How is hardwood flooring prices

The email field is required. Sign up! Check icon. May 31, by Team HomeServe. Other Cost Factors Beyond the amount and type of flooring materials needed for your hardwood floor project, a few other factors play a role in how much installation costs.

Choosing a Contractor to Install Hardwood Flooring Paying a contractor to install your hardwood flooring makes up around half of the overall project cost, according to experts. Follow the rule of three: Get a minimum of three estimates to truly get the best deal. Check ratings of contractors you like most. Visit sites to read reviews of flooring contractors you are considering for the job.

Look for references and photos of previously completed jobs. Pictures are definitely worth a thousand words. Ask the important questions upfront. How long does your contractor think it will take to complete your project? Do they clean up and remove debris? Compare brands and stores, and look online for the most competitive pricing. If your project is not time-sensitive, wait for seasonal or Black Friday sales when materials are discounted. Getting a lower-grade hardwood floor is a sacrifice many are willing to make in order to keep total project costs down.

If you let the contractor buy materials, your project will probably cost more. There are so many things to consider when it comes to installation, including whether you can tackle the job yourself.

If you plan to hire a professional, get multiple bids on the project from licensed and insured installers. As a general rule, you should get three different cost estimates before choosing a contractor. One trick that can come in handy is having your floors installed during a slow season. For example, professional installers are less busy during winter and might be inclined to give you a lower rate.

Finally, do some of the work yourself. One of the easiest ways to save money is to discard the old flooring yourself. Also, you need to consider disposal of the old flooring. That can cost as well when someone else takes care of it. Do your research and decide whether disposing of old flooring materials yourself is worth the savings. If it is in good condition, try selling the old flooring, and invest the funds into your new hardwood flooring. Another step to consider tackling on your own is moving furniture to another room.

The same thing applies to carpets. Also, complete any other prep work that you can to save on labor costs. If you already have hardwood floors at home, consider refinishing them instead of replacing them. This will significantly lower the cost of your project, especially if your floors are in good condition. After the refinishing process is done, your floors will look as good as new. But remember that the high cost comes with many benefits that will justify your investment. There are solid reasons why paying up is worthwhile, one of which is durability.

The fact that these floors are resistant to wear and tear and can last for decades make them worth considering. Next on the list of bonuses comes easy maintenance. Both engineered and solid hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished as I mentioned before, making them feel like new floors, even after years of wear and tear. Hardwood floors will add value to your home, whether you opt for solid or engineered wood. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors , refinishing your hardwood floors is the top money-back value factor among potential homebuyers, industry professionals, and real estate agents.

In other words, you will recoup the money you paid for quality flooring by selling the house at a higher price. The reason why people love buying houses with hardwood floors is that they are so gorgeous to look at, they last for generations, can be refinished sometimes even more than once, depending on the type ; they are easy to clean, and withstand wear and tear , among other pros.

This type of flooring will not only elevate the appearance of your rooms, it can also help you lower your utility bills. Wood is a material that stores heat and balances the temperature inside your house. It provides a consistent temperature by preventing significant variations. Hardwood floors will not make your house colder. On the contrary, they will make it warmer by retaining the heat that can otherwise escape through a number of other flooring types.

Hardwood floors have a high thermal mass, which means they can first absorb then store heat, making your home cozier. However, there is a list of other factors you need to consider, so make sure that you consult with an HVAC technician to know all the steps you need to take before installation to optimize heat insulation with this type of flooring.

The initial hardwood flooring investment is higher than alternative flooring types, but it will pay off in the long-term by slightly lowering a part of your utility bills.

This is definitely a factor to think about before deciding which flooring material works best for you.

Installing your own hardwood floors is an option, but the safest way to go is hiring flooring contractors. Always get multiple bids from various hardwood flooring contractors so you can make an educated decision. The average cost to install hardwood floors on 1, sq.

Traditional flooring is solid wood without any layers — in comparison to engineered wood, which is constructed with multiple layers of hardwood and plywood. Both are durable, high-performance options, so it just depends on your personal preference. The hardest hardwoods, such as walnut and oak are the most durable. However, they are also more costly. Although prices will vary depending on the supplier, you can expect three key pricing groups based on the hardness and rarity of the wood.

Wood flooring typically comes in 3 different grades. Also, wood floors are available in narrow boards or planks.

These range of approximately 3 inches to 7 inches in width respectively. In terms of how much traditional wood flooring costs, the most significant factor is, of course, the type of wood you select. When comparing traditional and engineered wood, the main difference is in the construction of the wood itself. As discussed, traditional wood is just solid wood, prepared into boards or planks. In contrast, engineered wood is constructed with multiple layers of hardwood and plywood.

Based on the way these layers are created and positioned, engineered hardwood helps prevent any bowing or warping of the wood following exposure to moisture.

Available in the most popular species, including maple, hickory, and oak, you will also find different finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, or gloss. Based on the number of engineered wood flooring options available today, you benefit from greater flexibility in regards to pricing and where you can install the wood.

In some cases, homeowners install engineered hardwood below ground level without any worry. Once again, this is possible because engineered hardwood offers greater heat and moisture resistance than solid woods. It can also be used in places that traditional hardwoods are not typically used, such as in the kitchen, in basements, or in high-humidity summer homes. To help guide your decision, here are some of the commonly used and requested solid hardwood species.

A softwood, pine isn't the best option when pets are in the house, as it can scratch and dent more easily than some of the other woods available. However, the appearance of pine is stunning, offering warm tones that range of beige to amber, vintage charm, and rustic knots throughout. This wood is sturdy and much more resistant to dents, making it a great material to use in high-traffic areas. The only downside is that it can be harder to work with which is why professional assistance is recommended.

The coloration ranges from white to a light red tone. Ash is durable and typically tough to stain hardwood. Its coloration ranges from soft tan to pale gray with a bold grain like oak. When she's not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening and hanging out with her husband and four young kids.

She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.

Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Christin Perry, Samantha Allen. Contributor, Editor. Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

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