How Much Does It Cost To Get Wood Floors Installed: Essential
On average, you can expect to pay between $8 and $25 per square foot to get wood floors installed. This total cost includes both materials and professional labor. Simple projects using common woods like oak might be on the lower end, while complex jobs with exotic woods will be on the higher end.
Thinking about new wood floors? It’s a wonderful upgrade that adds so much warmth and value to a home. But when you start looking into it, the first question everyone asks is, “How much will this actually cost me?” It can feel a little overwhelming with all the different numbers out there. Don’t worry, you are in the right place.
Figuring out the budget for a new floor shouldn’t be a mystery. In this guide, I’ll break everything down for you in simple, easy-to-understand terms. We’ll walk through the costs of materials, labor, and even those little “extra” things people sometimes forget. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to plan your project without any surprises.
Understanding the Key Factors That Influence Wood Floor Costs
The final price tag on your wood floor installation isn’t just one number. It’s a combination of several different things. Understanding these factors will help you see where your money is going and where you might be able to save. Let’s look at the main drivers of cost.
1. Type of Wood Flooring
The biggest factor is the wood itself. You have two main choices, and each comes with a different price range.
Solid Hardwood: This is what most people picture when they think of wood floors. Each plank is made from a single, solid piece of wood. It’s incredibly durable and can be sanded and refinished many times over its long life. Common types like oak or maple are more affordable, while exotic woods like tigerwood or Brazilian cherry cost more.
Engineered Hardwood: This flooring is made of layers. It has a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of real hardwood on top. It’s often more stable in areas with moisture changes (like basements) and can sometimes be a bit more budget-friendly than solid hardwood.
2. Labor and Installation Fees
Unless you’re installing the floor yourself, you’ll need to budget for professional labor. Installers typically charge by the square foot. This rate can vary based on:
The complexity of the job: A simple square room will cost less to install than a room with lots of corners, closets, or a tricky layout.
Installation method: Nailing down solid hardwood is a different process than gluing down or “floating” an engineered floor.
The installer’s experience: Highly skilled and reputable professionals may charge more, but their work often comes with a warranty and peace of mind.
3. Project Size and Room Layout
This is straightforward: the larger the area, the more it will cost in both materials and labor. A 1,000-square-foot project will cost roughly twice as much as a 500-square-foot one. Remember to always buy about 10-15% extra flooring material to account for cuts and mistakes. The layout matters, too. Stairs are a great example; installing wood on stairs is a detailed, time-consuming job that costs significantly more per square foot than flooring on a flat surface.
4. Your Geographic Location
Where you live plays a big role in cost. Labor rates in major cities on the coasts are generally higher than in smaller towns in the Midwest or South. The cost of materials can also fluctuate slightly from region to region. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from local contractors to understand the pricing in your specific area.
A Detailed Breakdown of Installation Costs
Now, let’s put some numbers to these factors. We can separate the total cost into two main categories: what you pay for the flooring itself (materials) and what you pay for the installation (labor).
Material Costs: Choosing Your Wood
The wood you choose will be the foundation of your budget. Prices are measured per square foot. Common domestic woods are usually the most affordable, while rare, exotic woods are at the high end.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for different types of wood flooring:
| Wood Flooring Type | Average Material Cost (Per Square Foot) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red or White Oak (Solid) | $5 – $10 | Classic look, very durable, high-traffic areas. |
| Maple (Solid) | $6 – $11 | Light, modern look, very hard and dent-resistant. |
| Hickory (Solid) | $6 – $12 | Rustic appearance, extremely durable, great for busy homes. |
| Engineered Oak | $4 – $9 | Basements, kitchens, and areas with some humidity. |
| Bamboo | $4 – $8 | Eco-friendly choice, very durable, contemporary style. |
| Brazilian Cherry (Exotic) | $9 – $15 | Rich, reddish color, very hard, luxury appearance. |
| Reclaimed Wood | $10 – $30+ | Unique, historic character, eco-friendly. |
Remember, these are just for the materials. You can find more detailed information on wood species and their characteristics from resources like the U.S. Forest Service, which helps homeowners understand the wood they are choosing.
Labor Costs: What to Expect from Professionals
Professional installation is where skill and experience make a huge difference. The labor cost for installing wood floors typically ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot.
So, for a 200-square-foot room, you could expect to pay between $600 and $2,400 just for labor. Why the wide range? It depends on:
The type of wood: Installing solid hardwood that needs to be nailed down and finished on-site often costs more than installing a pre-finished, click-lock engineered floor.
The pattern of installation: A standard straight-lay pattern is cheapest. More complex patterns like herringbone or diagonal will increase labor costs significantly.
What the basic labor includes: Most basic quotes cover laying the floor, standard cuts, and basic cleanup. Anything extra will cost more.
Don’t Forget These Additional (and Often Hidden) Costs
This is where budgets can get tricky. Many first-time renovators only think about the wood and the installation, but there are other important costs to consider. Being aware of these will help you create a much more accurate budget.
Removing and Disposing of Old Flooring
Before the new floor goes in, the old one has to come out. If you have carpet, tile, or old vinyl, it needs to be removed. Many contractors will do this for you, but they will charge for it. Expect to pay around $1 to $3 per square foot for removal and disposal.
Subfloor Preparation
Your new wood floor needs a clean, flat, and solid surface to rest on. This surface is called the subfloor. If your subfloor is damaged, uneven, or squeaky, it will need to be repaired or even replaced before the new flooring can be installed. This is critical for a long-lasting, beautiful result. Subfloor repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to over a thousand for major work.
Underlayment, Trim, and Transitions
These are the finishing touches that complete the job.
Underlayment: A thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the wood floor. It provides cushioning, sound absorption, and a moisture barrier. It usually costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot.
Baseboards and Trim: After the floor is installed, you’ll need new baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap along the walls. The cost will depend on the material you choose.
Transitions: These are small strips used to smoothly connect your new wood floor to other flooring types, like tile in a bathroom or carpet in a hallway.
Here’s a quick summary of those extra costs to keep in mind:
| Additional Service/Material | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Old Flooring Removal | $1 – $3 per square foot |
| Subfloor Repair | $2 – $7 per square foot (can vary greatly) |
| Underlayment | $0.50 – $1.00 per square foot |
| Moving Furniture | $25 – $75 per room |
| New Baseboard Installation | $1 – $3 per linear foot |
| Staining & Finishing (for unfinished wood) | $2 – $5 per square foot |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Which Is Right for Your Budget?
One of the biggest questions is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. This choice has a huge impact on the final cost.
The DIY Route: Costs and Considerations
Going the DIY route can save you a lot on labor costs. You’ll only be paying for the materials and any tools you need to buy or rent. However, it’s not a simple weekend project for most beginners.
You’ll need specialized tools, including:
A flooring nailer or stapler
A jamb saw for cutting under doorframes
A tapping block and pull bar
Renting these tools can cost $50 to $100 per day. If you don’t have much experience, there’s a risk of making costly mistakes, like cutting boards too short, damaging the wood, or ending up with gaps. Your time is valuable, too! What a pro can do in two days might take you a week or more.
The Professional Route: Benefits and Costs
Hiring a professional costs more upfront, but it offers huge benefits. You’re paying for their expertise, speed, and the right tools for the job. A pro installer ensures the subfloor is properly prepared, the layout is perfect, and the final result is beautiful and long-lasting. Plus, most professional work is guaranteed. If something goes wrong, they will come back and fix it. For many homeowners, this peace of mind is well worth the extra cost.
How to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Project
The best way to know what your project will truly cost is to get a few detailed quotes from reputable installers. Here’s how to do it right:
Measure Your Space: Carefully measure the length and width of each room to calculate the total square footage. Don’t forget closets! Add 10-15% to this number for waste.
Get at Least Three Quotes: Contact at least three different, well-reviewed local flooring contractors. This will give you a good sense of the average price in your area.
Ask for a Detailed, Itemized Quote: A good quote should break down the costs. It should clearly list the price for materials, labor, floor removal, subfloor prep, and any other potential charges. Don’t accept a single lump-sum number.
Ask Questions: Ask what is included and what is not. Is furniture moving included? What about disposal of the old floor? Do they offer a warranty on their work?
Check References and Insurance: A professional contractor should be happy to provide you with references from past clients and proof of insurance. Reputable installers are often certified by organizations like the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).
Smart Ways to Save Money on Your New Wood Floors
An investment in wood flooring doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few practical tips to keep costs down:
Do the Prep Work Yourself: You can save a few hundred dollars by doing some of the simple labor yourself. This includes moving all the furniture out of the room, tearing out old carpet, and removing baseboards.
Choose a More Affordable Wood: Oak, maple, and hickory are beautiful, durable, and more budget-friendly than exotic species.
Consider Engineered Hardwood: It can offer the same look as solid wood for a lower price, and it’s a great choice for certain areas of the home.
Choose Pre-finished Flooring: Unfinished hardwood needs to be sanded and finished on-site, which adds to labor costs. Pre-finished flooring is ready to go right out of the box, saving time and money.
Schedule Your Project in the Off-Season: Contractors are often busiest in the spring and fall. You might be able to get a better price if you schedule your installation during a slower time, like in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it cheaper to install hardwood or LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)?
Generally, LVP is cheaper than hardwood. Both the material and the installation for LVP tend to cost less. While LVP is a great, durable option, it doesn’t offer the same long-term value or the ability to be refinished like real hardwood.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
It’s a standard rule to order 10-15% more flooring than your measured square footage. This extra material, known as the “waste factor,” accounts for cutting boards to fit around corners, walls, and any mistakes made during installation.
Does the width of the wood planks affect the cost?
Yes, it can. Wider planks (5 inches or more) are very popular but often cost more per square foot than standard-width planks (2-3 inches). They can also sometimes have slightly higher installation costs because they require more care to install flatly.
How long does it take to install wood floors?
For a straightforward, average-sized room (around 200-300 sq. ft.), professional installers can typically complete the job in 1-3 days. This includes prep time, installation, and cleanup. Larger or more complex jobs will take longer.
Is solid hardwood or engineered hardwood a better investment?
Both are great investments. Solid hardwood can last for over 100 years and be refinished many times, which can add significant resale value to your home. Engineered hardwood is more stable in changing humidity levels and can be installed in places solid wood can’t, like basements, making it a valuable and practical choice as well.
Can I put wood floors in my kitchen?
Yes, you absolutely can! Modern finishes are very durable and water-resistant. Engineered hardwood is often a great choice for kitchens because its layered construction makes it more stable against moisture changes. The key is to wipe up spills quickly and use mats in front of the sink and dishwasher.
What is the most durable type of wood flooring for a home with pets and kids?
For a busy household, look for harder woods on the Janka hardness scale. Hickory, hard maple, and white oak are excellent domestic choices. A lighter color and a matte or satin finish will also do a better job of hiding small scratches and dings than a dark, glossy finish.
Conclusion: Is Investing in Wood Floors Worth It?
Figuring out “how much does it cost to get wood floors installed” involves more than just one price. It’s a balance of materials, labor, and preparation. By understanding all the pieces of the puzzle, from the type of wood you choose to the cost of professional labor in your area, you can build a realistic budget that works for you.
A beautiful wood floor is a significant investment, but it’s one that pays off for years to come. It adds timeless beauty, warmth, and real financial value to your home. With a little planning and research, you can feel confident in your choices and get a floor you’ll love for a lifetime. Take your time, get good quotes, and soon you’ll be enjoying the wonderful feeling of new wood floors under your feet.
