Calculating the Cost of Hardwood Flooring

Figuring out the cost of hardwood flooring might seem easy, but many factors add to the total cost. So, how do you budget for flooring? You start by learning about all the elements involved in buying and installing your flooring to help you plan and avoid surprise expenses.

 

As we will discuss, there are many variables that go into flooring installation, so your initial estimate may vary. Don’t let this stress you out, though, because being prepared allows you to make smart, cost-effective choices.

 

How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?

The first step in your flooring journey is choosing your flooring. The color, species, and design of hardwood are usually the first elements people consider, but there are more features to flooring than how it looks.

 

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Type of Flooring

There are two main types of hardwood flooring, solid and engineered. Solid hardwood flooring is made from one continuous piece of hardwood. Engineered hardwood layers a veneer of hardwood over a supportive core.

 

Both types bring you the benefits of hardwood, such as natural warmth, toughness, and unbeatable beauty.

 

Type of Wood

The type of hardwood used to make floors plays a strong role in its overall cost. Common species like hickory, bamboo, and red oak are more affordable than more sought-after woods like white oak and maple. Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian walnut are at the upper end of the price range. But their uniqueness and rarity make them a worthwhile investment.

 

Width and Length

Board width makes a difference in both appearance and cost. Narrower boards might be more cost-efficient, but when it comes time for installation, their narrowness means more boards to install. Wider boards might cost more per board, but they cost a bit less to install.

 

Hardwood boards generally range from less than a foot to 8 feet in length. Longer boards need to come from longer (and older) trees, which can also influence the cost. For engineered flooring, core type can also factor into the cost.

 

Room Size

Perhaps the biggest factor in your flooring purchase is the size of the room or rooms. Accurate measurements are vital for ensuring you get the right amount of wood and installation materials.

 

To calculate the amount of flooring, you’ll need to know the length and width of an area. For multiple rooms, measure each area separately. Multiply your area’s length by its width to get the square footage. A room 10 feet by 15 feet will need 150 square feet of flooring.

 

Always add 10-15% to your total flooring calculations to have extra boards. In case the supply of wood and flooring products changes, this extra flooring will come in handy, especially if there’s damage during installation or later down the line if you need to replace a board.

 

Room Shape

The shape of a room affects installation. Rooms with multiple angles, corners, or features like fireplaces or an island mean added time. This is because there is more cutting, shaping, and installing of the hardwood.

 

What Are the Costs Associated With Installing Solid Wood Flooring?

Apart from the wood, there are several hardwood floor costs to consider.

 

Floor Preparation

Subfloor preparation and underlayment are important parts of hardwood floor installation. Whether you’re leveling your existing subfloor or installing over existing flooring, making sure your installation surface is sturdy, and level is vital.

 

The subfloor sits between your floor joists and underlayment. It provides structural integrity for your flooring. The current state of your subfloor will dictate how much prep work you need to do and how much it will cost. Take time to research the best subfloor options for you, as this will affect how your floor performs.

 

Your underlayment lies between your subfloor and hardwood. The purpose of underlayment is to provide insulation, noise reduction, and moisture control. Finding the right underlayment for your flooring is a worthwhile investment as it can extend the lifespan of your hardwood flooring.

 

Installation Type

At LL Flooring, our solid hardwoods can come with nail, staple, and glue-down installation methods. Nail and staple methods are relatively straightforward. This makes them more cost-effective, whereas glue-down installation takes longer.

 

Our engineered hardwoods can be click-lock installed or have a tongue-and-groove profile, which can be installed in the same manner as solid hardwoods.

 

Professional Installation

The question of flooring labor cost is always a big one. For the experienced DIYer, there’s the option to do it yourself, but what you save in money costs you time and effort. For those who’d rather not take the DIY route, professional independent contractors are a good option.

 

All the factors that influence how much hardwood flooring costs also affect how much installation costs. From the characteristics of the boards to the installation type, these all play a part in the installation cost and time.

 

The first step toward finding an installer is to get a quote. The installers may come to your home to assess and measure the space and get details about your flooring and your preferences. It’s helpful to get a handful of quotes to compare your options. Remember that quotes are usually an estimate, so you may not know the exact figure until after installation starts.

 

When you’ve found a professional independent contractor you’d like to work with, do a little research to find reviews and other information that will help you make an informed decision. Next, make sure that they’re licensed, bonded, and insured.

 

At LL Flooring, we offer installation with verified professional independent contractors. LL Flooring Installation Services facilitates hardwood flooring installation, subfloor preparation, and removal of old flooring.

 

The DIY Route

You might be asking yourself if it is cheaper to install hardwood floors yourself, and the answer is yes and no. If you feel you have the skills to tackle your flooring, it makes for a fun yet challenging project. There are plenty of resources online to help guide you through each step, like our Flooring Basics where you’ll find advice on topics like how to avoid installation problems and acclimate your new flooring. And, if you’re in the store, our friendly staff at LL Flooring can advise you on the supplies you’ll need.

 

However, the benefit of professional installation is that they already have all the tools and equipment. If you’re DIYing your installation, you’ll need installation tools and equipment like air nailers or floor staplers. Professional installation is also quicker as they have the workers to progress quickly. When DIYing, you’ll also lose access to the area you’re working on for as long as you take to complete the project.

 

Be sure to check your Warranty, Installation, and Care guide for specific information about installing your hardwood floor.

 

What Should I Budget for Wood Flooring Trims and Moldings?

Trim and molding are an often-overlooked cost of hardwood installations. These pieces are needed to finish a room like floor grills, baseboards, transitions, and stair noses. There are alternatives to hardwood trim, such as MDF, PVC, and polyurethane. However, it can be difficult to match these to your hardwood. LL Flooring has exact match moldings for all floors. Floor trim prices vary by the size and shape of a room, type of wood, labor costs, and more.

 

What Tools and Accessories Are Needed for a Wood Flooring Project?

You'll want to factor in the costs of the flooring installation tools as we discussed earlier. Investing in these tools can be costly, but renting larger tools like what you need to cut flooring is possible. The benefit of hiring professional independent contractors is that they already have the tools, so you don’t have to factor in those costs.

 

Are There Any Hidden Costs in Wood Flooring Projects?

It’s common to wonder about hidden costs in wood flooring, but by breaking down a large project into smaller elements, you can better understand what goes into a hardwood flooring project. And knowing all the pieces of the project and how they affect the cost can help you come up with a more accurate budget.

 

At LL Flooring, we not only offer to facilitate professional installation, but we also offer financing options for your flooring project. To find out more, you can contact our Custom Care Center and speak to a friendly and knowledgeable representative.

 

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