Hardwood Floor Installation Cost Calculator
Hardwood flooring is priced per square foot installed. Enter the area and choose a type of hardwood to estimate.
Most homeowners pay $4,500 to $9,000 for 500 sq ft, solid oak or maple.
Your estimate
- Materials and labor
- Add-ons
National installed prices, materials and labor included. Your local quotes may differ.
Hardwood floor installation cost by option
Installed totals (based on 500 sq ft), with standard conditions included.
| Option | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood | $3,500 to $7,500 |
| Solid oak or maple | $4,500 to $9,000 |
| Exotic or wide-plank | $6,000 to $12,500 |
Installed price per unit
| Option | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood | $7.00 to $15.00 per sq ft |
| Solid oak or maple | $9.00 to $18.00 per sq ft |
| Exotic or wide-plank | $12.00 to $25.00 per sq ft |
What drives the price
- Solid vs engineeredEngineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over plywood. It's more stable in humid areas and over concrete.
- Species and widthOak and maple are the most common. Wide planks and exotic species cost more.
- Prefinished vs site-finishedSite-finished floors are sanded and coated after install, which adds labor and drying time.
- SubfloorUneven or damaged subfloors must be fixed first.
How this estimate works
The calculator multiplies your floor area by the installed price range for the option you pick, then adds any extras you tick. The headline number is the midpoint of your range. Low-end prices fit simple jobs in lower-cost areas. High-end prices fit complex jobs, premium brands and high-cost metros.
Get at least three written quotes before you hire. Ask each contractor to list materials, labor, permits and disposal separately so you can compare them line by line. Read how we build our ranges.
Common questions
How long does hardwood installation take?
Many rooms can be installed in a few days, plus acclimation time before install.
Can hardwood go in a kitchen?
Yes, with care for spills. Engineered hardwood handles humidity changes better.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Many installers add around 5 to 10 percent for cuts and waste.
Sources and method
Price ranges are national installed estimates maintained by the HouseMath editorial team and last reviewed September 2026. For the labor side of the job, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles (SOC 47-2042), which shows how trade wages differ by state.