How much to install hardwood floors?

The cost of hardwood floor installation depends on the species and grade of wood selected, the installation method, the square footage of the project, any necessary subfloor preparation, and local labor rates. Material costs alone range from $3 to $8 per square foot for common domestic species like red oak or maple in standard grades, up to $10 to $20 or more per square foot for premium grades, wider planks, or exotic species like Brazilian cherry or teak. Installation labor typically adds $3 to $6 per square foot for a standard nail-down installation. Altogether, a basic solid hardwood floor installed over an existing wood subfloor in good condition commonly runs $6 to $14 per square foot total. A 500-square-foot room would therefore typically cost $3,000 to $7,000, though complex rooms, difficult subfloor conditions, custom borders or patterns, and stairs can push costs significantly higher. Engineered hardwood is often less expensive to install and is a common choice for applications over concrete subfloors or in climates with significant humidity swings. Always budget for 7 to 10 percent material overage to account for waste from cuts.