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How Much Do Hardwood Floors Really Cost?
When homeowners start thinking about upgrading their flooring, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much does it really cost to redo my floors and upgrade to hardwood floors? The answer can vary widely depending on your home’s layout, your design goals, and most importantly, the flooring material you choose. Whether you're aiming for the timeless beauty of hardwood, the modern durability of luxury vinyl plank, or the budget-friendly appeal of laminate, your overall flooring installation cost will depend on both material and labor.
In this guide, we’ll break down what affects the cost of flooring installation, compare the most popular flooring types, and help you understand how to choose the right option for your renovation budget.
Understanding the Main Cost Factors
Before selecting a material, it’s helpful to understand what goes into your flooring installation cost:
Material Cost: Price per square foot of the flooring product itself.
Labor Cost: The cost of professional flooring installation, which varies by material type and job complexity.
Subfloor Preparation: Costs to repair uneven, damaged, or moisture-compromised subfloors.
Removing Old Flooring: Tear-out, disposal, and site prep may add to the total.
Trim, Transitions, and Moldings: Final details that create a polished look.
Most homeowners compare flooring products based on price per square foot, but the true cost of flooring installation includes all the steps needed to get your new floors ready to walk on.
Retail Cost by Flooring Type
There are four main categories of hardwood floors: solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and laminate.
Main Categories of Hardwood FloorsAverage Material Cost: $8–$10 per sq. ft.
Average Installation Cost: $6–$10 per sq. ft.
White Oak Smooth 3/4" T x 3 1/2" W x RL
$2.99
Crafted for lasting beauty and durability, White Oak Smooth solid hardwood flooring features 3 1/2"-wide planks in warm golden hues with a soft, natural grain. The smooth surface and gently beveled edges are inspired by the understated charm of classic… read more
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Average Material Cost: $7–$12 per sq. ft.
Average Installation Cost: $4–$9 per sq. ft.
Westgate European Oak 5/8" T x 8 5/8" W x RL
$2.99
A long-time customer favorite, Westgate showcases the rustic charm and timeless character of natural European Oak with its warm golden tones, authentic knots, and beautiful color variation. Designed for a refined yet organic look, this flooring adds an inviting foundation… read more
Average Material Cost: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Average Installation Cost: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Monterey SPC Vinyl Plank 7mm T x 9" W x 60" L
$2.99
Monterey evokes the relaxed elegance of California’s central coast, with its sun-washed oak tones and gentle, natural grain. The light, golden palette brings a breezy warmth and timeless versatility, making it a beautiful complement to coastal, modern, or transitional interiors.… read more
4. Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Average Material Cost: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Average Installation Cost: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Carmel Waterproof Laminate 14mm T x 9" W x 60" L
$2.99
Carmel showcases warm honey-brown tones with subtle variations and an authentic European Oak grain that brings natural charm and balance to any space. Its inviting, medium-tone palette complements a wide range of interiors—from classic and rustic to contemporary. Built with… read more
How to Estimate Your Project Cost
To get a realistic idea of your total flooring renovation cost, you’ll want to consider both material and labor pricing. The simplest way to estimate your project cost is to multiply the square footage of your space by the price per square foot of the flooring you choose — then add any additional services like old floor removal, subfloor repair, or trim work.
Let’s walk through an example using a 1,000 sq. ft. area, which is roughly the size of a main living floor in many homes. The chart below shows a general price range for materials and flooring installation for each flooring type:
Flooring Type | Estimated Material Cost (1,000 sq ft) | Estimated Labor Cost (1,000 sq ft) | Estimated Total Project Cost |
Solid Hardwood | $8,000 - $10,000 | $6,000 - $10,000 | $14,000 - $20,000 |
Engineered Hardwood | $7,000 - $12,000 | $4,000 - $9,000 | $11,000 - $21,000 |
Luxury Vinyl Plank | $2,000 - $5,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
Waterproof Laminate | $2,000 - $5,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
These numbers can shift up or down depending on the specific product lines you choose (for example, thicker wear layers or premium wood species will cost more), and how much prep work your home requires. If your subfloor is uneven or your existing flooring needs removal, that will add to your total flooring installation cost.
Tips when shopping for flooring:
Measure accurately – estimate 5-10% for cutting waste depending on what material you choose. The last thing you want is for the installation to be 100 sq ft short and having to re-schedule your installer while waiting for those last few boxes of flooring because measurements were off.
Consider durability – aesthetic is one thing, livability is another. Choose flooring that fits your lifestyle. For example, engineered hardwood floors offer a beautiful, natural look, but they require more care and have stricter cleaning guidelines than waterproof laminate. If your home has pets, kids, or high-traffic areas, a more durable, low-maintenance option may be the better long-term fit.
Work with professional installers – as DIY-friendly as some flooring options may be, if this is your first time installing floors, we always suggest hiring an experienced professional. Flooring is a significant investment, and the last thing you want is improper installation that voids your warranty. A qualified installer ensures your floors are laid correctly, level, and built to last — giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Redoing your floors is one of the most transformative home upgrades you can make. The cost ultimately depends on your flooring material, the labor needed, and the specific conditions of your home.
FAQs
What is the average cost to redo flooring in a house?
It depends on the material and the size of your space. Most full-floor projects range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Material, installation and space preparation are the biggest factors.
How much does flooring installation cost per square foot?
Most flooring installs fall between $2–$10 per square foot depending on the product and the level of labor needed.
Does flooring cost more for larger rooms or open layouts?
Usually yes. Bigger rooms = more material. But open layouts can sometimes be faster for installers, which can help balance out the cost.
What flooring option is the most budget-friendly?
Luxury vinyl plank and waterproof laminate are generally the most cost-effective options while still looking great and holding up to everyday life.
Why are hardwood floors more expensive than laminate or vinyl?
Hardwood is a natural product and requires more effort to install. It is usually nailed or glued down, which is an extra step that requires more precision as compared to click lock floating or vinyl.
Is it cheaper to replace all flooring at once?
Often yes. Doing everything at once cuts down on labor minimums, moving furniture multiple times, and scheduling extra visits.
How much does it cost to remove old flooring?
Removal can add $1–$4 per square foot depending on what’s already installed and how difficult it is to take up.
Will subfloor repairs increase the cost?
Yes. If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, it needs to be fixed before new flooring goes down. This adds labor and sometimes material like a leveling compound or plywood.
Do I need underlayment, and does it affect the cost?
Some floors require it, some include it. It can add to the total cost but it also improves comfort, sound, and durability.
Are there any hidden costs I should expect?
Possibly trim, stair edges, floor leveling, and moving furniture. A good estimate should break everything down upfront.
