How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
3 pros!
Hardwood floor installation costs about $2,900 on average.
Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot
Softwoods such as pine are priced between $1 to $6 per square foot. Mid-grade woods such as oak run between $5 to $10. Exotic woods such as mahogany cost $8 to $15 per square foot.
Expect the install range to be from $5 to $8 per square foot. This includes labor to remove your previous flooring, installation and finishing of the hardwood. Flooring companies typically quote the cost to install a hardwood floor on a square-foot basis. Your total cost can vary significantly depending on the type of hardwood you choose and the location.
Why Choose Hardwood Floors?
Wood flooring cost is among the highest in the flooring industry. Homeowners pay more for wood floors than other options such as laminate, carpet and tile. However, wood floors are a top choice because they can last for many years without requiring constant replacement.
Of all the flooring options, wood flooring is the most popular among homeowners and for good reason. Wood floors, especially hardwood, offer excellent durability and a truly authentic look to the home. Wood floors are also quite versatile, with the unique grain pattern of the original tree being manifested in the floorboards.
Hardwood flooring is the gold standard in flooring. Here are some factors and costs related to installing gleaming hardwood floors in your home.
How Much Do Hardwood Floor Materials Cost?
There are many options for flooring material, and hardwood floor installers say this is the most important variable. Low-grade wood such as ash, pine or maple will cost you the least. Expect to pay more for high-grade wood such as oak or Brazilian cherry.
Also expect to find discounts lower than prices listed in this article. Flooring material is a large market — retail prices are always influenced by time of year, inventory and other issues. Be careful for these discounts might bring low-quality materials that are out of favour with installation companies.
You can also choose prefinished flooring, which is easier and faster to install. However, prefinished flooring costs more per square foot than unfinished flooring, so that may offset the installation savings. Be sure to discuss this option and final costs with your hardwood flooring company.
To determine how much you can expect to spend on a new wood floor, first understand the cost per square foot of the materials and installation. If considering the more traditional wood floors that have plank widths of three inches or less, the cost will depend on whether you’re using softwoods or hardwoods.
How Much Does Old Floor Removal Cost?
It can vary. How much you pay to have your old flooring removed depends on the flooring. It's a broad range between $8 and $13 per square foot.
Expect to pay more to take out an old hardwood, laminate or tile floor that requires more work to disassemble and remove. Installers will also charge more to clear away furniture or other objects. Keep in mind that you will also pay more if your subfloor needs repair — a cost that may not be known until the old flooring is removed.
How Much Does Softwood Flooring Cost?
Most softwoods such as white pine will typically cost $1 to $6 per square foot just for the materials, and another $3 to $5 per square foot for installation. This means that homeowners or building owners should plan anywhere between $4 to $11 per square foot for both materials and installation of most softwood floors.
Pine is the most common material used indoors by carpenters, from home framing and flooring to window framing and roofing. Globally it's one of the most important commercially-grown trees, typically produced in dense plantations, rather than harvested from wood forests.
Most softwoods such as spruce/fir/pine should not be used outdoors unless heavily treated. Pine is perfect for indoor flooring. Old-growth pine is cherished by some contractors - look to restore rather than replace it.
What Are Average Mid-Level Wood Floor Prices?
Mid-level wood selections such as American cherry and oak cost between $3 and $10 per square foot for the materials, and another $4 to $8 per square foot for the installation.
Maple is an authentic hardwood tree that is not easily susceptible to dents. It is excellent for use in areas of high traffic such as living rooms, entrance ways, and even porches. Maple is among the middle-priced hardwood flooring materials, costing $3 to $6 per square foot just for the wood itself.
We’ve all grown to become familiar with bamboo. Indeed, bamboo is one of the few wood flooring materials that allows for great versatility, including colors, size and overall customization. Bamboo is also quite hard, making it durable. The wood flooring cost of bamboo lies in the middle of the pack, at between $2 to $4 per square foot.
Red oak is characterized by its tight and visible grain, which gives off a slightly reddish glow. It is a durable hardwood that costs between $2 to $6 for the wood materials.
How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost?
You have the flooring option of engineered wood variants — expect to spend more than $6 for both materials and installation.
Engineered hardwood consists of real wood veneers that are closely bonded with lower-cost wooden backings. This makes the wood cost less than traditional wooden floors while compromising little on appearance and durability.
In addition, engineered hardwood is actually more moisture and heat resistant than all natural hardwood. Most variants are mid-priced. However, some high-end options can cost more than $23 per square foot.
Angie's List Average Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
On average, hardwood flooring costs around $2,900 for a 500-square foot job — about the size of one room. Most jobs range between $1,500 and $4,400.
If you seek the look of hardwoods without the cost, consider vinyl plank flooring.
Do Flooring Companies Offer Warranties?
Most companies offer a warranty that protects against faults in workmanship for the first 12 months. If your contractor refuses to offer such a warranty, look for another company.
It is always a good idea to compare prices across multiple retailers, flooring stores and online as well. You should consider multiple wood types, colors and styles. Note down all the quotes that you receive and compare your options.
Wood Floor Maintenance
You will need to maintain your hardwood floor properly to preserve it. Depending on traffic, your floor will need to be waxed once or twice a year. Use a specified hardwood floor cleaner to clean your floors regularly to preserve the finish.
Home buyers look for hardwood floors, so properly maintained flooring may increase your home’s value. Your home may sell quickly and for more money with this addition. Talk to your real estate agent about the cost versus resale value for hardwood flooring in your area.
Can You Install Hardwood Flooring Yourself?
If you want to put in hardwood flooring yourself, here are some DIY tips that should make the job easier.
Hiring a Contractor
To ensure you get the right price for your hardwood flooring, get estimates from at least three professionals. Companies that deal primarily with flooring should offer you a better price than a general contractor, but it doesn't hurt to shop around.
A company doesn’t need a license to install floors, but you should choose a professional floor installer with plenty of experience. Ask your friends, family and neighbors for recommendations. You can also read reviews and ratings for local companies on Angie’s List.
Installing hardwood floors will refresh any room in your home. Just be sure to choose a professional you trust to get the job done right.
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