Hardwood remains a versatile home flooring option. Solid hardwood offers long-term refinishing and longevity; engineered hardwood improves moisture resistance and works well with click-lock floating installations. Installation costs depend on species, product type, and method; get multiple local estimates and confirm subfloor requirements.

Why homeowners still choose hardwood

Hardwood floors remain a top choice for living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms because they add warmth, visual depth, and resale value. Modern hardwood options include traditional solid planks and engineered boards with a real wood wear layer. Each has trade-offs in cost, moisture resistance, and long-term refinishing.

Types and durability

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which helps it last for decades when maintained. Engineered hardwood pairs a thin real-wood veneer over plywood or HDF. Engineered boards resist moisture better and are commonly used in kitchens, basements, and over radiant heat systems. The number of times engineered floors can be refinished depends on the thickness of the wear layer.

Common installation methods

  • Nail-down: Traditional for solid hardwood on wood subfloors. It creates a durable, long-lasting installation.
  • Glue-down: Often used for engineered planks over concrete or for some solid installations where nailing isn't possible.
  • Floating (click-lock): Boards lock together and "float" over the subfloor without being fastened. This method is fast, minimizes subfloor prep in some cases, and is popular for engineered products.
Each method has pros and cons: nail-down is very stable, glue-down avoids movement on concrete, and floating installations can make later replacement easier.

Cost factors to expect

Hardwood installation cost depends on species, plank width and finish, product type (solid vs engineered), subfloor condition, and the installation method you choose. Labor is commonly charged per square foot or as a flat job rate. National and regional pricing varies, but installed costs for hardwood materials plus labor can range widely depending on quality and location. Exact rates change over time and by market, so get multiple local estimates before deciding.

Longevity and maintenance

With routine cleaning and occasional refinishing, solid hardwood can remain attractive for many decades. Engineered hardwood offers good day-to-day durability and usually stands up to moisture better, but its long-term refinishing capacity is limited compared with thick solid planks. Proper acclimation during installation and maintaining indoor humidity (ideally 30-50%) helps prevent gapping and cupping.

How to shop and hire

  • Compare products: look at species, finish type, plank thickness, and warranty.
  • Request multiple written estimates that list material, labor, disposal, and finish costs.
  • Ask contractors about experience with the chosen installation method and about any required subfloor prep.
A well-chosen hardwood floor and a professional installation will give you a durable, timeless surface. If you're weighing cost versus long-term value, consider both initial price and how many times the floor can be refinished when deciding between solid and engineered products.
  1. Verify current typical installed cost ranges (materials + labor) for solid and engineered hardwood in the U.S. market (2024-2025).
  2. Confirm recommended indoor humidity range (30-50%) for hardwood stability and manufacturer guidance.
  3. Confirm current industry guidance on engineered hardwood suitability over radiant heat and for below-grade installations.

FAQs about Hardwood Floor Installation Cost

Is engineered hardwood as good as solid hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is excellent for moisture-prone areas and over concrete; it resists movement better than solid wood. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished more times, so it can last longer if maintained.
What installation method is best for a kitchen?
Engineered boards installed with glue-down or floating methods are commonly used in kitchens because they handle intermittent moisture better than nail-down solid installations.
How long will a hardwood floor last?
A properly maintained solid hardwood floor can last for decades and be refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood is durable but has a limited number of refinishes depending on wear-layer thickness.
Should I get multiple estimates?
Yes. Prices vary by product quality and local labor. Ask for written estimates that itemize materials, labor, subfloor prep, and finishes.
Can hardwood be installed over radiant heat?
Many engineered hardwood products are suitable for radiant heat; some solid species are not recommended. Always check manufacturer specifications and installation guidelines.