Home » Misc » Hardwood floor costs per square foot installed

Hardwood floor costs per square foot installed


How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost? (2022 Guide)

Hardwood flooring is both durable and sophisticated. Read on to learn how much it costs to install.

Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 08/08/2022 1:00 pm

In This Guide: Average Costs | Cost Factors | Types of Hardwood Flooring | Pros and Cons | DIY vs. Professional Installation | How To Save | How To Install | How To Hire a Pro | Conclusion | FAQs

Hardwood is a popular flooring material that can increase the value of your home. While it’s extremely durable and sophisticated, it comes with high up-front installation costs. Below, we outline the cost to install several different types of hardwood floors, plus list the pros and cons of this type of flooring.

Average Hardwood Flooring Cost

The average cost of installing hardwood floors is $3–$10 per square foot for materials and $3–$8 per square foot for labor, totaling $6–$18 per square foot. A single 200-square-foot room might cost $1,200–$3,600, while a 2,000-square-foot house could cost $12,000–$36,000. Wood quality influences price, with high-end flooring costing up to $25 per square foot. Square footage is the greatest determinant of price. Still, the following factors also come into play:

Hardwood Flooring Cost by Type of Hardwood

Hardwood flooring cost varies based on the price of the material and the labor involved in installation. Traditional solid hardwood flooring consists of real wood planks cut from trees, which are installed end-to-end. Engineered wood flooring, which has a real wood veneer attached to a plywood base, may be slightly less expensive. Parquet flooring uses smaller pieces of real wood to create geometric designs, such as a herringbone pattern, making it the most expensive to install. Prefabricated, parquet-like tiles are a lower-cost alternative that give the appearance of parquet but are easier to install.

TypeMaterial CostsInstallation CostsTotal Cost per Sq. Ft.
Solid hardwood$2–$20$3–$8$5–$28
Engineered wood$3–$14$3–$9$6–$23
True parquet$3–$18$10–$22$13–$40
Parquet-style tiles$3–$5$7–$10$10–$16

Hardwood Flooring Cost by Tree Species

Tree species greatly influences the cost of traditional hardwood. There are several types of wood to choose from that vary in appearance and performance. Some tree species are more durable than others or better suited to certain types of climates. Generally, the harder and more durable the wood is, the more expensive it is.

SpeciesCost per Sq. Ft.
Bamboo$2–$6
Brazilian walnut$5–$10
Cherry$4–$7
Cypress$4–$6
Hickory$3–$7
Mahogany$6–$8
Maple$3–$10
Pine$2–$4
Red oak$2–$6
Teak$9–$13
White ash$5–$8
White oak$4–$7

Hardwood Flooring Cost by Thickness

Traditionally, hardwood floorboards are three-quarters of an inch thick. Thinner boards—down to five-sixteenths of an inch thick—are less expensive, but you won’t be able to sand and refinish them as many times.

ThicknessCost per Sq. Ft.
5/16”$2–$5
3/4”$3–$10
7/8”$5–$15

Hardwood Flooring Cost by Grade

Solid hardwood flooring comes from living trees, so it’s not as standardized in quality as factory-made flooring material. Different vendors have different standards for grading their products’ quality; for example, some grades refer to grain pattern, texture, or appearance rather than durability. In general, hardwood boards of the same species and cut have three tiers of quality that determine their cost:

GradeCost per Sq. Ft.
Low-tier$2–$6
Mid-tier$5–$10
High-tier$8–$18

Hardwood Flooring Cost by Cut and Grain

The way wood is cut creates its grain pattern, which can play into price relative to the species of tree. Plain-sawn or flat-sawn planks are cut parallel to the tree’s growth rings to create a wave or flame-like grain pattern. Quarter-sawn planks, on the other hand, are cut at a 60–90 degree angle from growth rings for a straighter grain pattern. Flat-sawn boards are more common and therefore less expensive, while quarter-sawn boards are pricier but wear more evenly. The rarest and most expensive are rift-sawn boards, which have the most linear grain pattern but create the most waste.

To estimate how much your flooring will cost, use the equation below, as illustrated in our Complete Guide to Hardwood Flooring article.

Free Quote: Get your hardwood flooring quote today

Hardwood Flooring Cost Factors

Beyond the type of wood, here are some factors that contribute to the total cost of hardwood flooring installation:

Alternative Flooring Options

If you love the look of solid wood flooring but traditional or engineered hardwood is beyond your budget, there are alternative flooring options that mimic the appearance of wood. Vinyl or laminate flooring and porcelain tiles can be manufactured to look like wood for a fraction of the cost. Alternative real wood options, such as floating floors and click-and-lock paneling, can help you save money on installation.

Floor Joist Repairs

When you replace your existing flooring, you may discover that the subfloor or joists have mold, insect, or water damage. In this case, you’ll need to have the joists repaired for an average cost of $2,000–$5,000 before any work can be completed.

Finishing and Coating

When installing new hardwood floors, you have two choices: boards that have been prefinished at the factory or unfinished boards that are finished with sealant following installation. Unfinished boards are less expensive but come with higher labor costs, since the finishing must be done on-site. Additionally, different types of finish have different costs, with polyurethane on the low end and penetrating resin finish on the high end.

Installation and Labor

Hard and exotic woods have higher material and installation costs, while softwoods like pine are easier to work with and cheaper to install. Parquet and small wood tiles with intricate patterns are pricier to install, as is flooring in rooms with unusual layouts or staircases.

Repair, Replacement, or Refinishing

Hardwood flooring may be expensive to install, but you can easily refinish it. A professional sanding and floor refinishing project costs $3–$8 per square foot and will get rid of dents, dings, and even gouges. You may even refinish your floors yourself. Replacing individual boards will cost more, but it will still be just a fraction of the overall cost of having new floors installed.

Free Quote: Get your hardwood flooring quote today

 

Types of Hardwood Flooring

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when installing new hardwood floors is choosing the wood type. Here are some of the most common types of wood flooring and their characteristics:

Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Below, we outline the benefits and drawbacks of installing this type of flooring.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Durability and value are among the top benefits of hardwood flooring. Some other pros include the following:

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

There are several cons to consider before installing hardwood flooring:

DIY vs. Professional Hardwood Flooring Cost

Installation and labor are two of the most expensive aspects of installing hardwood flooring. To cut down on costs, homeowners may be tempted to take on the project themselves. There are some types of wood flooring, like click-and-lock wood tiles and floating flooring, that experienced DIYers may be able to install themselves. When it comes to traditional hardwood plank flooring, however, the job is best left to the professionals.

Flooring contractors don’t necessarily have to be licensed, but it takes ample training and experience to properly account for variables such as changing temperatures, humidity, and moisture protection. Improperly installed wood floors are prone to cracking, bowing, and warping over time, so if you’re investing in hardwood flooring, we strongly recommend you have it professionally installed.

Free Quote: Get your hardwood flooring quote from pros near you today

How To Save on Hardwood Flooring Costs

Here are a few ways to save money on the overall project cost without having to do the work yourself.

Prioritize Savings Over Appearance

Think about wood flooring materials beyond just the color and finish. Look for a less expensive grain (plain-sawn), type of hardwood (pine, red oak, bamboo), and thickness (5/16”). You’ll also pay less for boards with more “character,” i.e., knots, varied colors, etc.

Consider Engineered Wood

It can cost more to install, but you can often save money by opting for engineered wood with non-exotic veneers. Depending on the type of panels, you may even be able to install it by yourself.

Whenever Possible, Refinish

If you already have hardwood floors, refinishing the old flooring will cost much less than installing new wood. Unless there are deep gouges or the floors have significant moisture damage, refinishing is usually the way to go.

How To Install Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood flooring is a complicated process, but here are the basic steps. You can learn more in our comprehensive guide to hardwood floor installation.

  1. Let the flooring material acclimate to the home’s temperature and humidity. Check for warps or other damage to the material.
  2. Remove the old flooring and clean and prepare the subfloor.
  3. Lay and install the boards while staggering the gaps, leaving room for expansion and using boards from different boxes.
  4. Cut any excess underlayment, then sand and stain the boards.
  5. Add thresholds.

How To Hire a Professional

When choosing a flooring contractor, here are some things to keep in mind:

Free Quote: Get your hardwood flooring quote from pros near you today

Our Conclusion

Hardwood flooring costs are substantial, and no flooring material is perfect. Still, hardwood floors have a lot of benefits, including a high return on investment. You also have more options than just installing wide planks in the traditional manner. Take some time to explore your wood flooring options and how they fit into your budget to determine whether hardwood floors are the right choice for your home.

FAQs About Hardwood Flooring

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].

2022 Hardwood Flooring Cost + Installation Cost Per Square Foot

Hardwood Floor Installation Costs

The average cost to install hardwood flooring is $4,213 with most homeowners spending between $2,311 and $6,115. On the low end, you can expect to pay $6 to $11 per square foot, and on the high-end prices range from $12 to $23 per square foot for both materials and installation. The installation includes finishing, trim, and removal of your old floor.

Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
National Average Cost $4,213
Minimum Cost $1,200
Maximum Cost $11,100
Average Range $2,311 to $6,115

With many available options, it is important to understand what variables will impact the final cost of your project. Whether you opt for traditional hardwood materials or engineered hardwood flooring, you need to choose an option that makes sense for you and your home. This guide is intended to help you through your wood flooring journey, helping you better understand the costs involved. That way, you can plan accordingly and most importantly, stay within your budget.

Table Of Contents

  1. Hardwood Floor Installation Costs
  • Traditional Wood Flooring Costs
  • Engineered Hardwood Costs
  • Hardwood Flooring Prices By Type
  • Hardwood Flooring Pros And Cons
  • Hardwood Floor Finishes
  • Hardwood Flooring Sizes
  • Additional Costs
  • Estimating Your Costs & How to Save
  • Selecting Your Flooring Contractor
  • Hardwood Floor Installers Near Me

    • Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot

    Hardwood flooring installation costs $6 to $23 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $8 and $15 per square foot on average. The main pricing factors include the type of wood you select and labor costs for professional installation.

    Hardwood Floor Cost Per Square Foot
    Hardwood Type Low Grade Mid Grade High Grade
    Traditional Hardwood $6 – $11 $9 – $18 $12 – $23
    Engineered Hardwood $6 – $14 $9 – $19 $12 – $23

    Average Labor Cost For Installing Hardwood Floors

    The average labor cost for installing hardwood floors ranges from $3 to $9 per square foot to hiring a professional contractor. Expect labor costs to make up approximately 50% of your total project cost. Always get multiple bids from various hardwood flooring contractors so you can make an educated decision.

    How Much To Install Hardwood Floors On 1,000 Sq. Feet?

    The average cost to install hardwood floors on 1,000 sq. feet is between $6,115 and $10,140 with most homeowners spending about $8,127 for materials and professional labor.

    Hardwood Stairs Cost

    Installing hardwood stairs costs between $100 and $200 per step on average, which includes all materials and professional labor. Typically a flight of stairs has 12 to 15 steps, which would be a total of $1,200 to $3,000.

    Return to Top

    Traditional Wood Flooring Costs

    The cost of new wood floors ranges from $6 to $13 per square foot while engineered hardwood is slightly more expensive at an average of $6 to $15 per square foot for both materials and installation. Traditional flooring is solid wood without any layers – in comparison to engineered wood, which is constructed with multiple layers of hardwood and plywood. Both are durable, high-performance options, so it just depends on your personal preference.

    Wood Flooring Cost Per Square Foot
    Floor Grade Materials Cost (SF) Labor Cost (SF) Total Cost(SF)
    Lowest tier $3 to $6 $3 to $5 $6 to $11
    Middle tier $5 to $10 $4 to $8 $9 to $18
    Highest tier $8 to $15 $4 to $8 $12 to $23

    The hardest hardwoods, such as walnut and oak are the most durable. However, they are also more costly. Although prices will vary depending on the supplier, you can expect three key pricing groups based on the hardness and rarity of the wood.

    Wood Flooring Grades

    Wood flooring typically comes in 3 different grades. Also, wood floors are available in narrow boards or planks. These range of approximately 3 inches to 7 inches in width respectively. In terms of how much traditional wood flooring costs, the most significant factor is, of course, the type of wood you select.

    Return to Top

    Engineered Hardwood Costs

    Installing engineered hardwood costs $6 to $11 per square foot on the low end, all the way up to $12 to $23 per square foot for exotic hardwoods. When comparing traditional and engineered wood, the main difference is in the construction of the wood itself. As discussed, traditional wood is just solid wood, prepared into boards or planks.

    In contrast, engineered wood is constructed with multiple layers of hardwood and plywood. Based on the way these layers are created and positioned, engineered hardwood helps prevent any bowing or warping of the wood following exposure to moisture.

    Engineered Hardwood Costs
    Floor Grade Materials Cost (SF) Labor Cost (SF) Total Cost(SF)
    Lowest tier $3 to $5 $3 to $9 $6 to $11
    Middle tier $5 to $10 $4 to $9 $9 to $19
    Highest tier $8 to $14 $4 to $9 $12 to $23

    Available in the most popular species, including maple, hickory, and oak, you will also find different finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, or gloss. Based on the number of engineered wood flooring options available today, you benefit from greater flexibility in regards to pricing and where you can install the wood.

    Hardwood Flooring Grades

    Similar to traditional wood, engineered hardwood is offered at varying grades and price points:

    In some cases, homeowners install engineered hardwood below ground level without any worry. Once again, this is possible because engineered hardwood offers greater heat and moisture resistance than solid woods. It can also be used in places that traditional hardwoods are not typically used, such as in the kitchen, in basements, or in high-humidity summer homes.

    Return to Top

    Hardwood Flooring Prices By Type

    Pine is the cheapest hardwood with average prices of $2 to $4 per square foot not including installation. Certain high-end engineered hardwoods are priced between $10 and $13 per square foot such as Engineered Heart Pine or Engineered White Ash.

    To help guide your decision, here are some of the commonly used and requested solid hardwood species.

    Hardwood Flooring Prices
    Hardwood Type Cost Per Square Foot
    Pine $2 – $4
    Bamboo $2 – $4
    Red Oak $2 – $6
    Maple $3 – $6
    Hickory $3 – $6
    White Ash $5 – $6
    Brazilian Walnut $5 – $9
    Engineered Heart Pine $10 – $11
    Engineered Maple $10 – $12
    Engineered White Ash $12 – $13

    Pine Hardwood Flooring

    Pine hardwood flooring costs $2 to $4 per square foot, while engineered heart pine is around $10 to $11 per square foot. A softwood, pine isn't the best option when pets are in the house, as it can scratch and dent more easily than some of the other woods available. However, the appearance of pine is stunning, offering warm tones that range of beige to amber, vintage charm, and rustic knots throughout.

    Maple Hardwood Flooring

    This wood is sturdy and much more resistant to dents, making it a great material to use in high-traffic areas. The only downside is that it can be harder to work with which is why professional assistance is recommended. The coloration ranges from white to a light red tone. Average cost: $3 to $6 per square foot. In comparison, engineered maple typically goes for $10 to $12 per square foot.

    Ash Hardwood Flooring

    Ash is durable and typically tough to stain hardwood. Its coloration ranges from soft tan to pale gray with a bold grain like oak. Heartwood Ash varies from light tan to dark brown. Ash hardwood costs $5 to $6 per square foot, compared to $12 to $13 per square foot for engineered White Ash.

    Bamboo Hardwood Flooring

    Bamboo hardwood comes in a wide variety of colors with interesting patterns. Although it's not a real hardwood, it shares many characteristics such as water resistance, durability, and styles. Pricing for bamboo flooring ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot.

    Hickory Hardwood Flooring

    Hickory is a durable wood that embodies fantastic grain patterns with many color variations. It works great in high-traffic areas, and prices range from $3 to $6 per square foot.

    Oak Hardwood Flooring Cost

    Oak hardwood contains rich detailing and deep patterns and earth tones. Red Oak has a narrow but visible grain in reddish earth tones. Oak is a mid-level wood floor material with prices ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot for just the materials.

    Walnut Hardwood Flooring

    This wood comes in many different exotic brownish shades with a distinctive grain. It's extremely hard and durable with a price tag at $5 to $9 per square foot for just the materials.

    Whether you prefer bamboo or red oak, traditional hardwood costs less than engineered wood types. Remember, engineered wood flooring offers increased durability and higher moisture resistance. This means that if you have young children or pets, you should consider engineered wood.

    Laminate Vs. Hardwood Cost

    The average cost to install laminate flooring is between $3 to $8 per square foot compared to hardwood floors at $6 to $12 per square foot. Laminate flooring installation costs $1,411 and $3,395 with most homeowners paying around $2,352 for professional installation.

    Carpet Vs. Hardwood Cost

    The average cost to install carpet ranges from $2 and $4 per square foot, compared to hardwood flooring which costs an average of $6 to $12 per square foot installed.

    Tile Vs. Hardwood Cost

    Tile installation costs $2 to $7 per square foot for vinyl or lamainte, and $5 to $10 per square foot for porcelain or ceramic, while hardwood flooring ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot.

    Return to Top

    Hardwood Flooring Pros And Cons

    There are multiple reasons why people chose wood floors over other possibilities.

    How Long Do Hardwood Floors Last?

    It is not unusual to see wood flooring throughout the entire home because of its longevity over carpet and tile. If treated well, the life of a wood floor can stretch to over forty years, and even then, it can be sanded, stained, and varnished—significantly cheaper than having it replaced.

    Return to Top

    Hardwood Floor Finishes

    To extend your floors durability and longevity, add a coating of a protective seal called a finish. These finishes are usually made of either polyurethanes or prefinished UV-cured urethane, oils, or oil hybrids.

    On average, prefinished wood costs around $2 more per square foot than unfinished wood, but it is less expensive when the finishing costs for unfinished wood are added in.

    Return to Top

    Hardwood Flooring Sizes

    Some manufacturers, like Hull Forest, sell pieces of Eastern White Pine as long as 16 feet. Longer pieces of wood come from older trees, so they will be of a higher quality and arrive at a higher price.

    Return to Top

    Additional Cost Considerations

    Hardwood Floor Refinishing

    Hardwood floor refinishing costs $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the square footage, location, staining, finish type, number of coats, and labor costs.

    If you maintain a hardwood floor properly, it might never need refinishing. A solid wood floor can last from 20 to 160 years without a refinish, depending on its thickness and quality.

    Trim and Molding Costs

    Trim costs about $5.50–$9 per linear foot to have it installed or $1. 50 per linear foot to paint it a new color. The cost to remove and reinstall your baseboards will cost about $150.

    Once your wood flooring is installed, the contractor installs trim molding on the base of the wall around the edges to hide any gaps. Even in the uncommon situation where there are no gaps, over time, with contraction and expansion of the wood and slight shifts in the foundation, they will become visible without trim being installed.

    Cost To Remove Hardwood Floors

    Before installing new hardwood floors, you may have to remove your current floors if they do not create a proper surface. Expect to pay between $400 to $550 to remove existing hardwood floors or $1 to $2 per square yard to remove any existing carpet.

    Return to Top

    Estimating Your Hardwood Flooring Costs

    The best thing you can do to save money is to shop around. Choose 2-3 styles and/or wood types so that you can easily compare. To ensure that you remain within your budget, contact contractors to obtain an installation quote.

    Also, ensure that the workspace is ready-to-go when contractors arrive. This means moving furniture and even removing old flooring. You can then purchase wood flooring yourself, pick it up, and bring it home. That way, the flooring company will only need to install the flooring – not supply it or remove your old floor.

    Last but not least, if you have a tight budget, consider the layout of your design and keep it as simple as possible. As soon as you request bordering or inlaid patterns, you can anticipate significantly higher costs.

    Where to buy:

    Selecting Your Flooring Contractor

    When creating your shortlist of contractors, there are a few criteria you can consider that may help set your mind at ease. Look for contractors with some or many of the following boxes checked:

    Whether you have recently bought a new home or plan to renovate your current residence, new flooring can make all the difference. Although it is more expensive than other options on the market, it tends to be the preferred choice. Hardwood flooring is known for its warm, character-rich appearance, versatility, and durability. Also, hardwood floors add value to a home.

    Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted flooring professionals:

    Get free estimates

    How much does it cost to replace floors

    Replacement of floors in a house or apartment is carried out for various reasons. The most common examples are the need to install sound and heat insulation, a decision was made to install a “warm” floor, there was a deformation of the coating, the boards began to creak or the humidity coming from the basement increased, just wanted something modern and new.

    Be that as it may, you will have to do a huge job, consisting of several stages. A lot during material replacement depends on what material the old floors are made of and how you plan to see the new flooring. Moreover, you need to consider an additional function that would increase noise and heat insulation, as well as provide more reliable protection for the apartment.

    In order not to surprise you with the complexity of the upcoming work, you need to find out not only how much the replacement of floors costs, but also get acquainted with the main stages of the upcoming events.

    Dismantling the floor

    This process is one of the most unpleasant. But no matter how scary it may be, you simply can’t do without such an activity, and therefore you should boldly take up work.

    If the old floor in the apartment is wooden, then there will be no big difficulties and problems with its dismantling. For work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools, such as a hammer with a nail puller, an ax, a pry bar, a screwdriver, an electric saw or an electric jigsaw for cutting old boards (if you do not plan to reuse them), a shovel and garbage bags.

    Dismantling the old wooden floor

    • First of all, you need to get rid of the skirting boards by removing them around the entire perimeter of the room, and only then can you start dismantling the wooden flooring.

    • If you plan to re-lay the boards or use them as joists, then remove them carefully, being careful not to cause serious damage to them. Therefore, using a nail puller, carefully pull out all the nails. If the boards were fixed with self-tapping screws, then this process will not cause any difficulty - most often they can be unscrewed with a screwdriver.

    • If you do not plan to use boards in the future, it is better to take them out of the apartment immediately. Do not collect a bunch of garbage, as it will interfere with subsequent actions. It is also worth doing with other elements that you definitely will not need for installation work.

    • Having freed up space, you can start dismantling the log. It is important to remember that they can be securely fastened to the floor, and they must be dismantled carefully, trying not to damage the base. Otherwise, you will add to yourself additional work and expenses that will be spent on sealing the holes that have formed.

    • When you free the room from the old coating, it is necessary to carry out its thorough cleaning, as far as the foundation allows, of course. After completing this procedure, you can begin preparing the floor for installation work.

    Removing a wooden floor: video

    Removing a concrete floor

    Removing an old concrete floor can be repaired only in extreme cases. Drastic measures are taken only if the old cement coating cannot be preserved. For example, it was constantly exposed to moisture without regular drying. In such a situation, mold and fungus could form in the concrete layers, which can cause health effects for residents - asthma, allergies, lung diseases, rhinitis, and others. Naturally, it is simply necessary to dismantle such a coating.

    Another reason for dismantling is the low ceilings in the apartment. If you are going to install the floor with insulation, then be prepared for the fact that it will become higher, and the coating must be removed to make room for the sound and heat insulation structure.

    If you plan to dispose of the screed, make sure it is laid on a concrete floor and proceed with extreme care.

    To remove the screed layer, it is better to use a perforator. With its help, its individual pieces are removed. Typically, such a layer leveling the slab is from 50 to 120 mm.

    When the old screed has been removed, cleaning activities must also be carried out. However, in this embodiment, it is unlikely that it will be possible to make an ideal cleaning, but you will have to make every effort.

    Preparatory work

    In order for the new flooring to be installed properly, the cleaned base from the old floor must be brought into proper condition.

    • Carefully remove all dust from the surface. This is done in order to detect serious flaws in the base (holes, cracks, crevices, areas of coloring or peeling, places where the concrete has been impregnated with certain compounds, or where traces of mold and dampness were visible).

    • If you find such, they must be well sealed, otherwise they may reduce the effect of sound and thermal insulation. This can be done with mounting foam, cement mortar or sealant. It is necessary to make a choice of repair materials, starting from the size of the damaged base. In case of mold or fungus formation, the base must be impregnated with special aseptic compounds.

    • Once the base is dry, the next preparation steps are carried out, which will depend on what type of flooring is being replaced. For this reason, these processes should be considered in conjunction with the installation of each type of floor.

    But keep in mind that even if you are going to install a wooden floor instead of a dismantled screed, the surface will have to be leveled with a new concrete coating (small layer).

    Making a new tie

    There are many ways to make a new tie. If the base is more or less even, and a wooden coating is laid on top of it, then put it in perfect order by making a self-leveling floor. One of the best options would be to pour a self-leveling coating.

    The self-leveling coating can hide small flaws or differences in the substrate. To do this, you need a ready-made dry mortar intended for self-leveling floors.

    You will be able to get acquainted with the technology of preparing the solution on the package, and it must be strictly followed. Next, the finished solution must be poured over the surface, then distributed with a wide spatula or doctor blade, and then pierced with a spiked roller to release the remaining air bubbles.

    The leveled floor must be left to dry to gain strength. All compositions are characterized by their maturation period, depending on the components from which the building mixture is prepared.

    Then on the leveled floor, you can:

    • lay a thin insulation and lay a decorative coating;

    • to equip the plywood flooring with laying a special film of infrared floor heating;

    • lay the wooden floor on the installed joists.

    Expanded clay screed with insulation

    The second type of screed is laid directly on expanded clay, which is a high-quality sound insulator and insulation. Moreover, the material is quite light, which means it will not make the interfloor floor heavier, which should be taken into account when performing a screed in an apartment. Moreover, the process of laying this screed is as follows.

    • If screeding is carried out on the first floor above a cold basement, the first step is waterproofing. Its installation is carried out in various ways: cast, plaster, painting, pasting and others. It is applied not only on the floors, but also on the lower part of the walls, on a pre-primed surface.

    • A dense polyethylene film is laid on the previously prepared waterproofed surface, extending over the walls by 20 cm. The sheets of the film must be glued together using a special adhesive tape.

    • Further on, a damper tape is attached to the top of the film along the perimeter of the room, which helps to keep the screed intact during strong temperature changes.

    • Further, beacons are installed on top of the film, aligned with the level. Usually they are fixed on a concrete solution. At the same time, the height of the beacons must correspond to the height of the expanded claydite layer to be filled in + the planned thickness of the screed.

    • Further expanded clay is poured in a layer slightly below the installed beacons and well leveled.

    • Then, a concrete solution is poured over the expanded clay, which is leveled over the top of the beacons.

    • When the screed dries, it is likely to settle a little, it can be covered with a thin layer of self-leveling floor.

    • Further, any decorative flooring is laid on top of this structure.

    Uninsulated screed

    An ordinary concrete mortar screed is produced to strengthen the floor for further wooden flooring or on floors of an apartment building where insulation is not required.

    Next, a polyethylene waterproofing film should be spread on the prepared base.

    A special damper tape is glued along the entire perimeter of the walls.

    On top of the laid waterproofing film, it is necessary to lay a reinforcing mesh (fiberglass or metal), then install beacons that are leveled in a horizontal plane.

    Next, the concrete mortar is poured 1. 5-2 cm above the beacons, starting from the far wall of the room, after which it is leveled with the rule (it must be carried out strictly along the beacon guides).

    Thus, the whole room is poured and leveled, after which the screed is left for 3-4 weeks, during which time it will harden and mature.

    After it is ready, proceed with the installation of logs, insulation, and boarding.

    Dry screed

    Another option for arranging a new floor is a dry screed, which is perfect for installation in an apartment. She has proven herself well in that she does not have to knead the solution and breed a swamp in the dwelling. Floors made of dry screed are made as follows:

    • A dense polyethylene film is laid on the floors, which should be 5-10 cm on the wall (height margin). A board is installed in the doorway to limit spillage of the mixture. The flooring should fit as tightly as possible to the surface of the base.

    • Next, beacons made of even wooden beams or a metal profile are laid on the film. But in this version, the screeds cannot be fixed to the base, otherwise, after leveling the surface, the guides from the backfilled layer must be removed.

    • The beacons themselves must be aligned to the building level to a flat horizontal plane.

    • The next step is pouring the filler onto the film. Its layer should have a greater height (by several millimeters) compared to the installed beacons.

    • Using the rule, the dry aggregate is leveled, focusing on the beacons.

    • The last stage is the laying of gypsum-fiber boards with butt joints. Glue is applied to them, after which the next panel is laid. This is done in such a way that the lock parts fit perfectly. The plates are additionally fastened in these places with the help of self-tapping screws.

    The finished floor is finished with a decorative finish, the choice of which depends on your personal preferences.

    Wooden floor

    A floor made of plywood or tongue and groove boards is installed on the prepared screed. Moreover, it can be laid directly on a concrete base or laid on logs.

    The most popular of these options is the first one, because it has many advantages. For example, between the lags it is possible to lay sound insulation and insulation. Moreover, the surface is raised above the concrete, which in turn adds an insulating effect. Another advantage is that the lags add more rigidity to the coating, and it becomes more reliable. Floors on logs or bars are installed in several stages:

    • Before attaching the logs, the room is marked out. The lines are beaten off with a colored stretched twine. The distance between the lags should correspond to the width of the insulation material (in the case of mineral wool, it can be reduced by 30-50 mm, it will be much better).

    • Next cut the logs to the desired length. But it is important to remember that they should be at a distance from the wall, no less than the thickness of the insulation. As a rule, mineral wool is used for insulation - when using low-quality polystyrene foam in closed residential areas, the atmosphere will not be so environmentally friendly.

    • Further actions are connected with the installation of the log to the base. You can fix them to the concrete base itself or raise them to a certain height using metal holders or studs.

    • The distance between the log posts fixed to the floor should be within 40-50 cm. The level of the future floor can be brought to a horizontal plane by adjusting the height of the posts.

    • At the end of this work, it is necessary to lay the insulation. First, this must be done between the wall and the logs, around the entire perimeter of the room, then lay it between the log bars.

    • The next step is to cover the entire structure with a special vapor barrier film - it should be fixed to the logs with a stapler.

    • Boarding is the most important process. Starting floorboards should be 5-7 mm from the wall, which will provide ventilation and compensation for linear expansion from increased humidity or thermal changes in the room.

    • A plinth must be fixed on top of the floor made of planks along the perimeter of the room. And it should be fixed to the wall, and not to the floorboards.

    • If you plan to lay plywood on logs, then provide a joint between two sheets so that it falls in the middle of the log bar. You need to calculate the size of the plywood. For surface rigidity, the sheets must be fastened according to the brickwork system, namely with a shift of the next one by half the sheet.

    • As soon as you have completely laid the material, all gaps between the sheets must be filled with putty. After waiting for it to dry, cycle the surface.

    • On top of the plywood, you can lay different decorative coatings, after which the skirting boards are installed, giving completeness to the floor.

    In addition to the simple floors discussed in the article, recently heated floors - electric or water - have gained particular popularity. The device of these systems is considered by us in other materials of the site "Remontik".

    With the right calculation, you can do the dismantling and installation of the cover yourself, which will save you money, since such work will be quite expensive. Now consider how much it costs to replace floors. We have provided a table with average prices in the market.

    Service name Price in dollars per m 2
    Leveling and repairing screed 2.5-4
    Floor removal 1.5-2.5
    Waterproofing device 1.3-1.5
    Floor insulation from 1
    Laying a log, laying plywood on concrete, making a wooden subfloor from 1. 5
    Wooden floor replacement 2.25
    Screed reinforcement 0.5
    Finish from 2

    How much does it cost to install a wooden floor

    Despite all the variety of floor coverings, in recent years more and more people prefer natural materials. For this reason, wood flooring has gained such high popularity. Many people ask themselves: “Is it worth laying a wooden floor with your own hands or is it better to give preference to the services of professionals and how much will the service cost and how to decide on the choice of material? You will find detailed answers to all these questions below.

    The floor in an apartment or house plays an important role. In order for it to serve for many years, you need to choose the right material and lay it with high quality. We propose to consider these points in more detail.

    Article material

    Material selection features.
    Is it worth laying the wooden floor yourself?
    Average prices for laying a wooden floor.
    What is wood flooring like?
    Carrying out demolition work.
    Technology of laying a wooden floor on logs.
    How can I extend the life of my floor?

    The secrets of choosing a quality material

    If you plan to install wooden planks as flooring, it is important to choose the right material. In this regard, the climate of the area of ​​​​residence, the price and the expected level of load on the floor play a huge role. Naturally, the type of room where the floor will be equipped is one of the most important characteristics.

    Softwood can be laid for small living spaces. It can be fir, pine, cedar or larch, which are easy to install. The price of such material is relatively small with high strength and durability.

    A versatile and more expensive option would be oak planks. Alder and aspen are also often used for wooden floors.

    Main selection criteria for wood

    • The floor material must be dry, because if it is damp, the boards will lose their shape in the future. If the boards are too dry, then after a while wait for them to deform.
    • Do not buy material if it has visible defects - tar stains, splits and defects that are unacceptable, even if the price for them is reduced.
    • It is worth buying 10% more material, since the floor device has a certain percentage of rejects.
    • It is better if the length of the board is 200 cm longer.
    • When buying, make sure that the wood you buy is from the same lot. Thus, you will be sure that similar conditions are created for processing the board, so they must match in terms of pattern and color.
    • It is better to use tongue-and-groove or edged wood for flooring. So you exclude grinding procedures, however, a meter of this material will cost more than a regular board, but flooring can be made easier from it.

    Should I do my own wood flooring?

    Most often, the process of laying a wooden floor includes the following steps:

    • installation of a log;

    • thermal insulation;

    • subfloor installation;

    • flooring with special leveling material;

    • installation of a fine floor covering.

    Depending on individual characteristics or the wishes of homeowners, the procedure may vary slightly.

    Laying a wooden floor involves taking into account some features that an inexperienced person may simply not be aware of. For this reason, we recommend that you contact professionals who have been working in this field for a long time and find out how much it costs to install a wooden floor. In addition, special tools or equipment may be required.

    Attention! If you do not have experience in performing these works, a violation of the technology will lead to the need for new repairs, which will increase your costs. Therefore, the involvement of craftsmen with extensive experience will be the best option in such a situation, especially if you do not have carpentry tools.

    Does it make sense to use the services of a private master? Typically, services from such specialists are somewhat cheaper than the work of a team from a construction company. But a private master in such situations does not provide any documents that confirm the fact of the conclusion of the transaction, as well as guarantees for the quality of work.

    As a result, the quality of work remains on the conscience of the master himself. You should resort to the services of these specialists only if you have seen the quality and results of their work on the example of your acquaintances or friends.

    Before laying the wooden floor, the old floor will need to be removed. This stage has a separate cost from specialists. Today, the average cost of dismantling a wooden floor is from $1 to $3.5 per m 2 . Dismantling tiles will cost $ 1.2-3.5 per m 2 .

    As for the installation of the log, you will have to pay about $ 3-5 per linear meter for it. The cost of laying 1 m 2 parquet board will cost $8-10. You will have to pay $ 4-6 for a screed for m 2 .

    Finished wooden floor installation costs $4-5, and skirting board installation costs $4-5 per linear meter.

    It should also be noted that the cost of work largely depends on the region, as well as on the specific company. The cost is affected by the experience of specialists, the volume and complexity of work. The final cost is determined by the season of the year and specialists. If the repair is carried out in the summer, then the services of professionals in the installation of the floor will cost much more.

    What should a wooden floor look like? The material has grooves on four sides. Moreover, standard boards are equipped with grooves exclusively on both sides. The length of such products is from 0.5 to 2 m.

    • Solid wood planks are the most common material.

    • Laminated parquet board. This product has exactly the same appearance and size as a solid parquet board. Moreover, it can be used in the same conditions. It is produced in three layers, which are glued together under strong pressure. The top layer consists of valuable tree species. For the other two layers, less expensive wood is used. As a result, the cost of these products will be at a fairly acceptable level.

    • Parquet. Tongue-and-groove strips of small sizes with grooves on 4 sides.

    Demolition work

    Of course, it is better to use the services of specialists, especially if there is a shortage of resources, after knowing how much it costs to lay a wooden floor. As a rule, construction companies carry out such procedures faster and better than private traders. Well, to control the implementation of all work, you need to be aware of and understand how they will be carried out.

    The initial stage is the process of dismantling the old floor, which includes:

    • emptying the premises of all objects and furniture;

    • removal of skirting boards;

    • removal of ventilation grilles, if any, on the floor;

    • removal of floor covering;

    • should be removed from the room.

    Dismantling is completed by wet cleaning of the premises.

    Features of installing a wooden floor on logs

    There are several ways to lay a wooden floor: flooring on a solid base, on logs, on the ground, etc. Which of the options to choose, it is worth starting from your individual characteristics.

    The most common way is mounting on beams. In this case, it can be laid both on a concrete surface and on a dirt one.

    Before laying the logs, they should be allowed to lie down indoors for several days. Then they are discarded. Thus, you will exclude the possibility of deflection of the boards.

    The main advantage of this method lies in the possibility of hiding communication facilities and leveling the floor surface. The disadvantages include the undesirability of installation in rooms where there is a low ceiling level. A waterproofing layer must be laid directly under the deck, regardless of the type of substrate. Do not forget about the treatment of the lag with water-repellent compounds and solutions.

    Logs are attached to a brick or concrete base with glue or dowels. If fastening to a wooden base is required, long nails or self-tapping screws are used.

    How to increase the life of the floor?

    If you want wooden floors to last for many years and not give you trouble, make them more durable, improve their appearance and pay special attention to the last stage of work.

    Learn more