What Is The Cost Of Installing Hardwood Flooring?
This is probably the most commonly asked question by clients. I usually ask them how long a piece of string is because numbers mean very little unless you know all the variables directly affecting your hardwood flooring installation cost.
It's essential to understand precisely what to expect so that the quotes you receive make sense. 
I could just shoot out a number like $7 sq/ft, but that doesn't tell you anything. Is this for engineered hardwood flooring or solid hardwood flooring? Does it include adhesive, demo, baseboards, etc.?
So, to answer this question thoroughly, let me guide you through every item you need to look out for when getting a price on installing your hardwood flooring. That way, you have a fair way of comparing apples to apples and not just quote collecting:
1. Engineered or Solid Hardwood Flooring
Two completely different beasts here.
The installation price of engineered hardwood flooring will generally run less than that of solid hardwood, mainly because plywood is not needed when installed over a concrete slab. Also, since most engineered floors are pre-factory finished, they don't need to be sanded, stained, and finished like unfinished solid wood floors.
Solid hardwood also generally costs more because it takes longer to install. For example, an engineered hardwood flooring project can take 2-4 days, whereas a solid hardwood project generally runs two weeks due to the longer acclimation time needed for the material.
2. Width Of Boards
Wider boards 7" and above generally run higher to install than narrower boards due to more adhesive, extra weight, extra labor to cut boards, etc.
Please try to be specific when you ask for a quote. They will often quote you based on what they have in mind, then get to the job site and tell you it'll be extra.
3. Demolition
Each company will charge differently for demoing old floors, especially when dealing with old tile or wood that's much more difficult to remove.
It is not just the demo that costs extra; hauling off and disposing of this old material also costs extra, so clarify this when getting a quote.
4. Adhesive
The adhesive is essential when installing engineered hardwood flooring.
Does the price include the manufacturer's approved glue? If not, how much extra will this cost? Never skip this portion because the product manufacturer will not honor their warranties if the wrong adhesive is used. Many contractors willfully use cheaper glues, and you will never know it until your floors start coming up and...they are long gone.
5. Baseboards
The installation cost never includes removing and reinstalling baseboards and/or quarter rounds.
This is the time to decide whether to reuse your existing baseboards or get new ones. Please make sure to have this item listed separately.
6. Moisture Testing
Anyone who does not moisture test a concrete slab before putting down hardwood flooring should not be installing hardwood flooring. Period. It's not just in the National Wood Flooring Association guidelines but in every manufacturer's installation instructions.
If your slab is too wet, you cannot install wood over it before taking the necessary measures.
Excess moisture is the leading cause of hardwood flooring installation failure. If you skip this step, you immediately forfeit your product warranty. Testing shouldn't cost extra, but it must be done and included in the quote.
7. Sealing
If your slab shows excessive moisture, you must isolate and mitigate the source before hardwood can be installed. Once you've done this, we recommend sealing it with a penetrating concrete sealer for an extra safety barrier, and then your wood flooring can be installed.
Depending on the sealer and company, this can cost between $1 and $3 sq/ft. Since this is rarely included in the installation price, please determine this beforehand to get your actual installation cost.
8. Plywood
Many homes today—yes, even new construction—don't use plywood upstairs. Instead, the builders cheap out and install unsuitable particle boards for hardwood flooring.
Please ensure the subfloor is plywood if you want to put hardwood upstairs; otherwise, you'll be in for a rude surprise when they come back and tell you they need to charge you extra for plywood.
Does your quote account for your upstairs area needing new plywood?
9. Float/Flattening
Some have heard of floating the floor, but what about flattening?
It's a term I made up because the industry term "leveling" is incorrect. When we float your concrete slab, we don't make it run like a horizontal line. This isn't possible due to the slab's pouring and natural topography. Instead, we fill the voids to eliminate low spots so your concrete is flat.
This is done by using a concrete patch compound; the amount used will depend on the condition of your slab. For example, you may only need a few bags of float compound if the area is slightly uneven or dozens if it's particularly bad.
Companies charge very differently regarding this aspect, so could you get this in writing before getting lured in by a low square-foot installation price?
Final Thoughts
I know this isn't probably what you've been told so far since it's common for industry folks to overlook these elements. However, it could make a massive difference because your installation cost could double or even triple when everything above has been accounted for.
As you can see, the cost of installing engineered or solid hardwood (in Dallas) will vary significantly.
As a general guide, engineered hardwood labor can run anywhere from $4-$8 sq. ft. depending on the product selected and the above factors, and solid hardwood between $6-$10 sq./ft.
If you see an outrageously low square foot price, I recommend you keep moving because it never ends well.
There will always be extra add-ons.
Feel free to contact us if you need a second opinion or have any questions—we're always glad to help!
