How Much Is Labor to Install Hardwood Floors
COST CALCULATOR
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Hardwood Floor?
Typical range: $2,436 - $3,535
Find out how much your project will cost
cost to install a hardwood floor Calculator
For your project in zip code 98102 with these options, the cost to install a hardwood floor starts at $8.12-$11.78 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a design classic. There's nothing quite like a warm hardwood floor for long-lasting style! Priced by the square foot, hardwood floors can vary in cost depending on the type of wood used. Hardwood flooring costs include materials and installation. Put your project details into the Porch estimator and price out the cost of your hardwood flooring installation.
Cost Calculator
Calculations are dependent on where you live
| Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What you can expect | |||||
| Range per square foot : | $8.12 | $11.78 | |||
| Range for this type of project: | $2,436 | $3,535 | |||
| Estimate: $2,986 | |||||
| Hardwood Flooring Cost | 320 square feet | $1,123 | $1,479 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Cost of residential, above-grade red oak floaring for nail-down installation. UV-resistant, 7-coat AIO satin finish provides durability and elegance. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional repairs. 25-year limited warranty guarantees excellence. | |||||
| Hardwood Flooring Labor, Basic | 17 hours | $1,131 | $1,836 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Underlayment will be installed on clean, level subfloor. Flooring will be acclimated, culled, and blended. Hidden nailing will be used to secure surface. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of installation site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
| Hardwood Flooring Job Supplies | 320 square feet | $143 | $162 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Requisite supplies for the job, including manufacturer-recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives, and surface sealants. | |||||
| Hardwood Flooring Equipment Allowance | 1 job | $39 | $58 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include pneumatic nailer for 1-1/2" to 2" nails, and up to 3/4"-thick flooring. Consumable equipment elements not included. | |||||
| Hardwood Flooring Debris Disposal | 300 square feet | $74 | $85 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse. | |||||
| Optional Services | |||||
| Option: Remove Flooring | 15 hours | $261 | $1,647 | arrow_drop_down | |
| Flooring will be detached from adjacent components, broken into portable segments, and removed from premises. Asbestos handling will incur additional fees. | |||||
Standard services
Hardwood Flooring Cost
$1,123 - $1,479
arrow_drop_down
Cost of residential, above-grade red oak floaring for nail-down installation. UV-resistant, 7-coat AIO satin finish provides durability and elegance. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional repairs. 25-year limited warranty guarantees excellence.
Hardwood Flooring Labor, Basic
$1,131 - $1,836
arrow_drop_down
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Underlayment will be installed on clean, level subfloor. Flooring will be acclimated, culled, and blended. Hidden nailing will be used to secure surface. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of installation site, and meticulous cleanup.
Hardwood Flooring Job Supplies
$143 - $162
arrow_drop_down
Requisite supplies for the job, including manufacturer-recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives, and surface sealants.
Hardwood Flooring Equipment Allowance
$39 - $58
arrow_drop_down
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include pneumatic nailer for 1-1/2" to 2" nails, and up to 3/4"-thick flooring. Consumable equipment elements not included.
Hardwood Flooring Debris Disposal
$74 - $85
arrow_drop_down
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse.
Optional Services
Option: Remove Flooring
$261 - $1,647
arrow_drop_down
Flooring will be detached from adjacent components, broken into portable segments, and removed from premises. Asbestos handling will incur additional fees.
What you can expect
Range per
square foot
:
$8 - $12
Range for this type of project:
$2,436 - $3,535
Cost Comparison
YOUR ESTIMATE
$2,986
NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE
Install a Hardwood Floor : national average cost
The national average materials cost to install a hardwood floor is $3.87 per square foot, with a range between $3.35 to $4.40. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $9.49, coming in between $7.75 to $11.24. A typical 300 square foot project costs $2,848.21, with a range of $2,323.87 to $3,372.56. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.
cost to install a hardwood floor National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot $3.87 National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot $2,848.21 National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot $2,323.87 - $3,372.56
Hardwood flooring cost
The average cost to install a hardwood floor is $4,623, with prices between $2,495 - $6,751. The cost will vary basedonthe surface area of your floor and the type of wood you are using for your project. Hardwood flooring is beautifuland aquality hardwood floor can last for decades. It is a good idea to find a professional to install your hardwood floortobe sure you can get the polished and professional appearance you want, without gaps or warping.
Hardwood floor cost on average $5 per square foot, with prices between $1 and $9 per square foot, depending on the type of wood you choose. Because flooring has to cover a flat surface area, the cost for hardwood flooring is measured bysquare foot. Installation for a hardwood floor could cost as little as $1500 or run up to $10,000.
The following table shows the average cost to install hardwood flooring per square foot:
| Square Feet | Average Cost | Lowest Cost | Highest Cost |
| 200 | $1,000 | $200 | $1,800 |
| 300 | $1,500 | $300 | $2,700 |
| 400 | $2,000 | $400 | $3,600 |
| 500 | $2,500 | $500 | $4,500 |
| 600 | $3,000 | $600 | $5,400 |
| 700 | $3,500 | $700 | $6,300 |
Hardwood flooring cost by type of wood
Installation prices for hardwood floors are going to vary by the type of material being used for your floor and its installation method. Here we look at different materials commonly used for hardwood flooring.
Maple
Hardwood floors made from maple wood are strong and beautiful, but not suited to climates with high humidity or warm temperatures year-round. Unstained maple hardwood flooring typically costs $6 to $8 per square foot, with stained versions running $8 - $14.
Pine
Rustic-looking pine flooring ages well and takes any stain color. As a softwood, pine is more environmentally sustainable that other hardwoods, and lasts for decades as a flooring. Pine flooring typically costs from $1-$4 per square foot for materials only.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is classed as a hardwood but it actually made from the grass fibers that are pressed together to make an extremely strong wood. Bamboo flooring costs between $3 and $8 per square foot.
White Ash
Ash is one of the hardest woods used for flooring. It has a pale color which is receptive to all shades of staining and is extremely resistant to scratches or dents. Ash flooring costs between $5 and $9 for the flooring alone.
Hickory
Rated as the second-hardest wood used for flooring, hickory is extremely durable but prone to swelling. It is best to hire a professional to install hickory flooring. Hickory typically costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Red Oak
Hardwood floors made from red oak take stain really well and show off the grain. Red oak costs from $3-$6 per square foot, and can last a lifetime in your home.
White Oak
White oak hardwood floors are naturally resistant to insects and fungal damage. The grain is appealing, and it takes stain well. White oak can cost between $3 and $6 per square foot.
| Hardwood Floor Type | Average Cost | Lowest Cost | Highest Cost |
| Maple | $7.00 | $6.00 | $8.00 |
| Pine | $2.50 | $1.00 | $4.00 |
| Bamboo | $5.50 | $3.00 | $8.00 |
| White Ash | $7.00 | $5.00 | $9.00 |
| Hickory | $5.00 | $3.00 | $7.00 |
| Red Oak | $4.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 |
| White Oak | $4.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 |
Wood Plank Flooring
Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and full of classic style, but sometimes you want a floor that has the look of wood without the actual wood. Let's look at a few of the flooring options that have the look of wood but aren't, as well as different ways to style your wood floors. Costs are included for reference.
Wood look tile
Tiles that look and even feel like wood can be the solution for allergy sufferers or for rooms that see a lot of traffic, moisture, temperature fluctuations, or humidity. Tiles made from porcelain or ceramic can be shaped and textured to look and even feel like wood. Porcelain tiles typically cost from $6 to $12 per square foot, with customized options up to $20. Good quality ceramic tiles should cost between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Wide plank
Wide vinyl plank flooring is hard-wearing and suitable for high-traffic areas or floors that may be subject to moisture or humidity. Textured surfaces make the vinyl planks feel like wood flooring without the wood. Vinyl plank prices start at $2 per square foot and typically go up to $7.
Herringbone pattern
Herringbone parquet flooring is a unique and recognizable flooring style designed for wood floors. Herringbone pattern flooring is laid down by hand and installation of hardwood in a herringbone pattern can cost up to 30% more than straight plank installation.
Real parquet
Hardwood parquet floors are constructed with a repeating pattern of hardwood boards placed into tiles. These wood blocks are then laid down as flooring. Parquet flooring can cost $3-$4 per square foot with variations depending on the type of hardwood chosen for the parquet.
Parquet style tiles
Parquet-look tiles combine the style classic of hardwood parquet flooring with the durability of porcelain tile. Tiles typically cost between $5 and $12 per square foot and are waterproof.
| Wood Plank Flooring | Average Cost | Lowest Cost | Highest Cost |
| Wood look tile | $9.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 |
| Wide plank | $4.50 | $2.00 | $7.00 |
| Real parket | $3.50 | $3.00 | $4.00 |
| Parkey style tiles | $8.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 |
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood looks a lot like solid wood flooring but is different on the inside. In engineered hardwood flooring, a thin layer of hardwood covers a plywood core. Engineered hardwood looks the same on the outside as solid hardwood and is less expensive, but can not be sanded or refinished more than once, because the layer of hardwood is not thick enough. Engineered hardwood can be expected to last 25-30 years in comparison to solid hardwood's 30-100 years.
Laminate vs. hardwood
Hardwood floors are stylish and come in so many options of woods, hues, and stains. Hardwood floors can be expected to last up to 100 years. Hardwood flooring doesn't come cheap, with some varieties costing up to $14 per square foot. Laminate floors are made of a photographic applique under a clear coating placed on top of a fiberboard or melamine resin core. Laminate is made to look like wood or stone and has a tongue and groove installation. Most laminate flooring costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. Laminate is well suited to DIY installation and can be expected to last around 10 years. Use the Porch estimates calculator to find out the cost to install laminate flooring.
Hardwood floor pros and cons
As with any flooring material, there are advantages and drawbacks to using hardwood flooring. Here, we run through a list of pros and cons. Let's start with the pros of hardwood flooring:
Pros
- Long lasting: Hardwood floors can last more than a lifetime and still look great. There's a reason a home with 100-year-old hardwood floors is still desirable, while nobody is interested in 100-year-old linoleum.
- Variety of style: No two planks are ever the same. You won't see a repeating pattern in your hardwood like you will in laminate. With so many shades and stains available, every hardwood floor is unique.
- Ages well: Hardwood floors look even better with age. Wear and tear just gives the floors more character and makes them even more beautiful.
- Easy maintenance: Hardwood floors don't trap dust or allergens like carpets do and are easy to keep clean with a quick sweep. They don't harbor odors or dust mites, either.
- Good value: A home with hardwood flooring increases in value and a hardwood floor is an investment in the home's value and future resale. Hardwood floors cost more to install, but are good for long-term value of the property.
Cons
There are a few drawbacks to hardwood floors:
- Cost: Hardwood floors are a more expensive style of flooring and have a higher up-front expense.
- Swelling and shrinking: Because hardwood floors are made from natural wood, they can swell in humid conditions or shrink and contract in dry conditions. Severe conditions can result in warped flooring that does not stay level.
- Moisture Sensitive: Hardwood floors are not suitable for rooms where there is likely to be high humidity and spills like the bathroom or the kitchen.
Should you DIY your hardwood floor?
Solid and engineered hardwood floors need to be nailed in place through the "tongue" of each board making the nails invisible when the flooring is finished. This requires a subfloor, and some practice to get it right! Some engineered hardwood floors are installed using glue. This method is easier to DIY. When you are deciding whether to go DIY or hire a pro, look at your space and your installation method. If your room has odd angles that might make cutting and installation complicated, it is a good idea to hire a professional. The cost to install hardwood floor is generally between $6 and $11 per square foot.
Refinishing hardwood floors
One of the benefits of solid hardwood floors is the option of refinishing them after a change in ownership, slight damage, or simply because you want to. Figure out the cost of refinishing a hardwood floor to estimate your expenses. Remember to include sanding, staining, and refinishing in your project cost.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
👷 What is engineered vinyl flooring?
❓ What is engineered hardwood?
🌡️ Does my hardwood flooring need to acclimate before installation?
🧹 How do I clean my hardwood floors?
📏 How wide are hardwood planks?
🤔 I like herringbone wood but want laminate. Can I do that?
🔧 Can vinyl planks get scratched?
⚒️ How is vinyl plank flooring installed?
🧰 Can I DIY my hardwood floors?
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Projects recently requested around
98102
Every day, homeowners request projects like these on Porch
Hardwood Flooring Installation Project in Seattle 98102
Hardwood Flooring Installation Project in Seattle 98102
Start Date
Within a month
Type of flooring project
Flooring installation
Type of flooring
Solid wood, engineered wood, cork or other wood flooring
Type of wood flooring
Solid hardwood
Type of installation
Replace existing flooring
Flooring already removed
No, and I want the pro to do it
Already have flooring and supplies
No, and I want the pro to provide them
Hardwood Flooring Installation Project in Seattle 98102
wood flooring install or completely replace
Hardwood Flooring Installation Project in Seattle 98102
Hardwood Flooring Installation Project in Seattle 98102
Start Date
Within a month
Comments
Oak Hardwood - Latitudes 7.5 Collection | Port Royal
350 sqft
need installation around Dec 10 2018.
Type of flooring
Solid wood, engineered wood, cork or other wood flooring
Type of wood flooring
Solid hardwood
Type of installation
Replace existing flooring
Flooring already removed
No, and I want the pro to do it
Which rooms
Bedroom, Laundry or utility room
Already have flooring and supplies
No, and I want the pro to provide them
How Much Is Labor to Install Hardwood Floors
Source: https://porch.com/project-cost/cost-to-install-a-hardwood-floor