How Much Does Hardwood Floor Installation Cost?
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.
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.