What is a good price for engineered wood?

Engineered hardwood flooring can be an excellent option for homeowners that are looking for sleek hardwood floors, but are on a tight project budget. This type of hardwood flooring is typically cheaper to purchase and install, ranging in cost from $2,000 to $7,000.

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For the average project, the engineered hardwood flooring cost is about $4,730, though there are several factors that can influence the total price of the job. Use this guide to learn more about engineered flooring cost factors in order to put together an accurate budget for this home renovation project.

Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood Cost

Generally, engineered hardwood flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring, ranging from about $3 to $16 per square foot, while solid hardwood flooring can cost as much as $23 per square foot.

• Engineered hardwood flooring is made of several sheets of high quality plywood with a few top layers of natural wood, such as maple, oak, or birch. By only using natural wood for the top layers, manufacturers can sell this product for less than solid hardwood. This design allows the hardwood to be installed below grade, in basements, or even over concrete subfloors. However, the drawback is that engineered hardwood doesn't last as long and has limited resurfacing options.
• Solid hardwood flooring is completely made up of natural wood. This composition results in a high-quality products that is long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically appealing. However, solid hardwood flooring costs more than engineered hardwood flooring and it cannot be installed in below-grade locations. Solid hardwood is susceptible to moisture, so if it's put in the basement or installed over a concrete subfloor, it can absorb the moisture in the area, leading to swelling and buckling.
  

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cost Factors

Room Size

Generally, the larger the room, the more time and materials it will take to complete the job, leading to increased costs. On average, the cost to install an engineered hardwood floor is about $3 to $16 per square foot.

This estimate includes both the cost of material and the labor involved with the installation. However, the price of the job may increase depending on the wood species, wood quality, the flooring width, and the flooring thickness. For most engineered hardwood flooring projects, homeowners should expect to pay about $2,000 to $7,000.

Flooring Width and Thickness

Larger planks will cost more to purchase, though they may not take as much time to install, leading to small labor cost savings. Typically, engineered hardwood planks measure no more than five inches in width. However, there are wide format planks that may cost between $4.50 to $18 per square foot for materials alone.

Another factor to consider is the thickness of the engineered hardwood planks. Generally, you will be able to find engineered hardwood in 3/4-inch, 5/16-inch, and 7/8-inch thicknesses. The thicker the planks, the higher the cost of the material.

• 5/16-inch: $2 to $5 per square foot
• 3/4-inch: $3 to $10 per square foot
• 7/8-inch: $5 to $15 per square foot
  
  

Labor

Typically, labor costs for installing an engineered hardwood floor range from about $3 to $8 per square foot. Labor rates can vary between companies and may also fluctuate depending on the location of the home.

With this in mind, it's a good idea to look into several reputable hardwood flooring installation companies in order to compare installation costs and timelines. However, if the job is larger or more complex than the average flooring project, the labor cost may increase.

Tree Species

Engineered hardwood is generally made using several layers of high-quality plywood with a few top layers of natural wood. The cost of the material can increase depending on which type of wood you choose for the project.

• Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive option that is both durable and resistant to termites and other pests. Expect to spend about $2 to $6 per square foot
  for bamboo hardwood.
• Brazilian walnut isn't a common choice, though it does have a high level of durability and a rich color that can improve the aesthetic of the home. This type of wood costs about $5 to $10 per square foot.

• Cherry is a great choice if the primary concern is appearance. This wood costs about $4 to $7 per square foot,
  but boasts a rich color and soft texture.
• Cypress is another unfamiliar option for hardwood flooring. It costs about $4 to $6 per square foot
  and is known to be termite resistant.
• Hickory costs about $3 to $7 per square foot
  and comes in several color variations. The wood has a high hardness and density that is durable, but may require area rugs for underfoot comfort.
• Mahogany is one of the more costly choices at about $6 to $8 per square foot.
  If the price doesn't present too much of a problem, this wood is a great aesthetic option with a dark, rich color that ages well.
• Maple is a good choice for high-traffic areas of the home, like the living room, family room, or front hall. This wood costs about $3 to $10 per square foot.

• Pine is the least expensive option at just $2 to $4 per square foot.
  However, this wood is also prone to dents and difficult to refinish due to its soft density.
• Red oak is known for the high durability and attractive color. It typically costs about $2 to $6 per square foot,
  making it a more reasonably priced material option.
• Teak is a very hard wood with a high level of durability. It's scratch-resistant and long-lasting, but it's also one of the most expensive material options at $9 to $13 per square foot.

• White ash has a light color that looks good in well-lit areas of the home. Plan to spend about $5 to $8 per square foot
  for this medium density hardwood.
• White oak is similar to red oak, but has a lighter color and is slightly more water-resistant, making it a good option for a front entryway. This type of hardwood costs just a bit more than red oak at about $4 to $7 per square foot.
  
  

Wood Grade

The wood grade can differ between products, which can affect the quality, durability, and cost of the engineered hardwood flooring. Generally, engineered hardwood can be separated into three wood grades, including basic, mid-grade, and top-quality.

• Basic engineered hardwood flooring typically features three core layers with a thin veneer that ranges from about 1/16-inch to 1/12-inch in thickness. This type of engineered hardwood cost about $3 to $9 per square foot.

• Mid-grade engineered hardwood flooring costs a bit more, at about $6 to $12 per square foot.
  This type of flooring has a thicker core and thicker veneer layers for increased durability.
• Top-quality engineered hardwood flooring is the most durable and the most expensive wood grade, at about $9 to $16 per square foot.
  This type of wood may have as many as seven core layers and the veneer can be 1/6-inch or thicker.
  

Contact us to discuss your requirements of engineered wood supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Additional Engineered Hardwood Flooring Costs

Carpet Removal

If getting rid of an old, worn-out carpet and replacing it with engineered hardwood floors, then you will need to pay to have the carpet removed before the new flooring can be installed. You can reduce the cost of the project by tearing up and disposing of the carpet on your own, but if you do not have the time or skill required, then carpet remove fees will generally range from about $150 to $250.

Finish and Coating

After installing the engineered hardwood flooring, it's a good idea to apply a protective coating to help prevent the floor from getting scratched or dented. This finish increases the durability of the engineered hardwood and reduces the risk of damage. Typically, finishing a previously unfinished engineered hardwood floor will cost about $2 to $7 per square foot. However, some engineered hardwood comes pre-finished, though these products generally cost about $2 extra per square foot.

Floor Joist Repairs

If the floor joists show signs of mold growth, insect activity, or water damage, then the installer may recommend repairing the joists before installing the hardwood flooring. This repair project will typically add about $2,000 to $5,000 to the overall cost of the project, but is essential for ensuring that the floor will not buckle or collapse while in use.

Subfloor Leveling

If the hardwood flooring installer finds that the existing subfloor is damaged or not level, then they will need to take additional time to level the floor, which can increase the cost of the project. Plan to spend about $500 to $800 for subfloor leveling and repairs before the installer can complete the engineered hardwood flooring installation.

FAQ

• How much does it cost to install square feet of engineered hardwood floors?

  In order to install engineered hardwood flooring throughout a 1,000 square foot space, the homeowner will need to pay about $3 to $16 per square foot, which works out to $3,000 to $16,000.

• Is engineered hardwood cheaper than hardwood?

  The specific species of tree, plank thickness, and plank width can affect the cost, but in most cases engineered hardwood is cheaper than solid hardwood. Expect to pay about $3 to $16 per square foot for engineered hardwood, while solid hardwood may cost as much as $23 per square foot.

• What is a good price for engineered hardwood?

  Engineered hardwood flooring installations typically range from about $2,000 to $7,000, depending on the size of the room. With this in mind, a good price for engineered hardwood is about $4,730 on average, or $3 to $16 per square foot.

Engineered wood flooring has become a popular alternative to solid hardwood over the years. It looks nearly identical to its solid wood counterpart while being more resistant to moisture and humidity damage &#; while being less expensive!

The installation process is considerably easier and cheaper than with solid wood, which is one reason why homeowners opt for this flooring choice. 

That&#;s all fine and well, but you&#;re probably wondering what the cost is &#; and it&#;s not a simple question to answer. The price can vary widely depending on different factors such as the quality  of materials, thickness of the planks and the species of wood that&#;s being used.

That being said, we will try to give you a thorough answer in order to help you make an informed choice tailored to your needs and budget.

Material and Installation Costs

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the cost of engineered wood varies based on different factors such as quality and thickness of the material, finish and brand.

On average, the price for the materials alone ranges anywhere between $3 to $10 per square foot for low-end and mid-end options, while high-end engineered wood can cost as much as $13 per square foot, or even more.

Installation cost is a tricky one to answer due to significantly different labor rates in each U.S. state. For example, in San Francisco, the installation cost usually averages at about $6 to $12 per square foot, while in West Virginia the rates are closer to $3 to $5.

Another factor that could influence the installation cost is the complexity of the installation itself.

For example, glue-down installation is going to cost you more than nail-down or floating installation due to it requiring more preparation. 

Furthermore, stairs and levels add more complexity to the installation process, since each stair needs to be individually cut, additionally increasing the cost.

Taking all of this into consideration, the cost of material and installation comes down to about $6 to $20 per square foot, depending on your location.

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How Quality and Thickness Influences The Cost

We&#;ve briefly mentioned low-end, mid-end and high-end engineered wood options in the previous section. 

Engineered flooring typically comes in thicknesses ranging from 3/8&#; to 1/2&#;. Thicker planks, often seen as higher quality, are more expensive due to their durability and closer resemblance to solid hardwood. Let&#;s see how different options affect the price:

Low-End Options (3/8&#; thickness): These floors cost around $3 to $5 per square foot and are primarily targeted at budget-friendly projects or areas with lower foot traffic.

Mid-Range Options (1/2&#; thickness): Mid-range options typically range from $5 to $8 per square foot. They offer a good balance of cost and quality, making them ideal for home use.  

High-End Options (5/8&#; to 3/4&#; thickness): High-end engineered floors go from $8 to $13 per square foot, provide superior stability and are often indistinguishable from solid wood. 

They are designed to withstand high traffic and significant wear. Additionally, the thicker cut allows for multiple refinishing jobs over the years.

Tree Species and Price Variations

The type of tree from which the engineered wood is sourced has a significant impact on the price. Here are five most common species used in engineered flooring, along with their typical cost ranges:

Oak: Known for its durability and classic look, oak engineered flooring costs between $4 and $8 per square foot.

Maple: Maple flooring is a popular choice due to its visually pleasing light cream color palette and modern look. They typically go from $5 to $9 per square foot.

Hickory: With a Janka rating of , this flooring is built to last. Hickory is one of the most durable and resilient species, and its price goes between $6 to $10 per square foot.

Walnut: Walnut&#;s value comes from its rich color and smooth grain. This flooring&#;s premium look is reflected in its price, which rounds up to $6 to $12 per square foot.

Cherry: Cherry wood is less common than other wood species and that drives up its price. Its distinctive appearance makes it a popular choice for high-end, luxurious installations, with its price ranging from $7 to $13 per square foot.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, the choice of engineered wood flooring encompasses a variety of factors that influence both cost and suitability. 

The overall investment is shaped by the quality of materials and the type of wood species selected. Additionally, regional variations in installation costs must be considered, as they can significantly affect the final price. 

This careful selection process guarantees a balance between quality, cost, and long-term satisfaction with the flooring choice.

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