Flooring is the largest single surface in your home, and costs are priced per square foot — so even a small per-sqft overcharge multiplies into thousands of dollars across a house. Understanding the real price ranges by material type is essential before you get quotes.
Flooring Cost Comparison (Per Square Foot, Installed)
| Material | Installed Cost/sqft | 500 sqft Room | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid hardwood (oak) | $6–$15 | $3,000–$7,500 | 25–100 years (refinishable) |
| Solid hardwood (walnut/cherry) | $10–$20 | $5,000–$10,000 | 25–100 years |
| Engineered hardwood | $5–$16 | $2,500–$8,000 | 20–50 years |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $3–$10 | $1,500–$5,000 | 10–25 years |
| Laminate | $2–$8 | $1,000–$4,000 | 10–20 years |
| Ceramic tile | $5–$18 | $2,500–$9,000 | 50+ years |
| Porcelain tile | $7–$25 | $3,500–$12,500 | 50+ years |
| Carpet | $2–$8 | $1,000–$4,000 | 5–15 years |
Refinishing vs. Replacing
| Option | Cost/sqft | 500 sqft Cost | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refinish (sand + restain) | $3–$8 | $1,500–$4,000 | Existing hardwood in decent shape, scratches, worn finish |
| Screen and recoat | $1–$3 | $500–$1,500 | Light wear, just needs fresh topcoat |
| Full replacement | $6–$20 | $3,000–$10,000 | Severe damage, water warping, want different species |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Old floor removal: $1-$5/sqft depending on material. Tile removal is the most expensive due to thinset underneath. Carpet is the cheapest to pull up. Some quotes exclude this — always confirm.
Subfloor repair: If the subfloor is uneven, damaged, or squeaky, it needs repair before new flooring goes down ($3-$12/sqft). Skipping this step causes new floors to buckle, squeak, or crack.
Floor leveling: Uneven concrete subfloors need self-leveling compound ($2-$10/sqft). Common in basements and older homes.
Baseboards and transitions: Baseboard removal and reinstallation ($2-$9/linear foot) and transition strips between rooms ($10-$60 each) add up in multi-room jobs. Get these in writing.
Pro Tips
Engineered hardwood is not cheap hardwood — it performs better over concrete and in basements where solid wood would warp. LVP in higher-quality brands (COREtec, Shaw Floorte) is virtually indistinguishable from real wood and costs 40-60% less. Always check what is included in the per-sqft quote: underlayment, transitions, and baseboards are often extra.
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