How much does it cost to install hardwood flooring?
Cost of hardwood flooring installation determined by number of factors and total expenses primary depend on wood flooring prices and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing new hardwood floors number of additional factors should be taken into account. Flooring contractor will calculate the cost after taking on site measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with installation.
Estimating hardwood floors installation cost
Hardwood flooring prices comparison |
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Comparing to other flooring materials wood floors are not the cheapest options, but depending on type and quality some hardwood flooring products are very affordable. Floating engineered with thin wearing layer or lower grades solid wood floors might be a good solution on a low budget. Wood species, type of flooring and finish quality will impact the initial price. Red or white oak with basic natural finish will be less expensive comparing to hand scraped mahogany with 8 coats of premium aluminum oxide finish.
Determining labor cost for wood floors installation |
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Cost of man power will depend on type of wood, difficulty of a work and project size. Standard installation might be calculated as per square foot fee. Preparation, fixing subfloor, installation of baseboards and shoe base molding, as well as demolishing and hauling away old flooring covering materials will be charged based on time required for completing the task and an installer’s hourly rates.
Laying floating click-lock hardwood flooring will be priced at minimum charge. Labor cost will significantly increase for nail down / staple down or glue down solid and engineered wood floors. Unfinished hardwood flooring will cost more to install because finish application has to be done at a job site and there are also will be an extra fee for coloring the wood.
Normally a contractor will offer a better deal for bigger projects and charge a significantly higher rate per square foot if it is 300 of less sq. ft. of wood flooring has to be installed.
Shopping for hardwood flooring |
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On the low budget check sales at major local and online flooring retailers. Buy discontinued products, but make sure to purchase more than a typical waste factor. Install different colors and finish wood in each room and get small and odd lots which are usually the least expensive option. Cheaper flooring doesn’t necessarily means it won’t last long or be less durable, but selection and style options will be significantly limited.
Estimating installation time |
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Two professional installers should be able to complete nailing down 2 1/4” wide prefinished wood flooring strips in one 12’ x 12’ room in about 6 – 7 work hours including baseboards installation. Laying and finishing unfinished hardwood flooring will take longer because of sanding and drying time in between of each coats of finish application. Staining wood floors will consume time as well. if changing the color of wood will be desirable it might take 4 – 5 days to finish floors in the whole 1,900 – 2,100 square feet house by the crew of four. Floating engineered floors normally will be installed faster.
Work complexity |
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Work complexity while installing or replacing wood floors will depend on the type of hardwood floor installation and subfloor condition. Click lock engineered hardwood flooring is relatively easy to install and can be done as a do it yourself project following a manufacturer installation instruction. Gluing down and finishing at a job site unfinished solid wood is more complicated process and reducing overall cost by cutting labor expenses might not be the smartest idea. It is always better to hire a professional installer to perform such work. Poor installation might cause bucking, warping, cupping, making a noise while walking or gaps and splits might appear in between the wood planks. Always remember, any manufacturers’ warranty won’t cover the losses related to improper installation. In addition, with lack of experience it will take longer to complete hardwood floors installation and hiring a pro will not only ensures quality of work but will save a time as well.