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.
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 1820, 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.