You certainly love the classic look and durability of hardwood flooring. But, before you rush to the store, take a moment to learn how much hardwood flooring cost.
For a 1200 square foot home, you will have to spend between $5,000 and $6,800 on wood. This does not include the installation costs, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Added the costs of tools, adhesive, and underlayment, the total cost will range between $8,500 and $12,400.
Installing hardwood flooring is always a good investment as it increases the market value of your house. Some other perks include odor and stain-resistant qualities. Let’s have a look at how much hardwood flooring costs.
How To Calculate The Cost Of Hardwood Flooring?
To know exactly how much your hardwood flooring would cost, calculate the square footage of the room. Don’t forget to add about 10 to 15% extra to keep the margin for cuts and waste. Now multiply your digit by the per square price of the flooring, and you’ll get the estimated cost.
Square footage extra estimates× price per square=cost
Or
(500+50)× $9= $4,950
Hardwood Flooring Costs – Major Factors
The price of hardwood flooring varies based on color, grain, tree species, quality, and so on. We are listing a few of the major factors to let you decide which works for you and your home in terms of budget.
- Color And Grain
Perhaps the most important aspect of hardwood flooring is its color. Ash or Maple gives you a more airy feel, while Oak and Hickory come with a warmer tone. However, if you like a deep shade, go for Mahogany or Walnut. Oak and Hickory are much more affordable, while Mahogany lies on the higher end of the price range.
The grain – the pattern of wood fibers – is equally important since plain-sawn planks are much cheaper with a wave-like pattern. However, quarter-sawn or rift-sawn planks have intricate grain patterns, which are aesthetic but also more expensive.
- Grade
The grade is used to define the physical characteristics of wood. The labels like clear, natural, select, No.1 common, and No. 2 common signify woods’ grading systems. The “clear” grade is pretty smooth, uniform, and without knots. But at the same time, the most expensive of all.
The other grades may have knots, imperfections, and sometimes wormholes, as is the case with No.1 common.
- Thickness
The thickness of your wood flooring determines how many times you can sand it. The average thickness is ¾ inches, and it is more than enough as you can refinish and sand it up to ten times. But if you go thinner, you can’t sand as much. However, solid thick wood will always cost more.
- Species
A wood’s species affects its price greatly. Generally, you will find domestic and exotic woods. Domestic trees like hackberry, white oak, and red oak cost between $4 and $9 per square foot. Exotic wood, however, costs more like Rosewood, Brazilian Cherry, and Teak, among a few. Be prepared to spend between $5 and $15 per square foot.
- Engineered/Traditional Hardwood Flooring
Image Source: Pinterest
A common wood flooring is engineered with a plywood base and a thin finishing wood layer. It is a more budget-friendly option ranging from $4.50 to $16 per square foot. However, a solid hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished, something not possible with most engineered hardwood flooring.
Additional Cost and Considerations
- Labor Cost
The installation charges are the second most costly product after buying the flooring, which can be $3 to $5 per square foot. The labor cost can vary depending on the size, width of the planks, and the workforce they require.
- Additional Material
You have to buy additional tools, adhesive, 10 to 15% extra flooring, etc. It might seem cheap if you buy it all yourself, but not knowing the right parts and underestimating extras can break the deal.
- Finishing And Coating
The final layer makes the hardwood flooring durable. A factory-applied coating will make the flooring more tough and sturdy. However, if the flooring needs a final coat after installation, it will increase the labor cost by two to five dollars.
How To Reduce The Cost Of Hardwood Flooring?
You can reduce flooring costs by doing things like,
- Repair or refinish your current hardwood flooring if it is not rotten
- Get rid of the old flooring on your own and save money
- Install the new hardwood flooring yourself.
Final Words
Lastly, the guide covered how much hardwood flooring costs in a nutshell. Although you may have to spend a few dollars now, but it is a long-lasting flooring option with a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years.
Other Great Articles:
How Do You Fix Damaged Spots On Hardwood Flooring?
Benefits of Engineered Hardwood Flooring: How to Buy It and More
Ask a Flooring Pro: Remodel Contractor Jeff Kennedy, Kennedy Kitchens and Baths
How To Repair Hardwood Floor Scratches
