How Much Does It Cost To Install Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring adds warmth, beauty, and timeless elegance to any home. But how much does it cost to install it? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the size of the room, the complexity of the installation, and the cost of labor in your area. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:

Cost of materials

The type of wood you choose is the single biggest factor that will affect the cost of your hardwood flooring. Exotic woods, such as Brazilian cherry or mahogany, are more expensive than domestic woods, such as oak or maple. The thickness of the planks also affects the cost, with thicker planks being more expensive. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot for materials.

Cost of installation

The cost of installation will vary depending on the complexity of the job. A simple installation in a small room will be less expensive than a complex installation in a large room with multiple angles and transitions. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for installation.

Other costs

In addition to the cost of materials and installation, you may also need to pay for additional expenses, such as:

Subflooring: If your existing subfloor is not in good condition, you may need to replace it. This can add between $1 and $3 per square foot to the cost of your project.
Underlayment: This is a thin layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring. It helps to reduce noise and moisture and can add between $0.50 and $1 per square foot to the cost of your project.
Moldings: Moldings are used to finish the edges of your hardwood flooring and can add between $1 and $3 per square foot to the cost of your project.
Labor: The cost of labor will vary depending on the complexity of the job and the cost of living in your area. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for labor.

Total cost

The total cost of your hardwood flooring project will vary depending on the factors discussed above. However, you can expect to pay between $6 and $15 per square foot for a complete installation. This includes the cost of materials, installation, and other expenses.

Factors to consider

When budgeting for your hardwood flooring project, it is important to consider the following factors:

The size of the room: The larger the room, the more it will cost to install hardwood flooring.
The complexity of the installation: A simple installation in a small room will be less expensive than a complex installation in a large room with multiple angles and transitions.
The type of wood you choose: Exotic woods are more expensive than domestic woods, and thicker planks are more expensive than thinner planks.
The cost of labor in your area: The cost of labor will vary depending on the complexity of the job and the cost of living in your area.

Get multiple quotes

Once you have a good understanding of the factors that will affect the cost of your hardwood flooring project, it is important to get multiple quotes from different contractors. This will help you to ensure that you are getting the best possible price for your project.