How Much Does It Cost to Install Engineered Hardwood Floors In 2023?
There are many different aspects to consider when calculating hardwood flooring cost, including labor, product, etc. How much does installation cost?
COMPARE QUOTESDid you know that, according to Grand View Research, engineered wood led the North American wood flooring market in 2019, accounting for over 52.0% of the share of total revenue? Considering that engineered hardwood is a cheaper alternative to traditional wooden floors that has many benefits to homeowners, these statistics come as no surprise.
Hardwood floors are a timeless choice for homeowners, instantly adding a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. However, like any home renovation project, understanding the associated costs is crucial before embarking on a hardwood flooring installation.
COMPAREFactors Influencing the Cost of Hardwood Flooring
The cost of installing hardwood flooring varies significantly depending on several factors:
1. Type of Hardwood: Hardwood flooring comes in various species, each with its unique characteristics and price points. Exotic species like mahogany or Brazilian cherry are more expensive than domestic species like oak or maple.
2. Quality of Wood: The grade and thickness of the hardwood play a significant role in its price. Higher grade woods are more consistent in color and have fewer knots and imperfections, making them more expensive. Similarly, thicker boards, which offer more durability and longevity, are also more costly.
3. Installation Type: There are several installation methods, including nail-down, glue-down, and floating. The installation method chosen can impact the cost, with some methods requiring more labor and materials than others.
4. Labor Costs: Labor costs vary by region, the complexity of the project, and the reputation of the contractor. A complex installation with many corners or angles will cost more than a straightforward rectangular room.
5. Size of the Area: The larger the floor area, the more materials and labor will be required, increasing the overall cost.
6. Additional Costs: These may include removal and disposal of old flooring, subfloor preparation, and finishing (staining and sealing).
Average Cost of Installing Hardwood Flooring
As of 2023, homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $12 per square foot on average for both materials and professional installation of mid-range hardwood flooring. This price range assumes the use of domestically sourced hardwoods like oak or maple.
For a 1,000 square foot area, this amounts to a total cost between $6,000 and $12,000. However, this is a ballpark figure, and actual costs can be lower or higher based on the factors mentioned above.
Higher-end or exotic hardwoods can cost between $12 and $20 per square foot or more, including installation. In this case, the total cost for a 1,000 square foot area would be between $12,000 and $20,000.
The labor cost for hardwood floor installation can range from $3 to $5 per square foot, but this can vary widely depending on your location and the complexity of the project.
Reducing Hardwood Flooring Costs
While hardwood flooring can be expensive, there are several ways homeowners can reduce the costs:
1. DIY Installation: If you’re handy and have the necessary tools, self-installation can save on labor costs. However, keep in mind that mistakes can be costly and may lead to higher expenses in the long run.
2. Choose Less Expensive Wood: Opt for domestically sourced or less expensive hardwood species to keep costs down.
3. Refinishing Existing Hardwood Floors: If you already have hardwood floors that are in decent condition, refinishing them can give them a fresh new look at a fraction of the cost of new flooring.
COMPARE QUOTESEngineered Hardwood Flooring Cost At a Glance
While there are many different factors that impact the floor installation cost of your engineered hardwood, there are typical costs you should be aware of. Generally speaking, estimates of the cost of engineered hardwood run between just under $4,100 to just under $12,100.
The cost of engineered hardwood flooring can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of wood, the thickness of the veneer, the quality of the construction, the brand, and the region where you live. Here are some general pricing guidelines you might expect:
- Material Cost: The cost of the flooring material itself typically ranges from $4 to $12 per square foot, although higher-end options could cost $10 to $14 or more per square foot.
- Installation Cost: Professional installation can add $4 to $12 per square foot to the total cost. The price can vary based on the complexity of the job, the condition of your subfloor, and local labor rates.
- Additional Costs: There could be additional costs for things like removing and disposing of old flooring, repairing or preparing the subfloor, moving furniture, and finishing and trimming the new floor.
So, for a ballpark estimate, you might expect the total cost for materials and installation of engineered hardwood flooring to range from $8 to $20 per square foot or more. However, prices can vary, so it’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from local suppliers and installers. Please note that prices are subject to change, due to factors such as inflation, changes in the cost of raw materials, and regional differences in labor costs.
Cost by Square Foot
To know how much hardwood flooring costs per square foot, it helps to take a look at the national average costs. The range for engineered hardwood floor cost by square foot is between $2.66 and $3.51. This comes to an average cost of $3.08 per square foot.
This will help you get a general idea of how much your engineered hardwood floor cost should be depending on the size of the room where you’ll be installing it. There are additional costs you can know as well by the square foot, such as labor and materials together.
Generally speaking, the cost of 300 square feet, including labor and materials together, has a national range of $1,981.62 to $2,902.73. Based on our calculations, this comes to the average national cost of $2,442.19 per 300 square feet.
Why do costs vary so much? In large part, this comes down to the type of engineered hardwood floor you’re installing. So let’s move on.
COMPAREEngineered Hardwood Flooring Types and Installation Costs
Engineered hardwood flooring has gained popularity among homeowners and designers alike for its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. Unlike traditional hardwood, which is made from a single piece of wood, engineered hardwood is composed of a top layer of real hardwood veneer adhered to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This composition not only makes the flooring resistant to humidity and temperature changes but also offers a wide range of aesthetic choices. Let’s explore the various types of engineered hardwood flooring and their approximate installation costs.
1. Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Oak remains one of the most popular choices for engineered hardwood flooring. It comes in two varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak is known for its warm, rich color and pronounced grain patterns, while white oak offers a denser, more durable surface with a straighter grain. Both types provide a classic, timeless look.
The cost of oak engineered hardwood flooring can range from $4 to $7 per square foot for the material itself. With professional installation, you can expect to pay an additional $3 to $10 per square foot.
2. Maple Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Maple is another common choice for engineered hardwood floors, known for its light, creamy color and subtle grain patterns. It’s a great choice for modern or Scandinavian-style homes. Maple is also one of the hardest domestic hardwoods, making it highly durable.
Maple engineered hardwood flooring typically costs between $5 and $8 per square foot for materials. With installation, the total cost can range from $7 to $17 per square foot.
3. Hickory Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Hickory is an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a rustic or country aesthetic. Its distinctive, varied grain patterns and wide range of color variations give it a unique, character-rich appearance. Additionally, hickory is harder than both oak and maple, offering excellent durability.
Hickory engineered hardwood flooring can cost between $6 and $10 per square foot for materials. Including installation, the total cost may range from $8 to $19 per square foot.
4. Walnut Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Walnut offers a luxurious look with its rich, dark tones and straight, open grain. It’s slightly softer than oak, maple, and hickory, but its unique appearance makes it a popular choice, especially for formal or traditional interiors.
Walnut engineered hardwood flooring can range from $7 to $11 for materials alone. With installation, expect to pay between $9 and $19 per square foot.
5. Exotic Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry, tigerwood, and acacia offer unique grain patterns and vibrant colors not typically seen in domestic hardwoods. However, these types of wood can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly, as they often come from far-off locations.
Exotic engineered hardwood flooring typically costs between $7 and $14 per square foot for the material. Including installation, the total cost may range from $10 to $24 per square foot.
Understanding the Labor Costs for Engineered Hardwood Floor Installation
Engineered hardwood flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners, property developers, and designers for many years. Offering the timeless appeal of solid wood alongside more robust and versatile attributes, engineered wood flooring is a great choice for many environments. However, as with any major home improvement project, understanding the associated costs, particularly labor, is crucial. Here, we’ll delve into the labor costs for installing engineered hardwood flooring.
What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Before we delve into labor costs, it’s important to understand what engineered hardwood flooring is. Unlike solid hardwood planks, which are made entirely from a single piece of wood, engineered hardwood is a composite product. It consists of a thin veneer of hardwood on top of several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This multi-layer construction grants it greater stability, making it less likely to warp or expand due to changes in temperature or humidity.
Engineered hardwood floors come in a variety of species, colors, and finishes, offering a wide range of aesthetic options. Additionally, they are typically easier to install than solid hardwood, which can influence the labor costs.
Factors Influencing Labor Cost
When calculating labor costs for engineered hardwood floor installation, several factors come into play.
1. Size of the Area
The size of the area where the flooring is to be installed is a primary factor. Labor costs are typically calculated per square foot. Therefore, the larger the area, the higher the cost.
2. Floor Condition
The condition of your existing floor also significantly affects labor costs. If your floor needs leveling, repair, or if the old flooring needs to be removed, this will add to the cost.
3. Complexity of the Job
The complexity of the job also influences the labor cost. If the room has a complex layout, many corners or requires intricate cutting and fitting, this will increase labor time and thus the overall cost. Installing engineered wood on stairs or matching the new flooring with existing flooring can also add complexity.
4. Geographic Location
Labor costs can also vary significantly based on your geographic location. Installers in urban areas with a higher cost of living typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Average Labor Cost for Engineered Hardwood Floor Installation
The labor cost for installing engineered hardwood flooring in the United States typically ranged from $5 to $130 per square foot, excluding the cost of the flooring itself. This cost includes preparation of the area, installation, and cleanup after the job is done.
However, labor costs can increase if your project involves additional tasks. For example, removing old flooring can cost from $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot, depending on the type and condition of the flooring. Subfloor repair can cost between $25 and $35 per hour.
Ways to Minimize Labor Costs
There are a few ways to potentially minimize the labor costs of your engineered hardwood floor installation.
1. Prepare the Area
You can save on labor costs by preparing the area yourself. This might include removing the existing flooring, moving furniture out of the way, and cleaning the area before installation.
2. Opt for Simpler Designs
Choosing a simpler layout or design can reduce the time it takes to install the flooring, thereby reducing labor costs.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
Always get multiple quotes from different installers. This will give you a range of costs to consider and allow you to choose the most competitive price.
COMPARE QUOTESFlooring Contractors
The cost of installation also depends on the construction contractor you work with. To get the best deal, shop around. Call different contractors near you, and have them come in to make an estimate of the work they’ll be doing.
This way, you can compare flooring contractor’s costs.
Equipment Rental and Job Supplies
You might also have to pay additionally for equipment rental and job supplies. This might be the case for some of the contractors you have working with you—and it will certainly be the case if you do the installation yourself.
When you add the cost of equipment rental and job supplies, this should make up between 5% and 10% of your cost.
Cost of Flooring Product
Another cost you’ll need to think about when thinking about the cost of installing engineered hardwood floors is the cost of the product. Depending on the grade of the engineered hardwood floor you choose, costs will vary.
When reviewing these choices, you need to make the decision of whether you’re going to prioritize price or quality. Keep in mind, however, that all these options will have the minimal amount of features of engineered hardwood floors you’re looking for.
Low Grade
The simplest and cheapest type of engineered hardwood floor is low grade. Even though it’s low grade, it will have all the benefits that come with engineered hardwood floors. Usually, this low-grade type of flooring comes with three layers inside its core. Its veneer has a thickness of 1/16 of an inch to 1/12 of an inch. The per square foot cost is between $3.00 and $9.06.
Mid Grade
If you’re looking for slightly higher quality but don’t want to pay the maximum, we recommend you get the mid-grade type of engineered hardwood floor. If you have children or pets, then this might be a good choice, since it’s less likely to be scratched and can resist more foot traffic.
Usually, this mid-grade type of flooring comes with five layers inside its core. Its veneer has a thickness of 1/12 of an inch to ⅛ of an inch. The per square foot cost is between $6.00 and $12.19.
High Grade
If you want the best type of wood out there, that will last a long time and resist high foot traffic, then we recommend you get the high-grade type of engineered hardwood floor. If you plan on having many children, hosting parties, and are spending a lot of time at home because of the current pandemic, then this is a good option for you.
Usually, this high-grade type of flooring comes with seven layers inside its core. Its veneer has a thickness of at least ⅙ of an inch. The per square foot cost is between $9.10 and $16.00.
COMPAREAdditional Costs and Factors
When installing engineered hardwood floors, there are additional costs and factors you should be aware of. For example, you need to think about whether you want to hire someone to install the hardwood floors or you want this to be a DIY project.
Of course, DIY projects might be cheaper on paper—but if you make any costly mistakes, then it will cost more to remove the flooring, buy new flooring, and start over again.
Additionally, you should think about where you’re based. If you’re in an expensive city, then costs are likely to be higher.
Need More Information?
Now that you know about how to calculate the engineered hardwood flooring cost for your installation, do you need more information? Maybe you want to find the right contractor in your area or you want to learn more about the different types of wood.
Whatever you need, we’re happy to help. At 5Estimates.com, we’re experts when it comes to all types of home repair, decor, and installation of floors, windows, and more. We can get you in touch with the right contractor for the job. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us here.
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