So you’re thinking of putting in hardwood floors. Excellent choice – nothing warms up a space quite like hardwood. But hardwood flooring cost is a major issue between installation and materials, and it can be pricey addition.
In this guide to hardwood flooring, we’ll walk you through everything you should be aware of its cost, so you can make the ideal purchase without breaking your bank.
By the end, you’ll know how much you can expect to pay to install 1,000 square feet of oak hardwood or put a hardwood floor in your 12×12 bedroom. Let’s get started!
Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost
So you’ve decided to install hardwood floors—great choice! But how much will those gorgeous new floors set you back? Hardwood flooring cost depends on several factors, including hardwood installation methods.
Hardwood type
The specific type of hardwood flooring you choose significantly impacts the price. In terms of cost, solid hardwood flooring often costs more than engineered hardwood flooring. Costs per square foot for domestic woods like oak, maple, and hickory range from $3 to $8. Exotic hardwoods such as Brazilian cherry or bamboo can cost $5 to $12 per square foot.
Grade
The grade, which refers to the wood’s appearance and durability, also affects cost. Lower grades with more knots and color variation are cheaper, around $3 to $6 per square foot. Higher grades that are more uniform in color and have fewer imperfections cost $6 to $12 per square foot.
Installation method
How the hardwood is installed plays a role in the total price. Gluing boards together or nailing/stapling them to the subfloor costs between $3 to $8 per square foot. More intricate installations like parquet patterns or herringbone designs take more time and skill, costing $8 per square foot or higher.
Additional expenses
Don’t forget extra costs like the initial site evaluation, furniture removal and replacement, trim and transitions, and cleanup. These extras typically add at least $3 to $5 per square foot to your bill.
For materials and installation of typical hardwood flooring, you should budget $5 to $12 per square foot. So for a standard 12×12 room or 144 square feet, plan on spending $720 to $1,728. Investing in higher-end woods and more complex patterns will be on the higher end of that range. But for many, the beauty and longevity of hardwood floors make them well worth the cost.
Hardwood Flooring Cost per Square Foot:
Harwood flooring cost can vary widely based on many variables. These factors include the type and quality of the hardwood, additional features such as patterns or borders, and the region where you live.
Type and Quality of Hardwood:
Different types of hardwood have varying price points. Common hardwood options like oak or maple are more affordable, while exotic species like Brazilian cherry or teak can be pricier. The wood’s grade and quality can also influence the cost.
Additional Features and Customization:
If you desire intricate designs, patterns, or borders in your hardwood flooring, it will increase the labor and time required for installation. Consequently, the cost per square foot may be higher for customized designs.
Geographical Location:
The cost of living and local market conditions can impact the overall cost of hardwood flooring installation. Areas with higher labor and material costs may have higher installation rates.
For installing hardwood flooring, budget between $8 and $15 per square foot. However, obtaining multiple quotes from reputable flooring contractors is important to get an accurate estimate for your project.
How Much Does It Cost to Install 1000 Square Feet of Hardwood Floors?
People usually ask this type of questions like how much does it will cost to install 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring.
- Your choice of wood and the complexity of your floor layout will affect how much your hardwood flooring will cost exactly. Wider planks, exotic wood species, and custom designs will increase costs. For a typical 1,000-square-foot space with basic 3/4-inch thick oak or hickory boards, you can expect to pay:
- $6,000 to $10,000 for materials: The wood itself, underlayment, trim, and flooring tools/supplies. Oak, hickory, and maple are popular, affordable options.
- For installation, $2,000 to $4,000: Labor costs will vary in your area. Installing hardwoods requires special tools and techniques best left to the pros.
To get a more accurate estimate for your project, measure your space precisely and check prices at your local home improvement stores. Many offer free estimates and samples to see and feel the different wood types in your home.
Once you choose the flooring, the installation typically takes 3 to 5 days for 1,000 square feet. The pros will:
- Remove existing flooring and check the subfloor for any damage. Repair if needed.
- Install an underlayment like plywood for solid hardwoods or a moisture barrier for engineered wood.
- Lay the boards along the longest wall for the best visual effect. They secure each board to the subfloor and together use nails, staples, or glue.
- Add trim pieces like baseboards, quarter rounds, and reducers to finish the room.
- Apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane or lacquer finish for protection. Oil finishes require re-coating every few years.
So while the total cost may seem high, remember that hardwood floors can last a lifetime with proper care and increase your home’s value. For many homeowners, the investment in natural wood flooring is well worth it!
How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardwood Floors for $1,200 Sq Ft
Installing hardwood floors in a 1,200-square-foot space
So you want to install hardwood floors in your 1,200 square foot living area. But how much does it cost to install hardwood floors for $1,200 sq ft? To every home, hardwood flooring provide beauty and value. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the professional installation of hardwood floors in a space this size:
The average cost to install hardwood floors is between $8 to $12 per square foot. For 1,200 square feet, that comes to $9,600 to $14,400 for installation. This does not include the hardwood flooring materials, which typically run $3 to $8 per square foot for high-quality hardwood. For 1,200 square feet of hardwood flooring, installation and supplies will range between $12,000 and $22,000.
- The exact hardwood flooring cost will depend on the type of wood you choose, such as oak, maple, or hickory. Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry or bamboo will be on the higher end of the range.
- Installation costs also vary based on the subfloor in your home. Installing over concrete will cost more than installing over wood. Additional costs may be required to level the subfloor before installation.
- The complexity of your space will also affect the final price. Installers charge more for rooms with many corners, transitions between types of flooring, and custom work like staircases.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll have an attractive, durable flooring surface that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
How Much Does It Cost to Put Hardwood Floors in a 12×12 Room?
Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring in a 12×12 Room
Hardwood floors can increase a home’s value and give rooms a warm, luxurious feel. The type of wood you select will affect how much it will cost to install hardwood flooring in a space of this size.
- Prices for solid oak, hickory,, or maple flooring range from $6 to $12 per square foot. For a 12×12 room (144 sq ft), that works out to $864 to $1,728.
- Engineered hardwood with a real wood top layer costs $3 to $10 per square foot, so you’re looking at $432 to $1,440 for installation in a 12×12 bedroom.
- Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry or bamboo will be on the higher end of the range, from $8 to $14 per square foot or $1,152 to $2,016 for your room.
In addition to the flooring itself, you’ll need to budget for the following:
- Underlayment ($0.20 to $0.40 per square foot) provides insulation and moisture protection.
- Trim pieces like baseboards and quarter rounds ($1 to $5 per linear foot) to finish the room.
- The cost of the installation which averages $3 to $5 per square foot or $432 to $720 for a 12×12 room.
- Minor supplies like nails, wood filler, and transitions between rooms.
The total cost may be on the higher end of that range if you need to rent tools or remove existing flooring. But hardwood floors can last a lifetime and may even increase your home’s resale value, so it’s often worth the investment!
Conclusion
Although installing hardwood flooring requires a substantial financial outlay, there are also pros and cons of hardwood flooring. But it can enhance the beauty and value of your space. Understanding the various factors influencing hardwood flooring costs allows you to make informed decisions and find the best options that fit your budget. Consider installation expenses, material costs, and additional factors when calculating the total hardwood flooring cost. With careful planning and research, you can achieve the hardwood floor of your dreams while staying within your desired budget.
FAQs
How Much Does 1,000 Square Feet of Wood Flooring Cost?
The cost of wood flooring for 1,000 square feet depends depend on the kind and quality of wood you choose. You should budget between $5,000 and $15,000 on average for the flooring material alone. It’s important to consider that installation costs, underlayment, and additional features or customization are not included in this estimate.
Are Hardwood Floors More Expensive?
Hardwood flooring is expensive but, they offer exceptional durability and timeless aesthetics and can increase the value of your home. The appearance of your home will likely improve, even if adding hardwood flooring may be more expensive initially.
How much does it cost to install hardwood floors made of engineered wood over 1,000 square feet?
The price to install engineered hardwood flooring over 1,000 square feet may vary depending on the flooring, any extra features, and the installation’s complexity. You should budget between $7,000 and $12,000 on average for installation alone. Obtaining quotes from reputable flooring contractors is important to get an accurate estimate for your project.
