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Hardwood floor install labor cost


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].

Cost to Install Hardwood Floor

July 2022

Item detailsQtyLow  High
Hardwood Flooring Cost 
Non-discounted retail pricing for: Residential, above-grade red oak flooring. 25 yr limited warranty. UV resistant 7 coat AlO satin finish. For nail down installation. Quantity includes typical waste overage, material for repair and local delivery.		129 square feet$791.91$1,042.81
Hardwood Floor Installation Labor, Basic 
Basic labor to install hardwood floor with favorable site conditions. Install underlayment on clean, level subfloor. Acclimate, cull and blend flooring. Blind nail wood flooring. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.		129 square feet$791.91$1,042.81
Hardwood Floor Installation Job Supplies 
Cost of related materials and supplies typically required to install hardwood floor including: manufacturer recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives and surface sealants.		129 square feet$791.91$1,042.81
Hardwood Floor Installation Equipment Allowance
Job related costs of specialty equipment used for job quality and efficiency, including: Pneumatic nailer for 1 1/2" to 2" nails and up to 3/4" thick flooring. Daily rental. Consumables extra.		129 square feet$791.91$1,042.81
Option: Remove Flooring
Detach from mounting surface(s). Break into haul able pieces. Remove from home and dispose of legally. Asbestos handling is extra.		129 square feet$791.91$1,042.81
Hardwood Flooring Debris Disposal
Costs to load and haul away old materials, installation waste and associated debris.		129 square feet0.236250.26875
 Unused Minimum Labor
Balance of 2 hr(s) minimum labor charge that can be applied to other tasks.		   
Totals - Cost To Install Hardwood Floor   
Average Cost per Square Foot  

Custom Calculators with Homewyse Lists

Service Professionals: create a reusable estimating app that is 100% customized to your business. Start with a template or build your own (free; Account sign up required):

For a basic project in zip code 47474 with 120 square feet, the cost to Install a Hardwood Floor starts at $12.56 - $17.37 per square foot*. Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, and options.

To estimate costs for your project:

1. Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased.

2. Specify Project Size and Options Enter the number of "square feet" required for the project.

3. Re-calculate Click the "Update" button.

NOTE: *Input the total of the finished surface area AND the area of any openings enclosed by the finished area.


 


Unit Costs: How Pros Price

Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.


Cost to Install a Hardwood Floor - Notes and General Information

These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS! Explore the full range of red oak flooring new installation labor options and material prices here.

These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.

The cost estimate includes:

  • Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
  • Costs to prepare the worksite for Hardwood Floor Installation, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
  • Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Hardwood Floor Installation jobs.

The cost estimate does NOT include:

  • Costs for removing, relocating, repairing, or modifying existing framing, surfacing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems - or bringing those systems into compliance with current building codes.
  • Costs for testing and remediation of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.).
  • General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Hardwood Floor Installation. Add 13% to 22% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
  • Sales tax on materials and supplies.
  • Permit or inspection fees (or portion thereof) required by your local building department for your overall project.

References - Hardwood Floor Installation

  • Product and Supplies Data: Lowes Flooring Products and Supplies Lowes , Jul 2022, Website
  • Product and Supplies Data: Home Depot Flooring and Supplies Home Depot, Jul 2022, Website
  • Product and Supplies Data: Menards Flooring and Supplies Menards, Jul 2022, Website
  • Product and Supplies Data: Fast Floors Flooring and Supplies Fast Floors, Jul 2022, Website
  • Product and Supplies Data: BuildDirect Flooring and Supplies BuildDirect, Jul 2022, Website
  • The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 5: Partitions, Ceilings, Floors, and Stairs U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Mar 2011, Editorial Staff
  • Home Improvement 1-2-3: Expert Advice from The Home Depot Homer, TLC, Jul 2022, Editorial Staff, ISBN 696213273
  • The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 5: Partitions, Ceilings, Floors, and Stairs U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Mar 2011, Editorial Staff
  • Labor Wages and Costs: CPWAR Construction Cost Book The Center for Construction Research and Training, Jul 2022, Staff
  • Project Spending Data: Harvard University JCHS Homeowner Expenditures Harvard University, Jul 2022, Website

Hardwood Floor Installation Budget Management

This infographic highlights decisions and site issues that can cause large cost variances in the typical Hardwood Floor Installation budget.


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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. nine0003

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. nine0016
What is wood flooring like?
Carrying out demolition work.
The 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. nine0003

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. nine0078
  • 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0078

  • 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, knowing in advance 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. nine0003

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

  • emptying the premises of all items and furniture;

  • removal of skirting boards;

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

  • top floor removal;

  • 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. nine0003

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. In addition, thanks to the final measures, the level of strength, moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes increases. nine0003

First of all, you need to sand the finished surface. This can be done with a floor standing or manual type machine. It is important that the joints between the boards are puttied. To do this, use putty both water-based and polymer-based. Moreover, the polymer will be more preferable, since it shrinks less and is more elastic.

Next, the surface should be primed, as the paint or varnish adheres better and has good adhesion to the surface. We recommend giving preference to a one-component polymer varnish. It does not harm the body and dries in a short time, and it has no smell. nine0003

If you involve professionals, then before starting work, you should check with the company's specialists not only the question of how much the laying of a wooden floor will cost, but also ask how long the work will take. It is good if you sign a contract indicating all the guarantees and conditions for the services rendered.

Price list for laying and flooring in Minsk - cost (prices) 2023

nine0015

from 5 c.u.

nine0311

cork installation:

nine0019 nine0319

cutting and laying carpet

nine0019

Type of service

Unit

Cost

1.

Floor work:

nine0009 a.

parquet flooring installation (with lock Clic ):

-

asymmetrical layout

m²

-

carpet layout

m²

from 5 c. u.

nine0280 -

diagonal layout

m²

from 7 c.u.

-

symmetrical layout

m²

from 7 c.u.

-

for adhesive

m²

nine0002 from 10 c.u.

b.

installation of laminate floor, laminate, vinyl, composite floor (with lock Clic ):

-

nine0002 asymmetrical layout

m²

from 3 c. u.

-

carpet layout

nine0009 m²

from 3 c.u.

-

diagonal layout

m²

from 5 c.u.

nine0016

-

symmetrical layout

m²

from 5 c.u.

in.

-

asymmetrical layout

m²

from 3 c. u.

-

carpet layout

m²

from 5 c.u.

-

nine0009 diagonal layout

m²

from 5 c.u.

-

symmetrical layout

m²

from 5 c.u.

-

for walls

m²

from 8 c.u.

cutting and laying linoleum

m ²

from 3 c. u.

d.

m ²

from 4 c.u.

f.

skirting installation:

nine0016

-

PVC

m.p.

from 2 c.u.

-

nine0002 MDF

m.p.

from 3 c.u.

-

solid wood

m. p.

from 4 c.u.

-

veneer

m.p.

from 6 c.u.

-

skirting board for semicircular corners

pcs.

from 4 c.u.

-

skirting around round (semicircular) walls

m.p.

from 6 c.u.

s.

threshold setting:

-

straight

pcs.

from 6 c.u.

-

nine0009 figured

m.p.

from 8 c.u.

2.

Additional floor work:

nine0009 -

cutting and laying plywood or O SB under parquet, parquet board, laminate flooring and carpet

m²

from 5 c.u.

3.

Clapboard lining of walls and ceilings (without the cost of impregnating varnish, etc.)

m²

from 8 c.

Learn more