When figuring out how much hardwood flooring will cost, there are numerous different factors to take into account, such as labor and product. How much does it cost to install engineered hardwood floors?
The average installation cost for an engineered hardwood floor is $5,200 and typically ranges from $2,100 to $71,000. A more affordable alternative to traditional hardwood flooring, you can spend anywhere from $3 to $25 per square foot on engineered wood flooring, depending on the type of wood you choose, installation method, location, and project size.
Continue reading for more information.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost at a Glance
Even though there are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of installing your engineered hardwood floor, there are some standard costs that you should be aware of. Generally speaking, estimates of the cost of engineered hardwood run between just under $2,100 to just under $7,1000.
You might be thinking to yourself: “This is a huge range! Is there any way to narrow down how much it might cost for me?” This flooring price guide will cover a variety of methods that can be used to accomplish this. However, you should be aware that the average cost is around $5,200.
The price per square foot, the cost of various kinds of engineered wood, the cost of labor, the cost of the product, and other factors will all have an impact on the installation cost. Let’s review how these variables have an impact on the total cost, so you can answer the question: “What is the price of installing a floor?”
Cost by Square Foot
Examining the national average prices can be useful in determining how much hardwood flooring costs per square foot. The range for engineered hardwood floor cost by square foot is between $2.66 and $3.51. This comes to an average cost of $3.08 per square foot.
This will give you a general idea of how much your engineered hardwood floor should cost based on the size of the room where it will be installed. Additional expenses, such as labor and materials taken together, can also be calculated by the square foot.
Generally speaking, the cost of 300 square feet, including labor and materials together, has a national range of $1,981.62 to $2,902.73. Based on our calculations, this comes to the average national cost of $2,442.19 per 300 square feet.
Why are prices so inconsistent? The kind of engineered hardwood floor you’re installing will have a significant impact on this. So let’s move on.
Cost by Type
From different tree species, engineered planks can be produced, just like solid hardwood floors. Each type is rated based on strength using the Janka scale, which runs from 600 for the softest woods to 3,800 for the hardest. Your final installation cost will depend on the type of wood you select.
The list of the most popular wood species for flooring is provided below. When looking for new floors, you may come across other species; your local flooring expert can describe the characteristics of each.
| Wood Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Janka Rating |
| Heart Pine | $1.50 – $4 per sq. ft. | 1,225 |
| Hard Maple | $3.50 – $6 per sq. ft. | 1,450 |
| White Ash | $5 – $6 per sq. ft. | 1,320 |
| Acacia | $3 – $8 per sq. ft. | 2,220 |
| Brazilian Koa | $4 – $9 per sq. ft. | 2,160 |
| Brazilian Cherry | $5 – $9 per sq. ft. | 2,350 |
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost Factors
Aside from your location and product type, several other factors may influence the cost of your engineered hardwood flooring installation.
Installation Method
The majority of engineered hardwood products are available as click-together floating floors that aren’t attached to the subfloor. These make installation quicker, simpler, and more affordable than the usual nailing, gluing, or stapling techniques.
Harder planks may be more expensive to install than softer wood types if you prefer traditional installation methods because of the added labor needed to cut and shape them. A longer amount of time is required to create intricate wood floor designs like herringbone or parquet.
Complex Prep Work
A variety of complications can add work for your contractor, which may end up adding to your overall cost. If your subfloor isn’t level, you may need to pay $1,000 to $1,500 to have concrete poured. Damaged underlayment or subflooring may also require sanding or mold removal, and you may need to pay the cost of hardwood floor repairs before your installation can begin.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Vs. Traditional
Hardwood flooring made of engineered wood is less expensive than hardwood flooring made of solid wood. While engineered hardwood floors cost $3 to $25 per square foot, traditional hardwood floors cost $6 to $12 per square foot, but high-end jobs can go as high as $13 to $25 or more per square foot.
Deciding which flooring is best for your home depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Because engineered wood flooring is simpler to install, it might appeal to you if you are a skilled do-it-yourselfer. Unless you are a skilled DIYer, you should probably hire a professional for traditional hardwood installation.
The design of the two floors is different. Natural wood, such as maple or walnut, makes up traditional hardwood floors, allowing for numerous sanding and refinishing sessions over the years. Contrarily, engineered hardwood can only be refinished once or twice because it is made up of a thin layer of hardwood over plywood to mimic the appearance of solid wood.
| Characteristics | Hardwood Flooring | Engineered Hardwood Flooring |
| Installation | Best left to a pro who will nail the wood planks to the subfloor | Doable for a handy DIYer using interlocking planks or gluing planks to concrete or a subfloor |
| Lifespan | Lasts generations with proper maintenance | Up to 50 years with proper maintenance, more resistant to warping and moisture but scratches can be difficult to repair |
| Construction | Solid wood | Wood veneer layered on top of plywood |
| Refinishing | Can refinish multiple times over the years | Can only refinish once or twice |
DIY Vs. Hiring a Hardwood Flooring Pro
Installation of engineered hardwood flooring is a DIY project that, if done well, can help you save money. If you’re not confident in your ability or don’t have a friend or family member with the necessary experience, you might end up needing a professional to come in and redo the work.
Before deciding, weigh the cost of hiring a professional against your skill level. Start by comparing flooring installers in your area. Get at least three estimates before you decide because the majority of contractors will do so for free.
Ask installers how long the project will take, how they determine their prices, and what to anticipate during the installation process. For the most accurate estimate, have them come to your house to measure your space.
Cost to Install Flooring Yourself
On average, a DIY installation will cost $1,000 to $3,500. Installing engineered hardwood floors as a DIY project is something to think about since labor typically makes up about 50% of your overall cost. However, while a successful DIY project may be less expensive, any mistakes you make may cost you more than what you’d pay to hire a local hardwood floor installer.
You might wind up spending more than hiring a professional installer if you have to remove a bad flooring installation, buy new materials, and start over. If you don’t have the necessary experience, there are other DIY ways to cut installation costs and save your contractor’s time:
- Move furniture or appliances yourself to save $75–$125.
- Test for asbestos before removing and discarding old carpet or flooring.
- Choose a sturdy mid-grade or basic wood type instead of a high-end product.
How to Save on the Cost of Installing Engineered Hardwood?
There is no need to sugarcoat the fact that flooring can be pricey. Unless you’re putting down some peel-and-stick carpet tiles from Home Depot, you could still end up paying a small fortune for installation—even if it’s for something cheap like the cork flooring Lowes sells.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to minimize costs when replacing your floors.
First and foremost, if you already know how to install hardwood floors, you can save a great deal of cash by doing the installation yourself. Your own time and effort are, of course, the tradeoff. Probably also a good deal of stress. And a bucketful of swear words.
That said, many brands offer click-together flooring options these days (they even have snap-together tile flooring now) so do-it-yourself flooring projects have become easier than ever.
Lacking the time to complete a flooring project? Take a look at DIY in part. By moving your own furniture, removing your old flooring, and even disposing of it yourself, you can avoid spending hundreds (or even more) on installation fees.
And if you don’t have time to learn how to replace flooring, we highly recommend you talk to a local flooring expert. In contrast to big box stores, specialty flooring merchants will work to secure the most affordable price for your project. They may also be able to introduce you to a selection of affordable and durable fake wood flooring alternatives that can give you the same timeless look at a fraction of the cost!
Where Can You Install Engineered Hardwood Floors?
It’s important to note that engineered hardwood is not a waterproof flooring option. Even the most durable wood flooring options don’t make for great bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom flooring.
This isn’t just one of the bigger engineered wood disadvantages though. It holds true for solid wood as well.
For these areas, you’re better off choosing one of many hardwood floor alternatives that are water-resistant or waterproof. There are some types of floor tiles that can give you the look of wood with the benefits of porcelain.
And of course, many of the best types of vinyl flooring also come in wood-look options. There may be some disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring, but durability is not one of them.
Oh, and pro tip: you’re weighing laminate vs. hardwood floors in an area that may get wet, remember that laminate also has a fiberboard base—so it’s similarly a no-go. Unless we’re talking about RevWood, in which case go to town!
FAQs
Is It Cheaper to Install Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Usually, engineered hardwood is less expensive. Its price per square foot ranges from $3 to $14, whereas solid costs $5 to 16. This being said, professional installation is also much cheaper on engineered.
What Are the Disadvantages of Engineered Wood?
Most of the drawbacks of engineered wood are similar to those of classic solid hardwood flooring. The main issue with engineered hardwood is that it cannot be refinished often. It all depends on your preferences, your budget, and how functional the space is where you’ll be laying the floor.
Is Engineered Flooring Worth It?
A prefinished, engineered hardwood floor has a very durable, long-lasting finish. The durability of your floor is increased by the fact that finishes applied by the manufacturer typically last years longer than those applied by an installer. This means that the floor won’t require refinishing for many more years.
Is Engineered Hardwood a Good Investment?
Solid hardwood, one thing to keep in mind is they’re both a great investment for your home. Both solid and engineered hardwood floors can be marketed similarly, increasing a home’s resale value by an amount that can be quite large.
Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Install Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors made of engineered wood typically cost $5,200 to install. The grade, waste, and top layer of your flooring, however, can all affect project pricing.
It’s important to note you can save some money via DIY installation after you buy the engineered hardwood flooring. DIY installation can help you save more than $800 in total. The process, though, can be laborious and difficult. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional if you need it.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. My Prime Home tries to give you the best home improvement information. Don’t forget to share the post. Thank you for reading.
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