Though the price of hardwood flooring may be more than some other flooring options, its beautiful appearance and quality makes it worth every penny.
Buying hardwood flooring for your house means investing in durability and increased home value.
Hardwood Floor Price Per Square Foot
The full range for 1,000 square feet is $6,000 to $23,000, but the national average ranges from $9,000 to $18,000.
The difference in pricing is significant, and that’s because many factors impact the final price tag.
Hardwood Floor Price Based On Wood Material
Traditional hardwood floors are made from solid wood and hence don’t have layers. That means the quality of traditional hardwood flooring depends almost entirely on the tree species used for production.
Based on the wood material, we can categorize hardwood flooring into three different grades: low, middle, and high.
| Hardwood Grade | Cost of Installation Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Lower | $3-$5 |
| Middle | $3-$5 |
| Highest | $4-$9 |
Now let’s go over the type of hardwood flooring, the grade they belong to, and the price per square foot.
Cost of Pine Flooring
Pine hardwood flooring belongs to the lower grade and isn’t the most durable solution.
It’s relatively soft, and not the best option for homes with pest problems.
Appearance-wise, pine is beautiful, comes in various color ranges, and often has rustic knots.
Pine hardwood flooring boards cost $2-$4 per square foot.
Cost of Bamboo Flooring
Homeowners focused on finding the most sustainable yet affordable hardwood flooring may want to consider bamboo.
Even though bamboo is a lower-grade hardwood material, it’s still incredibly durable and versatile.
The cost of bamboo flooring matches the price of pine at $2-$4 per square foot.
Cost of Red Oak Floors
Red oak is an excellent flooring option if you’re considering hardwood flooring with dark-reddish undertones.
It’s well-known for creating a warm ambiance in any space. In terms of price, red oak is a middle-tier grade. The red oak hardwood flooring cost is around $2-$6 per square foot.
Cost of Maple Flooring
One of the most significant advantages of maple hardwood flooring is dent resistance.
This feature makes maple the best choice for high-traffic areas.
Maple is also versatile in terms of color, ranging from white to very pale red. Maple hardwood flooring cost is $3-$6 per square foot.
Did you know? Natural hardwood flooring means real trees, which means there can never be two identical boards. When buying hardwood flooring, homeowners can expect a wide range of grain patterns and textures. This unique feature adds a special touch to any home.
Cost of Hickory Floors
Hickory is another fantastic hardwood flooring solution for high-traffic areas due to its hardness and durability.
When appropriately stained, hickory offers excellent water resistance properties.
If you’re thinking about hickory hardwood flooring, the cost for materials is $3-$6 per square foot.
Cost of White Ash Flooring
The color range for white ash hardwood flooring is very soft tan to light gray, and despite its beauty and quality, it can be challenging to stain.
Nevertheless, white ash is the highest-tier grade hardwood flooring and costs around $6-$7 per square foot.
Cost of Brazilian Walnut Flooring
Walnut hardwood flooring looks gorgeous but is also one of the most expensive options on the market.
Brazilian walnut, in particular, is considered an exotic hardwood flooring.
Brazilian walnut hardwood flooring difficult to install but lasts for many decades.
The materials for Brazilian hardwood flooring cost is $6-$12 per square foot.
Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
Considering the price of wooden planks is only one aspect of the overall cost of hardwood floors. It might come as a surprise to learn that labor and installation costs comprise almost half of the total hardwood flooring installation cost.
The exact installation prices vary due to many factors, so conducting thorough research and getting several quotes is usually the best course of action.
So, how much exactly does is the labor cost of hardwood floors?
A professional and licensed hardwood floor installer may charge between $3-$9 per square foot.
When installing lower- and middle-tier materials, the range is closer to $3-$5, but the highest grade hardwood floor cost of installation is usually around $4-$9 per square foot.
| Hardwood Type | Price Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Pine | $2-$4 |
| Bamboo | $2-$4 |
| Red Oak | $2-$6 |
| Maple | $3-$6 |
| Hickory | $3-$6 |
| White Ash | $6-$7 |
| Brazillian Walnut | $6-$12 |
Pro Tip: Are your hardwood floors creaking? That sound usually indicates water damage and potentially weakened floors.
Consider a high-quality water-resistant coating or finish to avoid this issue after installing new hardwood floors. This addition can make all the difference.
Factors That Impact The Overall Cost Of Hardwood Flooring
Knowing about price ranges is crucial if you’re preparing to install new hardwood floors. It can also be immensely helpful in understanding what affects the sum you’ll end up paying your contractor.
Familiarizing yourself with these considerations reduces the chance of being blindsided by the hardwood flooring cost, and allows you to ask the right questions when necessary.
We’ve discussed that hardwood grade and the species it stems from are the main drivers of cost of hardwood floors. The following factors are also significant.
Home Size
Naturally, your home’s size will affect how much the hardwood floor installation costs.
Some people may choose to replace the floors in a single room, and others may overhaul their entire home.
Apart from size, any unusual designs and room shapes may impact the total hardwood flooring cost too.
Removal of Old Floors
Keep in mind that one of the reasons hardwood floors are so in demand is because you can sand and refinish them multiple times over the years.
If you already have hardwood flooring, perhaps it only needs repair and refinishing, which costs less than complete hardwood replacement.
However, sometimes the hardwood floor is in poor condition and needs to be removed, and that service is priced separately.
Contractors can usually remove existing carpeting from where you want to install hardwood floors.
Trim and Molding
When the contractor completes the hardwood floor installation, they need to add the trim molding to hide any gaps around the base of the wall.
This is crucial because even if the gap is initially barely visible, wood contracts and expands, and over time, it will be more noticeable.
Finishes
Adding a protective finish or protective seal over your hardwood floors is not a must. Some people prefer their floor without the added shine or they just want to stay within their budgets.
You can opt for factory-finished hardwood flooring that already has a protective topcoat when it arrives at your home.
Oil finishes are a popular choice that offer a natural look and are less expensive than other finishes. They’re not very durable, and you may need to apply them every few years.
The final option is a polyurethane finish, which offers excellent impact and water resistance, and costs the most.
Did you know? The hardness of hardwood flooring is measured by the Janka hardness test, which includes measuring the force required to embed a steel ball into the floor.
According to the Janka test, the hardest wood in the world is made from the Quebracho tree species.
Hardwood Flooring: An Overview
Hardwood floors don’t need a special introduction, as they have been around for centuries. In truth, the first wood floors were humbler, and meant to be covered with rugs.
Around the 19th century, polished hardwood floors were massively popularized, and this attitude remains to this day.
When building a home from scratch or going through a major renovation, the topic of flooring is vital.
Your floors are usually the first detail anyone notices when they enter your home.
They also add or subtract from the overall value of the property and comfort of a space.
Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood, comes in different colors and textures, and is the only type of flooring some homeowners will consider.
Advantages Of Hardwood Flooring
Are you still on the fence deciding whether hardwood flooring is the best choice for your home? Perhaps it will be helpful to give you a rundown of all the most significant benefits associated with this type of flooring.
Durability
A high-quality, well-installed hardwood floor can last a century.
Indeed, you can scratch and dent wood pretty easily, but with proper care and maintenance, it can remain in excellent condition for a very long time.
The durability of hardwood flooring is the main reason it’s on the high end in terms of price compared to other types of flooring.
Aesthetics
When it comes to effortless elegance, hardwood flooring is the best.
Hardwood floors are sure to complement any space regardless of The size of the home and its style.
As a natural material, wood “breathes” and provides more comfort.
Low Maintenance
While refinishing and sanding is something homeowners will need to do every decade, hardwood flooring is generally low maintenance.
Stain resistance is one of the best features of hardwood floors, and you can easily sweep and mop them.
Increased Home Value
Every real estate agent will highlight a home with hardwood flooring to potential buyers.
That’s because hardwood flooring is a significant selling point for residential properties due to its visual appeal and durability.
Even if the hardwood floors are not a bit worn out, you can bring new life to them with repairs, sanding, and refinishing.
Better Indoor Air Quality
A home with hardwood floors is healthier.
Solid wood have no grout lines or triggering allergens that could settle into the carpet or furniture. This makes hardwood floors the best choice for homeowners with allergies and respiratory issues.
Improved Acoustics
Hardwood flooring is an excellent solution if your home is filled with kids running around or you love playing loud music.
You don’t have to worry about vibrations and poor acoustics, as hardwood floors absorb them.
Disadvantages Of Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to aesthetics, hardwood flooring is flawless, but it does not mean it’s the best choice for everyone.
First, the cost of hardwood floors is a significant obstacle for many homeowners, even though it’s a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Allocating the budget for hardwood floors is a big feat; many choose laminate instead to cut costs.
Another drawback worth mentioning is the complicated installation process. Some types of hardwood are particularly challenging to install, and homeowners may struggle to find licensed and knowledgeable contractors.
Vulnerability to moisture is what deters some people from considering hardwood flooring.
Your hardwood floors will contract and expand according to humidity levels, which is why you rarely see them in kitchens or bathrooms.
Frequent spills and constant indoor humidity may cause hardwood flooring to deteriorate faster.
Hardwood Floors vs. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is mainly made from plywood, though it contains a thin layer of hardwood on top.
It lasts around 30 years and can be refinished, though not as often as traditional hardwood.
Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring
Laminate is much more affordable, though it lasts only around 10 years. You can’t refinish it, but it is available in numerous colors and designs.
Laminate is often the best choice for homes with pets, children, and radiant heating.
Hardwood Floor vs. Tile
For some homes, especially those in warmer regions, tiling is often the more affordable alternative.
Tile floors are versatile, easy to clean, looks great, but can feel cold and uninviting.
Tile flooring is also better for homes with high levels of humidity.
Hardwood Flooring vs. Carpeting
Carpeting is a popular option among many homeowners, mainly because it’s pretty easy to install and costs a third of the hardwood flooring price.
However, carpeting requires much more maintenance, and sometimes complete replacement after several years.
Is Hardwood Flooring The Best Choice For Your Home?
It’s hard to resist the visual appeal of hardwood flooring. If you listen to interior designers and read home improvement blogs, hardwood floors are all the rage and will likely continue to be for a very long time.
But they’re also pricey, even if you choose the softest and cheapest pine flooring.
The overall cost of the hardwood floor installation depends on many factors, including the grade of the wood, size of your home, finish quality, and whether you need to remove the existing floor first.
It’s also vital to remember that installation labor price account for nearly half of the total hardwood flooring cost.
But if you choose to install hardwood floors, you’ll quickly see a return on investment due to the many benefits of this beautiful flooring.
