Though an investment up front, hardwood flooring ends up paying for itself in the long run, especially in a home’s resale value. In fact, realtors state that more than 50% of home buyers say they are willing to pay thousands of dollars more for a home that has hardwood flooring. There’s a reason you see century-old homes that still have their original hardwood floors, they’re built to last. Take the time now to understand the hardwood flooring cost factors so you’ll know exactly how to plan your budget and get the floors that last.
Comparing Factors That Can Affect Hardwood Flooring Cost
Beyond the boards, the cost of hardwood flooring installation can be dependant on the species, size and length of wood you choose, additional cost of installation materials, the layout and complexity of your space, floor removal and more. To help you calculate hardwood flooring cost estimates for your next project, here are a few key factors to consider.
Size of Space
The cost of your hardwood floor installation will be calculated based on square footage. On average, hardwood flooring cost typically ranges from $12-$20 per square foot. But, if the space has a lot of tricky angles or tight spaces, installation of a complex layout could increase costs.
Boards Themselves
Hardwood floors come in a variety of types, species and finishes. Choosing among solid hardwood species (red oak, white oak, beech, pine, cherry, birch, etc.) may depend on your budget, but climate conditions should also be factored in. Domestic hardwood tends to be less costly than exotic hardwood, mostly due to the availability and cost of transportation. Typically, red oak and white oak are the least expensive solid hardwood flooring options to buy. On the other hand, domestic cherry and imported Brazilian cabreuva often top the list as the most expensive.
Additional Considerations
Hardwood flooring cost estimates should also factor in whether or not you need to remove any existing flooring. This cost will vary depending on what kind of floor you need removed (old hardwood, tile, carpet). Also, after old flooring is removed, it’s common to find that the subfloor requires work to ensure it’s smoothed out and level.
Additionally, the style of the wood plank can also make a difference. Wider and longer wood planks, which are present a more visually appealing look, typically cost more than thin, short planks.
Finally, hardwood floor installation isn’t complete without coordinating the trim, threshold between rooms and molding, but many people forget to factor these costs into their budget. Without these important additions, your floors would appear to be unfinished.
Get Your Free Estimate: Hardwood Flooring Installation
A common misconception among homeowners is that DIY installation will be cheaper. But this isn’t necessarily true. Don’t be fooled by “quick and easy” installation YouTube videos, hardwood flooring installation is more precise and complex than it looks. Hire a professional flooring expert who has the experience and tools necessary to navigate your space, someone who can give you the peace of mind that your job will be done right the first time.
Moving to a new home? Planning a home renovation project? At Gorsegner Brothers, we provide free estimates for residential and commercial wood floor installation. Contact us online, by phone at 732-291-7263 or visit our showroom at 6 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 to learn more about wood floor installation. We look forward to working with you.
