Hardwood flooring service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Hardwood flooring installation costs $2,469 to $7,034 on average, with your wood species and room size driving the total.
Your plank width, wood grade, and layout pattern impact costs, with herringbone adding thirty percent to your bill for extra installation time.
Account for subfloor repairs at $900 to $3,000 and finishing costs between $2 and $7 per square foot when you build your budget.
Hiring a local wood floor installing professional ensures your flooring is level and finished correctly, helping the property retain maximum value.
In 2026, hardwood flooring installation costs a national average of $4,723 per square foot, based on 10,984 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $2,469 and $7,034 per square foot for both labor and materials, with wood species, room size, and layout complexity driving the spread. For larger jobs or premium hardwoods, costs can climb further, so it's worth getting a local quote to dial in your budget.
The total cost of hardwood flooring installation varies based on room size, repair needs, and characteristics of the wood planks, such as the type of hardwood, grade, hardness, species, width, and thickness. Understanding each factor helps you build a realistic budget before work begins.
Hardwood flooring installation costs $6 to $12 per square foot on average for labor and materials combined. Higher-end wood species and larger spaces—like redoing an entire first floor—can push that figure to $13 to $25 per square foot. The table below shows estimated totals by room size:
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 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 flooring covers several distinct styles, and the type you choose directly determines your material and installation costs. Solid hardwood is the traditional option, but engineered wood and parquet are also widely available. The table below breaks down average costs per square foot by hardwood type:
| Type of Hardwood Floor | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Solid hardwood | $5–$28 |
| Prefinished hardwood | $6–$12 |
| Engineered hardwood | $4.50–$16 |
| Genuine parquet | $20–$45 |
| Faux parquet | $7–$15 |
The wood species you choose affects both cost and long-term performance, making it one of the most important decisions in your project. The best species for your home depends on where the floor will be installed and how much foot traffic it will handle. The table below compares appearance, cost, and benefits across the most common species:
| Type of Wood | Appearance | Cost per Square Foot in 2026 | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple | Subtle grain pattern | $4–$15 | Highly durable |
| Red oak | Warm undertones and a reddish cast | $5–$11 | Long lifespan |
| White oak | Straight grain with cooler undertones | $5–$12 | Good for indoor and outdoor applications |
| Hickory | Lots of color variation for a one-of-a-kind rustic look | $6–$14 | Durable for high-traffic areas |
| White ash | Light in color with a straight grain | $6–$14 | Elasticity helps it absorb sound |
| Brazilian walnut (ipe) | Darker wood streaked with light grain | $9–$15 | Resistant to fire, insects, fungi, and dents |
Hardwood flooring most commonly comes in 3/4-inch, 5/8-inch, and 1/2-inch thicknesses, though other options exist. Thicker planks cost more but hold up better under everyday use, making them a smart choice for high-traffic areas. A wood floor pro can help you match the right thickness to your specific space. The table below outlines material costs and best uses by thickness:
| Wood Thickness | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) in 2026 | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8 inch | $3–$8 | Lightest foot traffic areas |
| 5/8 inch | $4–$10 | Lighter traffic areas, like guest rooms |
| 1/2 inch | $4–$13 | Medium foot traffic areas, like bedrooms |
| 3/4 inch | $5–$16 | High-traffic areas |
Hardwood flooring is graded based on physical characteristics such as knots, color variation, and mineral streaks. Low-grade floors offer a natural, rustic look and cost about $6 to $18 per square foot installed. High-grade, or clear, wood delivers a more uniform appearance and runs $8 to $23 per square foot. The table below outlines the key characteristics of each grade:
| Wood Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cabin (or #3 Common Grade) | Rustic aesthetic with significant color variations and other pronounced imperfections |
| Character (or #2 Common Grade) | Some color variation, knots, and other imperfections with a natural look. |
| Natural (or #1 Common Grade) | Some slight knots and color variation, less rustic looking |
| Select (or Clear Grade) | Minimal to no knots, color variations, or imperfections |
Most hardwood planks are 5 inches wide or narrower, but wide-plank formats cost more, ranging from $4.50 to $18 per square foot for materials alone. Wide planks—those measuring 6 to 12 inches across—cover more area per board, which can reduce overall labor costs. They're a good option when you want to balance a premium look with some savings on installation time.
Wood hardness directly affects how much effort and time installation requires, which in turn influences your total project cost. Harder species like Brazilian walnut demand more labor than softer options like pine. Factoring hardness into your material selection helps you anticipate where your budget may shift.
Labor for hardwood flooring installation averages $3 to $6 per square foot, though most of your total cost will come from materials. Complex jobs—such as on-site finishing, herringbone or parquet patterns, or rooms with unusual corners—push labor costs toward the higher end. Wide-plank installations tend to run closer to $3 to $4 per square foot in labor, since each board covers more area and takes less time to place.
While durable flooring options may cost more, consider the wear and tear your floor will withstand in high-traffic areas, especially in homes with children and pets. If you’d like help choosing a material, a flooring pro can recommend strong materials that will look great in your home.
Wood color varies dramatically across species, including:
Light and pale tones
Warmer, medium tones
Rich, dark tones
You'll also see price variations by cut. Plain-sawn planks with a wave-like pattern are the most affordable, while quarter-sawn planks with straighter grain are more expensive. One rare pattern is the highly linear grain of rift-sawn boards, which cost even more.
If your pro needs to move furniture before installation begins, expect to pay around $60 to $120 per hour for that additional service. Clearing the room yourself before the crew arrives is one of the simplest ways to reduce your overall labor costs.
Carpet Removal
Tile Removal
Existing Hardwood Floors or Laminate
When replacing an existing floor, mold, insect, or water damage to the joists below is sometimes uncovered—and any extensively rotted joists must be repaired before new flooring goes in. Warning signs include creaky floors and doors that begin to stick. Subfloor repairs can cost an additional $900 to $3,000, while joist repairs run an extra $40 to $60 per square foot.
A finish is the protective coating applied to hardwood that extends its durability and appearance over time. Some hardwood comes prefinished at an extra $2 per square foot, which reduces on-site labor costs. Finishing unfinished wood after installation adds $2 to $7 per square foot in labor, and the finish type matters—a polyurethane finish costs less than a penetrating resin finish.
A herringbone pattern uses the same materials as a standard installation but adds significant time and precision to the job, which raises your total cost. Choosing this layout can add an extra 30% to your final bill due to the care required during installation. Expect to pay $12 per square foot to have any wood species arranged in a herringbone pattern.
One of hardwood flooring's greatest advantages is that refinishing can restore its appearance at a fraction of the cost of full replacement—hardwood floors cost an average of $4,726 to install, while refinishing hardwood floors costs an average of $1,887. Hardwood floors can last up to 100 years, though you will likely need to refinish them several times over that lifespan. Refinishing is the right call for widespread minor surface scratches, while full replacement makes more sense for extensive damage like cupping, crowning, or deep water damage.
Refinishing hardwood floors involves sanding the floor to remove superficial damage and to remove the finish before applying a new stain and sealant. It's a good option when minor surface scratches occur across a large portion of a hardwood floor. Keep in mind that engineered wood can only be refinished once or twice. Traditional refinishing costs $3 to $8 per square foot, while dustless refinishing costs $5 to $8 per square foot.
If you notice damage, such as dents and dings, that is limited to a small area, you may be able to replace just a plank or two and avoid the cost of a full replacement. Often, repairs and refinishing can restore hardwood floors to their original beauty for about half the cost.
But if the floors have extensive damage—cupping or crowning boards, water damage, or deep gouges, for instance—then full replacement may be the way to go.
Hiring a local hardwood flooring pro costs more upfront, but you benefit from faster installation, precise craftsmanship, and a polished, long-lasting finish. Pros bring specialized tools and experience, making the process smoother and often saving you money on mistakes or repairs.
Installing hardwood flooring is a detailed project that requires specialized expertise. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Hardwood flooring pros ensure your subfloor, walls, and baseboards aren’t damaged during installation.
They have the tools and techniques needed to install a variety of hardwood types accurately and efficiently.
Working with a pro ensures your flooring is level, secure, and finished correctly, reducing the need for costly repairs.
Bundling flooring installation with sanding, staining, or finishing services can save on overall project costs.
If you want to take on parts of the project yourself, here are a few DIY tasks that can help save time and labor costs:
Clear the room of furniture, rugs, and other obstacles before installation begins.
Acclimate your hardwood planks to the room’s temperature and humidity so they adjust properly.
Plan the layout and mark any cuts or patterns ahead of time to make the installation process smoother for the professionals.
Hardwood or other solid wood floors are not good candidates for wet areas of a home. Liquids can soak into natural wood floors and cause finishes to discolor or fail, particularly at the joints between the boards or near the ends of the boards next to the baseboards.
While you may choose to update hardwood floors as a personal preference, certain signs can indicate that your floors need replacing before serious damage occurs. Keep an eye out for the following:
Cracked, warped, or buckling planks
Gaps between boards, which may indicate that those boards have become detached
Mold growth, which may indicate an underlying moisture issue
Loose, creaking, or shifting floorboards, which may indicate structural issues
Fading from sun damage
Scratches, dents, or other irreparable surface damage
Visible nail heads, which may indicate that the floor has been sanded too many times
Dark stains or soft spots that result from water damage
The National Association of Realtors® reports that:
Refinishing hardwood floors has a cost recovery of up to 147%
New wood floors have a cost recovery of up to 118%
In short, if you resell your home after doing either upgrade, you’ll likely see a return on investment (ROI) and then some because refinishing and installing new hardwood floors add value to your home.
If you plan to sell your home, refinishing takes less time and money than a new installation, giving you a bigger ROI. If you plan to stay in your home, replacing wood floors can offer long-term improvements in the flooring’s appearance.
There are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of hardwood flooring installation without sacrificing the quality of your floors. Here are a few tips:
Think beyond looks: Install a less expensive wood species, grain, thickness, or grade.
Refinish, don't replace: It costs much less to restore hardwood than to replace it.
Install prefinished wood: Trade higher up-front costs for lower labor costs.
Rip up your own carpet: DIY carpet disposal is less risky and can help cut labor costs.
DIY engineered wood: Engineered wood is simpler and less costly to install and repair.
Break up the project: Instead of installing new flooring in the whole house, start with a new floor in one or two rooms.
Be ready to provide details about your space, including square footage, subfloor condition, and the type of hardwood you’re considering, as these factors influence installation methods and materials.
If your budget allows, ask your pro about optional services like underlayment, radiant heating compatibility, custom staining, or trim and molding updates.
Be prepared for unexpected costs, such as subfloor repairs, removal of old flooring, or addressing moisture issues that may be discovered during installation.
Discuss your timeline and accessibility with your pro, as furniture removal, room layout, and drying time for finishes can affect how long the project takes.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
This company does it right. Firstly, I want to say that Landan was a joy to work with. He was so kind, transparent, and had everything under control. His entire team showed up ready to work and they were all very respectful of the fact that we were in an office space. A little backstory – we...
Krumlauf FloorsTerrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageFinished Basements Plus was wonderful from beginning to end! First, they came out quickly for an estimate. I had 4 estimates and theirs was by far the best. (2 of the estimates were more than $20K higher than for the exact same work). Beyond their fair pricing, the work was excellent. They...
Finished Basements Plus Inc.AFS was excellent from start to finish. Jess, the sales associate, was fantastic...very knowledgeable and very professional. The installation crew was excellent. I couldn't be more pleased with the process. Best of all, my new floor looks fantastic!
America's Floor SourceIt was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring SolutionsWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileWe hired Jim to replace our hardwood floors with new hardwood. He and his helper Jerry did a fantastic job. Their work ethic is impeccable!! We would highly recommend McColl Floors!
Description says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-GurusChaz, the owner, was very responsive and he communicated with us throughout the entire process. The overall cost was in the middle compared to the three estimates we received. The installation crew was very professional. Chaz was considerate enough to send a crew back to our home to repair...
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