Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost
By ProMatcher Staff
How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?
There are a number of factors that will impact the cost of installing wood flooring in your home. Use the list below to help you get a better idea of how much hardwood floor installation costs.
1. Where do you live? Your geographic location will impact the cost of installing hardwood floors. If the cost of living in your area is high, you should expect to pay a little more for the installation of your floors. To find some estimated prices in your area, use ProMatcher’s Wood Flooring Cost Report.
2. Tear out existing flooring. Does the contractor need to remove the existing flooring? Rip up carpeting? The removal and disposal of any existing flooring will increase the cost of your project. In some cases, it may be possible to install the new floors directly over the old ones.
3. Condition of subfloors. The subfloors should be clean and level prior to the installation of the new hardwood floors. Any repairs will come at an additional cost. If the existing subfloors cannot be salvaged, the installation of new plywood subfloors will significantly impact the cost of the new floors.
4. Do you already have the flooring? Will the contractor be purchasing the flooring for you? Or, do you already have the flooring on-hand? If so, do you have enough materials to complete the entire project? Running out of materials can delay the project timeline and tack on unexpected costs. Allowing your contractor to purchase the materials can help you avoid this problem.
5. Moving furniture. The relocation of heavy furniture will come at an additional cost. To save money, you might consider moving it yourself with the help of family and friends.
6. Amount of material needed. Most flooring contractors will base their quote on the square footage of the project. As a result, larger projects will cost more. However, they will also need to order additional material to account for waste.
7. Underlayment. What type of underlayment needs to be laid under the floors? Does a moisture barrier need to be installed? The cost of the underlayment should also be quoted based on the square footage of the area.
8. How will it be installed? Will the floors be nailed down? Glued in place? Do the pieces click together? Ask your contractor what type of installation makes the most sense for your project. The cost of nails, adhesives, and other supplies should be included in the contractor’s quote.
9. Wood species. There are many types of wood flooring to choose from, including maple, oak, cherry, walnut, and heartwood pine. You should expect to pay higher prices for exotic hardwoods. If solid hardwood floors are a little out of your budget, you may want to ask your contractor about other options like engineered hardwood or laminate flooring that simulates the look of wood.
10. Hardness of floors. The Janka hardness test measures the wear resistance of different species of wood. While certain types are strong enough to be used as flooring, others wear easily, making them less than ideal for heavy foot traffic.
11. Type of wood flooring. Hardwood flooring comes in many different sizes and sizes. While strip flooring is the most common choice, plank flooring and parquet flooring can also be great choices. All of the materials come in different lengths and widths. So whether you want short, wide planks or long, narrow strips, there is a floor out there for you. The type of flooring you choose will influence the overall cost of the project.
12. Pattern. A standard, straight pattern will be the most affordable choice. However, there are many different options to choose from. Herringbone, chevron, and basketweave patterns can work well in many different spaces. However, you should expect to pay higher labor costs for these patterns.
13. Stairs. There is typically a surcharge for installing hardwood flooring on stairs. Keep this in mind when reviewing the estimate from your contractor.
14. Heated floors. The installation of a radiant heating system under your hardwood floors will come at an additional cost.
15. Moldings, trim, and transitions. Basic trim and moldings should be included in the cost of installing the floors. However, any custom work or decorative pieces will increase the cost of your wood flooring project.
16. Staining. While most hardwood floors come pre-stained, unfinished hardwood floors can be a great option for some projects. However, if you choose to sand them down and stain them, this will come at an additional cost.
For free wood flooring installation quotes, click here.
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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