CountBricks: Residential Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring

The Real Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring

Understanding the true cost of installing hardwood flooring is crucial for construction professionals aiming to maintain profitability. Prices can vary significantly based on material choices, labor, and additional factors. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of costs to help you quote accurately and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Material Choices Drive the Baseline

Species, grade, and board format set your starting point.

Solid red oak strip: $3.50 – $5.25 per sq ft
Engineered maple plank: $4.75 – $6.75 per sq ft
Premium exotics (e.g., Brazilian cherry): $8.00 – $14.00 per sq ft

2. Underlayment and Subfloor Prep

Proper underlayment and subfloor preparation are essential for a successful installation.

Moisture-barrier underlayment: $0.45 – $0.70 per sq ft
Self-leveling compound: $1.25 – $2.10 per sq ft

3. Labor: More Than Laying Boards

Labor costs can vary based on the complexity of the installation.

Straight-lay installations: $3.00 – $4.00 per sq ft
Herringbone or chevron patterns: Add 25 – 45% labor premium
Stair treads and nosings: $40 – $65 each

4. Finish Options and Associated Costs

Choose between factory-finished boards or onsite finishing.

Prefinished boards: +$0.75 – $1.25 per sq ft
Onsite polyurethane: $1.75 – $2.50 per sq ft

5. Tear-Out and Disposal of Existing Flooring

Removing existing flooring can add to the overall cost.

Carpet tear-out: $0.45 – $0.65 per sq ft
Glued wood demo: $1.25 – $1.90 per sq ft

6. Geographic Pricing Factors

Costs can vary based on location due to labor markets and freight charges.

7. Hidden Extras Owners Should Plan For

Baseboard removal & reinstallation: $1.00 – $1.60 per linear foot
Door trimming: $25 – $45 each
Furniture moving: Optional line item

Estimate Snapshot: 1,000 sq ft Example

Mid-grade red oak material: $4,500
Underlayment and prep: $1,400
Labor, straight lay: $3,500
Onsite finishing: $2,000
Carpet tear-out & disposal: $550
Total projected cost: $11,950 or $11.95 per sq ft

Step-by-Step: Using CountBricks to Nail Your Budget

Open a new project and upload the floorplan PDF or start a voice session on site.
Speak naturally to transcribe and tag each scope element.
Review the autogenerated line items and toggle materials or finishes to see price impacts.
Approve the estimate to auto-generate a branded homeowner quote.
Track real-time cost variance as purchase orders finalize.

Why Residential Contractors Choose CountBricks

Instant accuracy with live supplier feeds and local labor tables
Fewer change orders with voice-driven site notes
Faster approvals with clear, professional quotes
Integrated takeoffs and unified workflow

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CountBricks: Residential Cost to Install Hardwood Flooring

Case Insight: Cutting 10% Off a Whole-Home Hardwood Upgrade

When the Harper family purchased a 1970s colonial in West Des Moines, they budgeted $14 per sq ft to replace carpet with 2,200 sq ft of engineered white oak. Their contractor, Red River Homes, used CountBricks to prepare the bid.