How much does hardwood floor installation cost per square foot?

$6 to $12 per square foot installed is typical for most homes. A 500 sq ft room runs $3,000 to $6,000. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry push costs to $10 to $18 per sq ft installed.

2026 US prices

How Much Does Hardwood Floor Installation Cost?

Q: Is engineered hardwood cheaper to install than solid hardwood?

Yes. Engineered hardwood costs $6 to $12 per sq ft installed vs $8 to $15 for solid. Engineered is also the better choice for basements, concrete slabs, and radiant heat floors because it handles moisture and temperature changes without warping.

Q: Is it cheaper to refinish existing hardwood floors than install new ones?

Much cheaper. Refinishing costs $3 to $6 per sq ft vs $6 to $18 for new installation. If your existing floors are structurally sound, refinishing is 50 to 70% cheaper and produces results that are difficult to distinguish from new.

Q: What adds the most to hardwood installation costs?

Wood species is the biggest factor: oak is $6 to $9/sq ft installed while walnut runs $9 to $14 and Brazilian cherry $10 to $18. Other cost drivers include subfloor repairs, stair installation, custom patterns like herringbone, and furniture removal.

Updated 24 March 2026

$6 to $12 per sq ft installed. A 500 sq ft room costs $3,000 to $6,000. Prices vary by wood species, solid vs engineered, and whether you need subfloor repairs.

Estimate your project cost

Hardwood Floor Installation Cost Estimator

Estimate your floor installation cost based on wood species, room size, and installation method.

Room Size (sq ft)

Add 10% waste factor for cuts. Typical bedroom: 150-250 sqft.

Wood Type

Classic, widely available, easy to sand and refinish

Installation Method

Standard method for solid hardwood

Existing Floor Removal

Estimated Total

$4,250

Range: $3,613 to $5,100

Materials

$2,500

Labor

$1,750

All-in cost per sq ft

$8.5/sqft

Including materials, labor, and any removal

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Quick answer

$6 to $12 per sq ft installed for most hardwood. A standard 500 sq ft living room runs $3,000 to $6,000 all-in. Exotic species and wide-plank formats push toward the high end.

Cost by Wood Species

All prices are fully installed (material + labor). Labor is typically $3 to $5 per sq ft regardless of species.

Wood Species	Installed Cost	Notes
Red or White Oak	$6 to $9/sq ft	Most popular. Takes stain well. Widely available.
Maple	$7 to $10/sq ft	Very hard and durable. Lighter color, less grain variation.
Hickory	$8 to $12/sq ft	Extremely hard. Dramatic grain. Hides dents and scratches.
Cherry	$8 to $12/sq ft	Rich reddish tone that deepens with age. Softer than oak.
Walnut	$9 to $14/sq ft	Dark, premium look. Softer than oak so scratches more easily.
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)	$10 to $18/sq ft	Extremely hard and exotic. Deep red coloring. Import pricing adds cost.

Solid vs Engineered Hardwood

Both look identical once installed. The difference is how they handle moisture and where they can go.

Type	Installed Cost	Lifespan	Best For
Solid hardwood	$8 to $15/sq ft	100+ years	Above-grade rooms. Can be refinished 4 to 6 times over its life.
Engineered hardwood	$6 to $12/sq ft	25 to 30 years	Basements, over concrete, radiant heat. Real wood veneer on top.

Choose solid hardwood if...

You want a floor that lasts generations
The room is above grade (not basement)
You plan to refinish to change the stain color later
You have a wood subfloor (required for nail-down)

Choose engineered if...

You have a concrete slab or basement
You have radiant floor heating
The area has humidity swings
You want lower cost without sacrificing the look

Refinishing vs Installing New Floors

If your existing hardwood is structurally sound, refinishing is almost always the better financial decision.

Option	Cost per Sq Ft	500 Sq Ft Room	Result
Refinish existing floors	$3 to $6	$1,500 to $3,000	Like new appearance. Can change stain color.
Install new hardwood	$6 to $15	$3,000 to $7,500	Brand new floor. Required if existing is too damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 500 sq ft room cost to install hardwood?

$3,000 to $6,000 for oak or maple. Using walnut or exotic species pushes the total to $5,000 to $9,000. Add $500 to $1,500 if the subfloor needs repairs or leveling before installation.

Is engineered hardwood cheaper to install than solid hardwood?

Yes, by about 20 to 30%. Engineered hardwood runs $6 to $12 per sq ft installed vs $8 to $15 for solid. Engineered is also the better choice for basements, concrete slabs, and radiant heat floors because it handles moisture and temperature changes without warping.

Can I refinish hardwood floors instead of replacing them?

Yes, if there is at least 3/4 inch of solid wood above the tongue. Refinishing costs $3 to $6 per sq ft vs $6 to $18 for new installation. If your existing floors are structurally sound, refinishing is 50 to 70% cheaper and produces results that are hard to distinguish from new.

What adds the most to hardwood installation costs?

Wood species is the biggest variable: oak is $6 to $9/sq ft installed while walnut runs $9 to $14 and Brazilian cherry $10 to $18. Other cost drivers include subfloor repairs, stair installation ($50 to $100 per stair), custom patterns like herringbone, and furniture removal.