Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost: 7 Key Factors That Impact Your Final Price

Installing hardwood floors remains one of the most reliable ways to add lasting beauty, warmth, and resale value to a home or commercial space. As the demand for quality flooring continues to grow, the hardwood flooring market is projected to reach USD 74.31 billion by 2030, up from USD 56.11 billion in 2025. 

This growth reflects not only the rising popularity of hardwood but also the wide range of styles, finishes, and installation choices available today. However, the total cost to install hardwood floors depends on more than just the type of wood. Several key factors—from material and labor to preparation and design—can all influence the final hardwood flooring installation cost.

Here are seven major things that can impact the final hardwood flooring installation cost.

7 Factors That Affect Hardwood Flooring Installation Costs

1. Type of Hardwood

Choosing the right type of hardwood has a big impact on the total hardwood flooring installation cost. Not all hardwoods are the same—some are more durable, offer better visual appeal, or are easier to install, while others come with a higher price due to their rarity or strength. 

Investing in quality hardwood can also bring strong long-term value. On average, hardwood flooring projects deliver a return on investment of 70%–80%, depending on the floor layout, project details, and location of the property.

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Both solid and engineered hardwood offer a beautiful finish, but they come with different features, benefits, and costs.

• Solid Hardwood: This type is made from a single piece of wood. It’s strong, can be refinished several times, and usually lasts for decades. However, it tends to be more sensitive to moisture and may require more prep work before installation. It also adds to the overall cost to install hardwood floors due to its thickness and weight.
• Engineered Hardwood: Engineered hardwood has a real wood surface layer over several plywood layers. It’s more stable in humidity and works well in basements and over concrete slabs. It’s often cheaper than solid wood, which lowers the hardwood flooring prices in many cases.

Species of Hardwood and Their Price Differences

The kind of wood species used has a major impact on hardwood flooring cost per square foot installed. Some woods are common and cost-effective, while others are considered premium and come with higher price tags.

• Oak: Most Popular and Affordable: Oak is durable, widely available, and has a timeless look. It’s one of the best values when considering both quality and cost. Many homeowners choose oak to keep their hardwood flooring installation cost manageable.
• Maple: Smooth and Subtle Grain: Maple offers a cleaner, lighter appearance. It’s harder than oak, making it more resistant to dents. However, it’s slightly harder to stain evenly, which may affect the final look and finishing cost.
• Cherry: Rich Color, Higher Cost: Cherry has a deep, reddish tone that darkens beautifully over time. It’s softer than other woods, which makes it easier to scratch, and it often comes with a higher material price.
• Exotic Woods: Luxury Look, Premium Price: Woods like Brazilian walnut, mahogany, or tigerwood offer unique grain patterns and colors. These species are much more expensive, both in material and labor, due to their density and the care required during installation. They significantly increase hardwood flooring prices.

2. Square Footage of the Area

The total square footage of a space plays a big role in determining the overall hardwood flooring installation cost. Whether it’s a small bedroom or an entire home, the amount of flooring needed directly affects how much someone will pay for both materials and labor.

Why Larger Projects Can Cost Less Per Square Foot

In many cases, contractors may offer lower rates for bulk work. This means that as the project size increases, the hardwood flooring cost per square foot installed may actually go down.

• Bulk Discounts on Materials: Flooring suppliers often provide better rates on large quantity purchases, which helps reduce overall hardwood flooring prices for big installations.
• More Efficient Labor: Workers can complete larger areas faster than multiple small jobs, leading to better efficiency and lower labor costs per square foot.
• Fewer Setup Charges: A one-time setup for a big job is more cost-effective than repeated setups for smaller jobs, helping save money in the long run.

Things to Consider When Budgeting by Square Foot

Knowing the square footage ahead of time helps homeowners get accurate estimates. The installer will typically multiply the total square feet by the hardwood flooring cost per square foot installed to give a basic quote.

• Include Extra for Waste: Always plan for about 10% more flooring than the actual size of the room to account for trimming and mistakes.
• Ask About Labor Inclusions: Check if the quote includes subfloor prep, cleanup, and moving furniture, as these can affect the hardwood flooring installation cost.
• Compare Total vs. Per Square Foot: Don’t just look at the square foot rate—review the full project estimate to avoid hidden costs.

3. Subfloor Preparation

Before installing new hardwood flooring, it’s important to check and prepare what’s underneath—the subfloor. This step plays a big role in both the durability of the floor and the final hardwood flooring installation cost.

Removing Old Flooring

Old flooring must be taken out before new hardwood can be installed. Depending on what type of flooring is being removed, this process can take extra time and effort.

• Carpet Removal: Carpet is generally easy to tear out but may require removing padding, tack strips, and staples.

• Tile Removal: Tile is harder to remove and can damage the subfloor beneath, which adds to labor and repair costs.
• Laminate or Vinyl Removal: These floors may come up quickly, but adhesive backing or click-in systems can slow the process.

Leveling and Smoothing the Subfloor

The subfloor has to be level and smooth for the hardwood to sit properly. If it’s not even, the boards may shift or create gaps over time.

• Patching Holes or Cracks: Small gaps or cracks in the subfloor are filled in to create a stable surface.
• Sanding High Spots: Raised areas in the subfloor are sanded down to prevent uneven boards.
• Using Leveling Compound: Low or sloped areas may need a self-leveling compound to bring them up to grade.

Replacing Damaged or Weak Subflooring

If the existing subfloor is old, soft, or rotting, it may need to be replaced before any hardwood goes in. This step can increase the overall cost to install hardwood floors, especially when full sheets of plywood are needed.

• Water Damage Repairs: Subfloors damaged by leaks or spills often need to be cut out and replaced.
• Reinforcing Weak Spots: Some areas may need extra bracing or thicker subfloor material to support the new hardwood.
• Full Subfloor Replacement: In extreme cases, the entire subfloor might need to be torn out and rebuilt, which raises the hardwood flooring prices significantly.

4. Installation Method

The way hardwood flooring is installed plays a big role in how much the project will cost and how long it will take. Each method—nail-down, glue-down, and floating—has its own pros and cons. Choosing the right one depends on the type of hardwood, the condition of the subfloor, and the overall project budget. 

Nail-Down Installation

This is the most traditional method and is often used for solid hardwood floors. It involves nailing the flooring planks directly into a wooden subfloor.

• Stable and Long-Lasting: This method provides a very secure fit and creates a floor that stays in place for decades with proper care.
• Requires Wood Subfloor: Nail-down installation can only be done over wooden subfloors, which may not be available in all homes without added preparation.
• Labor-Intensive: Since each plank must be nailed individually, this method usually takes longer and increases labor charges. It can add to the overall cost to install hardwood floors.
• Higher Labor Cost: The extra time and skill involved in this method typically results in higher installation fees.

Glue-Down Installation

Glue-down is often used for engineered hardwood, especially on concrete subfloors. The planks are secured directly to the surface using a strong adhesive.

• Works With Concrete: This method is ideal when installing hardwood over concrete, such as in basements or slab homes.
• Smooth and Quiet Feel: Floors glued down feel more solid and produce less sound when walked on.
• Adhesive Costs Add Up: The glue itself adds to the hardwood flooring prices, especially in large areas.
• Takes Time to Dry: The adhesive needs time to fully cure, which may delay moving furniture back in and extend the project timeline.

Floating Installation

This modern method involves locking planks together without nails or glue. It’s commonly used for engineered hardwood and laminate flooring.

• Quickest Installation Option: Because it doesn’t require glue or nails, floating floors are faster to install, helping reduce the hardwood flooring cost per square foot installed.
• Less Prep Needed: This method can often be done over existing floors or uneven subfloors, saving time and prep work.
• Easier to Replace: Individual planks can be removed and replaced without major disruption if needed in the future.
• May Feel Hollow: Floating floors can sometimes produce a slight echo or hollow sound, depending on the underlayment used.

5. Labor Rates and Contractor Fees

Labor costs play a major role in the total hardwood flooring installation cost. What a homeowner pays for labor can vary depending on where they live and who they hire. Some areas have higher base rates, and more experienced installers may charge more. Still, paying for quality work can often save money in the long run by avoiding repairs or poor craftsmanship.

Regional Differences in Labor Costs

The cost to install hardwood floors is not the same across the country. Prices change from one region to another depending on the local economy, availability of skilled labor, and demand for flooring services.

• Urban vs. Rural Areas: Labor in big cities often costs more due to higher living expenses and business overhead.

• Local Market Demand: In places where new homes or renovations are common, installers may charge more because of high demand.
• Availability of Installers: Areas with fewer flooring professionals may have higher prices simply because there’s less competition.

Experience and Reputation of Installers

The skill level and background of a flooring contractor can also impact what they charge. While some may offer lower rates, it’s often worth paying more for a seasoned professional.

• Certified or Licensed Contractors: Installers with certifications or licenses tend to charge more, but they usually deliver better quality work.
• Years of Experience: More experienced professionals often work faster and with fewer mistakes, helping lower the overall risk of future problems.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Contractors with strong reputations and many positive reviews typically have higher rates, but their reliability can be worth the investment.

6. Finishing and Customization

Finishing and customization can make a big difference in both the look and final cost of hardwood flooring. Whether it’s adding a unique stain color, creating stylish borders, or choosing between factory-finished and on-site finished planks, each option adds to the hardwood flooring installation cost in different ways. 

Factory-Finished vs. On-Site Finished Flooring

The way hardwood is finished impacts installation time, mess, and total price.

• Factory-Finished Hardwood: Comes pre-sanded and sealed from the manufacturer: Installs faster with less mess and odor. It often has a more durable finish, but there may be fewer options for customization.

• On-Site Finished Hardwood: Finished after installation directly in the home: Offers more flexibility in stain color and sheen but requires more time and adds to labor costs due to sanding, staining, and sealing on-site.

Design and Customization Options

Special touches can raise the cost but also add character and value to the flooring.

• Staining: Changes the wood’s color to match a home’s design: Adds material and labor costs, especially for darker or custom-mixed colors.
• Borders and Patterns: Includes inlays, diagonal layouts, herringbone, or chevron styles: Requires extra planning and precision, which increases labor time and price.

• Finishing Coats: The number and type of protective layers used: More coats mean better durability but increase both time and cost.

7. Additional Materials and Supplies

Beyond wood and labor, there are necessary supplies and extra services that can raise the hardwood flooring prices. These may not be obvious at first but are crucial for a proper installation.

Installation Materials

Some materials are essential for the job and ensure the flooring performs well over time.

• Underlayment: A thin layer between the hardwood and the subfloor: Adds sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection, but raises the hardwood flooring cost per square foot installed.
• Trim and Moldings: Finish the edges and transition between floors: Costs vary based on wood type and finish, but they are necessary for a clean, polished look.

• Adhesives and Fasteners: Includes glue, nails, or staples depending on the installation method: These are required and often calculated per square foot.