Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost Explained

Posted on September 15, 2025

Okay, so let’s talk about hardwood floors. You know how in movies, the fancy houses always have those shiny, perfect wood floors that make you wanna walk barefoot and drink wine like you’re in a commercial? Yeah, that’s hardwood. It’s like… the Beyoncé of flooring. Everyone wants it, not everyone can afford it. 😭

And omg the cost. The first time I looked it up, I literally spit out my coffee. Hardwood ain’t playing around. But also… it lasts forever if you take care of it, and it adds value to your home. So it’s kinda one of those “hurts now, helps later” things. Let’s break it down without all the contractor mumbo jumbo. Just plain English: how much does hardwood flooring cost, why does it cost that much, and is it worth selling your soul for? Use our Flooring Installation Estimator to get a clear picture!

The Basics: What Hardwood Costs

So, hardwood flooring costs are usually split into two things: materials (the actual wood planks) and labor (paying someone to put them in, unless you’re brave enough to DIY). Here’s the breakdown:

Materials:

• Basic hardwood (oak, maple, ash): $4–$8 per sq ft
• Fancy hardwood (walnut, cherry, exotic woods): $8–$15 per sq ft
• Engineered hardwood (cheaper hybrid): $3–$7 per sq ft

Labor:

• Usually $4–$8 per sq ft (sometimes more in big cities).

So if your living room is 300 sq ft, and you want mid-range hardwood ($6/sq ft), that’s $1,800 for the wood. Add $1,800 for labor = $3,600. For ONE room. My wallet is crying already. Check our Home Renovation Calculator to budget it out.

Why Is It So Expensive??

Three big reasons:

• It’s real wood. Trees take forever to grow. You’re basically paying for nature’s premium product.
• Labor is harder. You can’t just slap it down like vinyl stickers. It takes skill, tools, and lots of kneeling.
• Longevity. Hardwood can literally last 50–100 years if you refinish it. (My grandma’s old house still has the same oak floors from the 1940s.)

So yeah, it’s pricey upfront, but it’s also an investment. Unlike carpet, which dies in 10 years and smells like feet. Want to see if it’s worth it for your home? Try our ROI Calculator.

Engineered Hardwood (The “Cheat Code”)

Engineered hardwood is like hardwood’s younger cousin. It’s real wood on top, but underneath it’s plywood layers. Costs less, easier to install, and more stable (doesn’t freak out as much with humidity).

• Price: $3–$7 per sq ft.
• Looks: basically the same as hardwood once it’s down.
• Downside: you can only refinish it once or twice (vs. solid hardwood, which you can refinish forever).

If you want the look but not the price, engineered is a solid middle ground. I saw some at Costco and almost bought it just because it looked so good (even though I rent, lol). Use our Flooring Installation Estimator to compare costs.

Extra Costs People Forget

Hardwood isn’t just “buy wood, install wood, done.” Nope. There’s all these sneaky add-ons:

• Removal of old flooring: $1–$2 per sq ft.
• Moving furniture: $50–$200 (unless you bribe friends with pizza).
• Floor prep (leveling, repairs): $300–$1,000 if your subfloor sucks.
• Stains & finishes: $1–$3 per sq ft if not prefinished.

Suddenly that $3,600 project is like $4,500. RIP again. Our DIY Project Planner can help you account for these extras.

DIY vs. Pro: Should You Attempt It?

I’m gonna be real: hardwood is NOT the easiest DIY. Vinyl plank? Sure. Laminate? Go for it. Hardwood? That’s varsity level. You need saws, nail guns, spacers, hammers, patience, and possibly a chiropractor. If you’re super handy, you could save a lot. Labor is usually half the cost. But if you’ve never done flooring before, maybe start with laminate and work your way up. Plan your project timeline with our Timeline Project Scheduler.

Quick Breakdown Example (300 sq ft Room)

So yeah. Hardwood = expensive bestie. Want exact numbers for your space? Use our Flooring Installation Estimator.

Pros & Cons of Hardwood (Keeping It Real)

Pros:

• Looks amazing. Timeless. Classy.
• Can last literally generations.
• Adds resale value to your house.
• Feels fancy under your feet.

Cons:

• Scratches if you’ve got pets.
• Doesn’t love water (kitchen/bathroom = risky).
• Harder to install.
• Expensive upfront.

If you’re worried about scratches or spills, maybe check out our Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost Guide for a cheaper, waterproof option.

Random Thoughts While Writing This

If I ever get hardwood floors, I’m making a “no shoes in the house” rule like my life depends on it. Every time I see engineered hardwood at Costco, I almost buy it even though I rent. Like… why?? There’s something weirdly satisfying about the smell of wood stain. Is that bad for my brain cells? Probably.

My Honest Opinion

If you’ve got the budget, hardwood is amazing. Like, dream house vibes amazing. But if you’re broke like me, engineered hardwood or even laminate can give you the look without the scary bill. Would I put hardwood in my first starter home? Probably not. Would I love it in my forever home? Heck yes. Use our ROI Calculator to see if it’s worth the investment for your home.

FAQ: Hardwood Flooring Questions (Kid-Style)