Hardwood Floor Installation Cost
Hardwood Floor Installation typically costs $6–$18 per square foot installed, with a national average around $10. That's a planning range, not a quote — your exact price depends on the factors below.
per square foot, installed (material + labor)
Get your exact price — free in-home estimate
Hardwood Floor Installation cost by room size
| Area | Square feet | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 12 bedroom | 120 | $720–$2,160 |
| 12 × 15 living room | 180 | $1,080–$3,240 |
| 15 × 20 family room | 300 | $1,800–$5,400 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 1,000 | $6,000–$18,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (whole main floor) | 1,500 | $9,000–$27,000 |
Straight multiplication of the published range — real quotes shift with waste (carpet rolls seam differently than rooms measure), prep, stairs, and removal. The calculator does the real material math.
What moves the price
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Solid vs engineered | Engineered can be cheaper to install over more subfloors; solid often costs more to acclimate and nail. |
| Wood species & grade | Oak is economical; walnut, hickory, and wide-plank or exotic species cost more. |
| Install method | Nail-down, glue-down, and floating each carry different labor. |
| Subfloor & moisture prep | Moisture barriers, leveling, and plywood add cost, especially over concrete or basements. |
| Old floor removal | Tearing out existing flooring and disposal adds labor. |
| Site finishing | Site-finished floors (sand and finish on site) cost more than prefinished but allow custom color. |
Estimate your project
Enter your room sizes to see how much material you'll need — including true carpet yardage and box counts.
Frequently asked questions
Is hardwood more expensive than laminate or vinyl?
Usually, yes. Hardwood material and labor typically run higher than laminate or luxury vinyl, but solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times, which spreads the cost over decades.
Can hardwood go in a basement?
Solid hardwood is generally not recommended below grade due to moisture. Engineered hardwood or waterproof luxury vinyl is the safer pick for basements.
Cost ranges reviewed June 2026. National planning estimates — your free in-home measure confirms the exact price.