Due to its enduring elegance and durability, hardwood flooring is a popular option among homeowners and interior designers. It is also a sustainable choice because it is made of natural wood. 

However, depending on some variables, the price of hardwood flooring can differ greatly. This article offers a thorough overview of the price of hardwood flooring, including the various types of hardwood, supplemental expenses, and strategies for lowering the overall cost.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Hardwood Flooring

The cost of hardwood flooring can vary based on several factors, including the type of hardwood, quality of hardwood, installation location, size of the area, preparation of the subfloor, and labor cost.

Type of Hardwood

Different types of hardwood have varying costs. Some popular hardwood options include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. The cost of each type of hardwood can vary based on its availability and demand.

Quality of Hardwood

The quality of hardwood also plays a significant role in the cost. Higher-quality hardwood is more expensive than lower-quality hardwood. The quality of hardwood is determined by its grade, which is based on the number of knots, color variation, and other factors.

Location of Installation

The location of hardwood installation can also affect the cost of hardwood flooring. Installation in high-traffic areas, such as living rooms and hallways, can be more expensive than installation in less-used areas, such as bedrooms.

Size of the Area

The size of the area to be covered with hardwood flooring is another factor that affects the cost. The larger the area, the higher the cost.

Preparation of the Subfloor

Subfloor preparation is crucial to ensure the longevity of the hardwood flooring. If the subfloor needs significant repair or replacement, it can add to the project’s overall cost.

Labor Cost

The labor cost can vary based on the experience and expertise of the installer. More experienced installers can charge more for their services, which can add to the project’s overall cost.

What Are the Types of Hardwood Flooring?

There are four main types of hardwood flooring: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring, prefinished hardwood flooring, and unfinished hardwood flooring.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

The oldest hardwood flooring style is solid, constructed from a single block of wood. It is a flexible choice for homes of all sizes and styles because it has various widths and thicknesses. Although solid hardwood flooring requires more upkeep than other kinds of flooring, with the right maintenance, it can last for decades.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed from several layers of timber, with a hardwood veneer layer on top. It is preferred for high-traffic places because it is more durable than solid hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring is a fantastic choice for cellars and other moist areas because it is less prone to moisture damage.

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring is already sanded and finished before installation. This hardwood flooring is available in various styles and colors, making it a popular option for homeowners who want a specific look for their homes. Although prefinished hardwood flooring is more costly than unfinished hardwood flooring, installation is simpler.

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished hardwood flooring is installed first and then sanded and finished on-site. This type of hardwood flooring offers more customization options, as homeowners can choose the color and finish of the flooring. Unfinished hardwood flooring is less expensive than prefinished ones but requires more work during floor installations. You can also look for hardwood floor refinishing if this is the case. 

What Is a Good Price for Hardwood Floors?

The cost of hardwood floors will depend on various factors, including the type of wood, the quality of the wood, the size of the area being covered, and the installation process. For example, high-end hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, and mahogany will generally be more expensive than mid-grade woods such as oak or pine. Additionally, the price of hardwood flooring will increase if the area being covered is larger.

The hardwood flooring cost can vary significantly based on the type of hardwood flooring chosen. The average price per square foot and overall price for each variety of hardwood flooring for a 500-square-foot room are listed below.

Solid hardwood flooring cost

• Cost per square foot: $4-$12
• Total cost for a 500-square-foot room: $2,000-$6,000

Engineered hardwood flooring cost

• Cost per square foot: $3-$14
• Total cost for a 500-square-foot room: $1,500-$7,000

Prefinished hardwood flooring cost

• Cost per square foot: $6-$15
• Total cost for a 500-square-foot room: $3,000-$7,500

Unfinished hardwood flooring cost

• Cost per square foot: $2-$10
• Total cost for a 500-square-foot room: $1,000-$5,000

Additional Costs

In addition to the cost of hardwood flooring, there are several other costs to consider when installing hardwood flooring.

Cost of Underlayment

Underlayment creates a smooth and level surface for the hardwood flooring. The cost of underlayment can vary based on the type of underlayment chosen.

Cost of Installation Materials

Installation materials, such as nails and glue, are necessary to install hardwood flooring. The cost of these materials can vary based on the type of hardwood flooring chosen.

Cost of Installation Services

The cost of installation services can vary based on the experience and expertise of the installer. More experienced installers can charge more for their services.

Cost of Removing and Disposing of Old Flooring

If old flooring needs to be removed before the installation of hardwood flooring, there may be an additional cost for the removal and disposal of the old flooring.

Is It Cheaper to Use Hardwood or Tile?

Hardwood floors are commonly more expensive than tile, but they can be a great investment, as they can add value to your home and last for many years. Hardwood floors come in various types and styles, and the cost will depend on the type and quality of wood you choose. Generally, hardwood floors are more expensive up-front, but they can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. 

Tile floors are generally less expensive than hardwood floors but can be more difficult to install. The tile cost will depend on the type and quality of the tile you choose. The most common and frequently least expensive tiles are those made of ceramic and porcelain. Tile floors are also less likely to be damaged by water, making them a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Methods to Lower the Price of Hardwood Flooring

The timeless appeal of hardwood floors can increase the worth of any house. Unfortunately, they sometimes come at a high price. If you’re looking for methods to reduce the cost of hardwood flooring without sacrificing quality, the advice below may be helpful.

• Buy in bulk: Bulk purchases can be a great method to cut costs. If you plan to install hardwood floors in several rooms, search for deals if you purchase all your supplies at once.
• Compare prices: Never hesitate to compare searches to find the best deal. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, comparing prices at various shops or online merchants is always a good idea.
• Consider alternatives: If you’re looking for the look of hardwood floors without the cost, consider alternative materials such as laminate or engineered wood. These materials can provide a similar look at a fraction of the cost.
• Hire an expert: Hiring an expert to install your hardwood floors can be a great way to save money. Experienced professionals can often get the job done faster and more efficiently, so you won’t have to pay for extra labor.

Conclusion

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for its durability and timeless elegance. The cost of hardwood flooring can vary based on several factors, including the type of hardwood, quality of hardwood, installation location, size of the area, preparation of the subfloor, and labor cost. Lastly, understanding the different types of hardwood flooring and additional costs can help homeowners make an informed decision when choosing hardwood flooring for their homes. 

Elephant Floors is a reputable flooring business that offers hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet installation and reasonably priced sanding and refurbishing services. We are an established business with a track record of exceeding clients’ expectations, which has earned us an A ranking from the BBB, fantastic reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and Houzz, and recognition as a reliable service on Home Advisor and Angie’s List. Call us for hardwood installation!