staining, it can boost the cost. Finishing touches ensure that hardwood floors stay intact for many years to come in addition to other advantages of hardwood flooring like durability and longevity. Hence, types of finishing touches can affect the overall hardwood flooring prices.
Hardwood Installation Cost Estimator by Area
The cost of hardwood flooring per square foot depends on whether you live in an urban area, suburban, or rural area. Here is the more detailed version of it –
| Room Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
| 150 | $1,100–$3,800 |
| 250 | $1,800–$6,300 |
| 500 | $3,400–$13,000 |
| 1,000 | $6,000–$24,000 |
| 1,200 | $8,500–$31,500 |
| 1,500 | $10,000–$36,400 |
| 2,000 | $12,000–$48,000 |
Hardwood Installation Cost Estimator by Material
There are multiple kinds of wood species, and each one of them varies in terms of cost. The average hardwood floor installation cost is given here –
| Wood Species | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| Maple | $4–$15 |
| Red oak | $5–$11 |
| White oak | $5–$12 |
| Hickory | $6–$14 |
| White ash | $6–$14 |
| Brazilian walnut | $9–$15 |
How to Reduce Hardwood Installation Costs?
Let’s share some practical tips to achieve a beautiful and durable floor while staying within the budget –
Refinish don’t replace
If you like the flooring of your home but it is worn out, you can refinish it to save money instead of replacing it. Get quotes for refinishing the hardwood flooring to have the desired results. Refinishing involves sanding down the surface of the floor and applying a new finish to restore its appearance. This process can breathe new life into worn-out floors at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. It costs much less than replacement and reduces the cost of your overall project.
DIY Floor preparation
By preparing the installation all by yourself can save you loads of money. This includes cleaning the subfloor and moving furniture before the actual installation begins.
Choose a simple installation method
The complexity of the installation method plays a vital role in hardwood floor installation costs. Some methods are simple, while some are more labor-intensive and costly than others. For instance, complex patterns like chevron or herringbone require more skills and time, increasing labor costs.
Repair vs. Replace vs Refinish Hardwood Flooring
If you have only minor dents or gouges in your hardwood flooring, it is best to refinish them. Repairing or replacing costs more in such cases than refinishing solid hardwood.
Replacement is your option when there is significant water damage or deep gauges penetrating the wood’s stain.
Conclusion
Hardwood floor installation costs should not deter you from getting the floors of your dreams. You can get the desired flooring even with a small budget. Look for professionals like MyNewFloor.com for the best guidance. We have the widest flooring choices to transform your home with the perfect flooring. Our team of certified installers will help you choose the best flooring for your home to meet your needs. Contact us for more insights.