How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost Per Square Foot

How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost Per Square Foot?

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful and durable flooring option that can add value to your home. But how much does it cost to install hardwood flooring? The cost of hardwood flooring per square foot can vary depending on several factors, including the type of wood, the width of the planks, the finish, and the installation method.

On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $12 per square foot for materials, and between $3 and $8 per square foot for installation. This means that the total cost of hardwood flooring can range from $6 to $20 per square foot.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Hardwood Flooring

The following factors can affect the cost of hardwood flooring:

Type of wood: The type of wood you choose will have a significant impact on the cost of your flooring. Exotic hardwoods, such as Brazilian walnut and mahogany, are more expensive than domestic hardwoods, such as oak and maple.
Width of the planks: Wider planks are more expensive than narrower planks. This is because wider planks require more wood and are more difficult to install.
Finish: The finish you choose for your hardwood flooring will also affect the cost. Unfinished hardwood flooring is less expensive than prefinished hardwood flooring. However, unfinished hardwood flooring requires you to sand and finish it yourself, which can add to the cost of installation.
Installation method: The installation method you choose will also affect the cost of your hardwood flooring. Floating floors are less expensive to install than glued-down floors. However, floating floors are not as durable as glued-down floors.

How to Save Money on Hardwood Flooring

There are several ways to save money on hardwood flooring, including:

Choose a less expensive type of wood: Exotic hardwoods are beautiful, but they can be expensive. If you are on a budget, consider choosing a domestic hardwood, such as oak or maple.
Choose narrower planks: Wider planks are more expensive than narrower planks. If you are on a budget, consider choosing narrower planks.
Choose an unfinished finish: Unfinished hardwood flooring is less expensive than prefinished hardwood flooring. However, unfinished hardwood flooring requires you to sand and finish it yourself, which can add to the cost of installation.
Install the flooring yourself: Installing hardwood flooring yourself can save you a significant amount of money. However, it is important to note that installing hardwood flooring is a complex process, and it is not recommended for beginners.

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful and durable flooring option that can add value to your home. By choosing a less expensive type of wood, narrower planks, an unfinished finish, and installing the flooring yourself, you can save money on hardwood flooring without sacrificing quality.