True Cost Guide Flooring Install Wood Flooring

How Much Does Hardwood Floor Installation Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$2,468 - $7,032

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,883 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated September 10, 2024

Reviewed by Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Most homeowners spend $4,723 on hardwood floor installation.
Square footage, materials, and labor make up the bulk of the project’s costs.
Engineered hardwood and prefinished hardwood are more budget-friendly options.
Solid hardwood and parquet cost more but typically have the longest lifespan.
Hardwood floor repairs are suitable for superficial issues, but replacement is needed for major structural damage.
Hardwood flooring can be a good investment and increase home value.

It costs an average of $4,723 to install hardwood floors, with most homeowners spending between $2,468 and $7,032. Room size, materials, finish, labor, and add-ons like flooring removal and stairs impact the final cost. While hardwood floors often have a higher upfront cost than laminate or vinyl, their beauty and longevity make them a great investment for your home.

Hardwood Floor Cost Calculator
Hardwood Floor Installation Cost Factors
Hardwood Floor Installation Cost by Material
Hardwood Floor Cost vs. Other Floor Types
Hardwood Floor Replacement vs. Repair
Does Hardwood Floor Installation Increase Home Value?
Budgeting for Installing Hardwood Floors
Cost Methodology

Hardwood Floor Cost Calculator

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National Average	$4,723
Typical Range	$2,468 - $7,032
Low End - High End	$950 - $12,000

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 10,883 HomeAdvisor members.

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Hardwood Floor Installation Cost Factors

In addition to the square footage of your home, factors like floor finish, add-ons, and labor impact the final cost of your hardwood floor installation.

Square Footage

Square footage is a key factor in calculating the total cost of your hardwood flooring project. Installing hardwood floors costs between $5 and $15 per square foot.

Room Size in Square Feet	Average Cost for Materials and Installation
500	$3,000–$10,000
1,000	$6,000–$20,000
1,500	$9,000–$30,000
2,000	$12,000–$40,000
2,500	$15,000–$50,000

Finish

Costs vary depending on whether you install prefinished hardwood or unfinished hardwood sealed after installation. Prefinished hardwood is typically more affordable because less labor is required. However, you may have fewer options for hardwood floor finishes.

On-site finishing is more costly but offers more options for finish color and quality. Polyurethane finish is a budget-friendly choice while penetrating resin delivers a higher-quality finish. On-site finishing also lets you refinish your floors to refresh the look. Hardwood floor refinishing costs $1,900 on average but can be a good investment to preserve the look and longevity of your floors.

Installation Add-Ons

In addition to the cost of materials and labor, you may want to budget for other factors involved in the installation process, such as floor removal, subfloor replacements, and stairs.

Existing flooring must be removed before hardwood installation can begin. Flooring removal prices depend on the type of floor installed—carpet typically ranges from $1 to $2 per square foot, while hardwood removal costs $2 to $4 per square foot.

If you’re replacing your floors due to water or mold damage, some parts of the subflooring may also need to be replaced. Floor joist replacements typically cost $350 to $1000 per joist, while subfloors cost $2 to $5 per square foot for a full replacement.

Adding hardwood flooring to stairs increases the cost because more labor is required to ensure proper measurements and safety. Hardwood stairs cost an average of $75 to $200 per stair, with most homes requiring 10 to 20 stairs.

Labor

On average, labor costs for installing hardwood floors range from $3 to $10 per square foot. Labor costs vary depending on the type of hardwood floor. Engineered and prefinished designs are quicker and easier to install, while more complex designs like parquet command a higher price.

If you live in an area with a high cost of living, like New York, you’ll likely pay more for labor. Homeowners in rural areas may also pay more if the contractor has to travel a significant distance to install the floors.

Hardwood Floor Installation Cost by Material

Hardwood floor installation costs depend on flooring materials, with different types of hardwood flooring offering different price points, longevity, and aesthetics.

Material	Average Cost per Square Foot
Engineered Hardwood	$5–$20
Prefinished Hardwood	$5–$15
Solid Hardwood	$10–$25
Faux Parquet	$5–$15
Parquet	$15–$45

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood provides an attractive appearance and durable quality. It combines layers of quality plywood and real wood for a sturdy, moisture-resistant design. On average, engineered hardwood floors cost between $5 to $20 per square foot, making it a cost-effective solution for hardwood flooring.

Prefinished Hardwood

Prefinished hardwood is a ready-to-install option complete with a protective finish. It’s slightly more affordable than installing solid hardwood since you don’t need to pay for on-site finishing. Prefinished hardwood flooring averages $5 to $15 per square foot.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring typically ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot. Each piece is made from a single piece of solid wood, delivering a premium style with a longer lifespan. While in-home finishing adds a higher cost than engineered and prefinished flooring, you can refinish solid hardwood floors to keep them beautiful for years.

Faux Parquet

Faux parquet uses affordable materials like laminate or vinyl to replicate the intricate designs of traditional parquet flooring. These materials are durable and easy to maintain, making them popular for modern homes. Faux parquet flooring is quicker to install than parquet and offers a budget-friendly option at $5 to $15 per square foot.

Parquet

Parquet hardwood floors use small wood pieces to create a geometric design. Genuine parquet floors are unique, but the labor-intensive process makes them a more costly option at $15 to $45 per square foot.

Hardwood Floor Cost vs. Other Floor Types

Hardwood floors are popular thanks to their rich look and long-lasting quality. However, materials and installation costs are slightly higher than other common floor types.

Floor Type	Average Cost per Square Foot
Hardwood	$5–$25
Laminate	$1–$5
Vinyl	$5–$10
Carpet	$5–$10

Wood tile flooring is less common but offers a similar look. This type of flooring is made from ceramic or porcelain tile designed to look like wood. In general, wood tile flooring costs more to install than traditional hardwood floors.

When comparing hardwood vs. laminate and other types of flooring, it’s helpful to consider comfort, aesthetics, maintenance, and durability in addition to upfront costs. Carpet is often considered the most comfortable and lasts five to 15 years in most homes. Vinyl and laminate offer affordable materials and quick installation, with vinyl lasting 10 to 20 years and laminate lasting 15 to 25 years. In contrast, solid hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years with proper care, making it the best investment option for some homes.

Hardwood Floor Replacement vs. Repair

Wear and tear eventually takes a toll on hardwood floors. Thanks to their durable quality and long lifespan, repairs and refinishing can solve common issues like scratches, dings, and fading. Hardwood floor repairs cost less than a full replacement, making it a cost-friendly solution for superficial issues.

However, if your floors have major structural issues or widespread damage, it may be time to consider a replacement. Water damage, gaps, cracks, mold, mildew, and warping can indicate more serious floor damage that’s best resolved by replacing the floor. Replacement may also be a more efficient solution for older floors that have been refinished multiple times or for those who want to drastically alter the color or style of their hardwood floors.

Does Hardwood Floor Installation Increase Home Value?

Hardwood floor installation can increase a home's value. They’re often considered stylish and desirable, boosting curb appeal and property value. Hardwood floors also add longevity, making them an appealing option for homebuyers looking for an investment.

The increase in home value depends on the type of hardwood flooring installed, with solid hardwood and parquet delivering the highest return. When installing hardwood flooring, compare your long-term plans to the upfront costs. For example, spending extra on solid hardwood or parquet may be worth it if you want to boost home value. It’s important to protect your investment by caring for and refinishing your hardwood floors when required to keep them looking their best.

Budgeting for Installing Hardwood Floors

Professional tools and expertise are best for hardwood floor installation, but there’s plenty you can do to keep the project budget-friendly:

Prepare your space in advance by removing furniture and appliances from the workspace to save on labor time.
Plan ahead and shop for flooring sales. Explore different flooring suppliers in your area, or talk to your contractor to see if they can get a discounted rate.
Consider different wood types to fit your look and budget. Premium woods like teak and walnut are beautiful, but they come at a higher cost. More readily available types like pine and maple can still deliver beauty and longevity at a more accessible price point.
If you’re planning to install or replace hardwood floors in multiple rooms, consider doing them all at once. Some pros and suppliers may offer discounts for bulk work.
Contact multiple wood floor installation professionals in your area to compare quotes.
Prolong the life of your hardwood floors with regular maintenance. Avoid excess water, clean regularly with a soft brush, and use floor pads on your furniture to protect your investment.

The wide variety of hardwood flooring offers plenty of options for different budgets. When making your selection, consider long-term and upfront costs. Balance maintenance and floor replacement costs with the initial price of installation and materials. Some options, like engineered wood, are more affordable in the short term, while solid hardwood may be the best fit if you’re looking for a long-lasting installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to install hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors are considered worthwhile investments because they can increase home value and add beauty to a space. Some types of hardwood floors, like solid hardwood, can last up to 100 years, making them a good investment for current and future homeowners.

When should you refinish hardwood floors?

Consider refinishing your hardwood floors if they’re scratched, scuffed, or fading. As a general rule, refinishing hardwood floors every seven to 10 years helps ensure the wood stays in good shape and isn’t exposed to excess light or damage. Floors in high-traffic areas may need to be refinished more often if they show signs of wear.

Can you install hardwood floors in every room?

Hardwood floors may not be suitable in rooms with a high moisture level, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Kitchens are often considered safe, but it’s a good idea to place rugs or mats near sinks and other spaces where water may splash.

What type of wood is most affordable for hardwood floors?

The most affordable options for hardwood flooring are pine and bamboo, which average $3 to $6 per square foot and $2 to $10 per square foot, respectively. Both are budget-friendly and easy to work with, saving materials and labor costs. However, they may not be as durable as other types of wood, like hickory and ash, so staying on top of maintenance is important.