The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for both labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you’re redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot. In general, most projects end up costing between $2,500 to $6,800 total. 

Here’s what you may pay depending on your home size and how much flooring you’re interested in replacing:

Much like home prices, the cost to install hardwood flooring can vary greatly from state to state. The types of woods that are available near you likely have the largest impact. If you’re outsourcing a wood that’s not local, for example, those shipping fees can hike up the final price. 

Here’s a quick summary of what you can expect based on your location:

For this amount, you can afford to install 500 square feet of pine, bamboo, or basic engineered wood. If you’re excited by the idea of wood flooring but not completely ready to take the leap, this budget will also allow for up to 1,000 square feet of wood look tile flooring.

This allowance will cover the cost of up to 1,000 square feet of maple, hickory, white ash, red oak, or white oak hardwood floors. Alternatively, you can use it to get up to 2,000 square feet of bamboo or pine flooring, or splurge on 500 to 900 square feet of pricier Brazilian walnut.

Wood Look Tile: While not technically wood, wood-look tile is an affordable option for anyone who’s not ready to commit to hardwood flooring. This type of tile is glazed and colored to resemble wood, and there’s no risk of it rotting or warping in humid areas, so it’s perfect for your bathroom remodel! You can expect it to cost between $15 and $20 per square foot and from $900 to $2,900 for a full project. 

Wide Plank: Installing wide plank wood flooring is a generally faster process because the planks cover a larger surface area, thus taking less time to install—that’s also why you’ll usually end up paying less for labor with this option. On average, the cost will be anywhere from $1.50 to $12 per square foot, plus $3 for $4 per hour of labor. 

Herringbone Pattern: If you opt for a gorgeous herringbone pattern, none of the materials you need will change—but the amount of time the project takes and the overall cost will. Choosing this style can add an extra 30% to your final bill because of the extra care required for installation. Expect to pay $12 per square foot of any type of wood to have it arranged in this fashion. 

Genuine Parquet: This is another style that costs more because it takes a lot of time and care to install. True parquet hardwood flooring can cost between $20 and $45 per square foot, but parquet-style tiles deliver a similar sophisticated look at a fraction of that price—you’ll pay $7 to $15 per square foot and $15,000 on average to install faux parquet.

Engineered wood flooring is a more economical option than solid hardwood because it’s built from layers of hardwood and plywood rather than a single type. On the low end, it will cost between $4.50 and $9 per square foot. On the high end, you’ll pay between $9 and $16 per square foot. 

Think twice before deciding on this style because it’s not as durable as solid hardwood, which can last a century if the hardwood flooring is properly cared for.

There are many different types of wood to choose from, all with different costs.

Pinewood flooring is among the more affordable options at $4.50 to $10 per square foot. It can have a light beige or golden color, but it also dents more easily than other varieties.

White ash wood flooring is available in either pale grey or light tan colors at $9 to $13 per square foot. It’s also extremely durable, hard to stain, and softer to the touch than most woods.

As its name indicates, this type of wood is slightly red, and it has a tight, highly visible grain that’s great for adding texture to a space. You’ll pay $8 to $13 per square foot.

This option is dark and cozy, but definitely on the pricier side at $11 to $20 per square foot.

Subfloor repairs can cost an additional $500 to $800, while joist repairs will be extra $40 to $60 per square foot. Rot and insect damage are the root of these problems.

Herringbone and parquet patterns take longer to complete because of how intricate they are. Choosing them means your room will look great, but you’ll pay more in labor costs.

While installing wood flooring on your own is definitely doable, hiring a professional contractor is the best way to guarantee everything is laid down properly. And because most of the costs come from materials rather than labor, you won’t end up paying much more. Kick your feet up and let the pros do it for you.