How Much Does Hardwood Floor Installation Cost?
The national average cost for hardwood floor installation is $5,000 (per 500 sq ft (average room)). Most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $12,000, depending on the scope of work, your location, and other factors.
Hardwood floor installation includes subfloor preparation, moisture testing, laying solid or engineered hardwood planks, and finishing with sanding, staining, and sealing.
What Affects Hardwood Floor Installation Cost?
- Wood species and grade
- Solid vs. engineered hardwood
- Subfloor condition
- Room size and layout
- Stain color and finish type
- Existing flooring removal
Hardwood Floor Installation Costs by City
Prices vary significantly by location. Here are hardwood floor installation costs in major US cities:
| City | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $3,620 | $7,250 | $17,400 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $3,380 | $6,750 | $16,200 |
| Chicago, IL | $3,000 | $6,000 | $14,400 |
| Houston, TX | $2,500 | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2,620 | $5,250 | $12,600 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $3,000 | $6,000 | $14,400 |
| San Antonio, TX | $2,250 | $4,500 | $10,800 |
| San Diego, CA | $3,250 | $6,500 | $15,600 |
| Dallas, TX | $2,620 | $5,250 | $12,600 |
| San Jose, CA | $3,750 | $7,500 | $18,000 |
| Austin, TX | $2,750 | $5,500 | $13,200 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $2,380 | $4,750 | $11,400 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $2,500 | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Columbus, OH | $2,380 | $4,750 | $11,400 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $2,250 | $4,500 | $10,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Materials: Oak $3-$8/sq ft, maple $5-$10/sq ft, walnut $8-$14/sq ft. Installation labor adds $3-$8/sq ft. Total installed cost ranges from $6-$22 per square foot depending on species and complexity.
Solid hardwood ($8-$15/sq ft installed) can be refinished many times and lasts 75-100 years. Engineered ($6-$14/sq ft) handles moisture better, works over concrete, and can be refinished 1-3 times.
A single room (200 sq ft) takes 1-2 days. A whole home (1,000 sq ft) takes 3-5 days for installation, plus 1-2 days for finishing if site-finished. Pre-finished floors are faster.