How Much Does Engineered Hardwood Cost in 2024?

The cost to install engineered hardwood is $6 to $20 per square foot. Most homeowners pay between $2,200 and $6,950 or around $4,810 for a 350-square-foot area.

Engineered hardwood offers hardwood’s beauty and elegance but with added humidity resistance. The costs to install engineered hardwood range between $2,200 and $6,950, with most homeowners paying around $4,810 for a 350-square-foot area.

These costs can vary significantly depending on the type of wood, size of the area, wood quality, and where you’re located. Still, engineered hardwood planks typically cost $3 to $11 per square foot (materials only).

In this cost guide:

Average Engineered Hardwood Costs in 2024

National Average Cost$4,810
Typical Price Range$2,200 – $6,950
Extreme Low-End Cost (200 square feet)$1,200
Extreme High-End Cost (500 square feet)$10,000

The cost of engineered hardwood flooring installation depends on many variables, but generally, it runs from $2,200 to $6,950 for a 350-square-foot area. 

However, if you choose to have floating engineered hardwood installed in a 200-square-foot room, the cost could be as low as $1,200. On the other hand, if you opt for installation in a 500-square-foot area with high-end wood, the price could reach as high as $10,000.

Engineered Hardwood Cost Estimator by Size

One of the biggest factors to consider when estimating the costs of your flooring project is the size of the area. The larger the area, the more materials, and labor will be required, which can drive up costs.

Engineered hardwood flooring costs $3 to $11 per square foot for materials only and $6 to $20 per square foot, with the installation included.

The table below estimates the costs for a flooring project based on the square footage:

Project Size Average Costs (Material & Labor) 
100 sq. ft.$600 – $2,000
200 sq. ft.$1,200 – $4,000
300 sq. ft.$1,800 – $6,000
400 sq. ft.$2,400 – $8,000
500 sq. ft.$3,000 – $10,000
600 sq. ft.$3,600 – $12,000

Other Factors That Affect Cost

While size is undoubtedly a key consideration, it’s just one piece of the puzzle as you budget for your engineered hardwood installation project. Here are the other factors that can impact costs:

Quality

The costs for engineered hardwood can vary depending on the quality of the product. Higher-quality engineered wood will often be made with various core layers and thicker veneers, carrying a higher price tag than basic planks.

QualityAverage Cost (Per Square Foot)
Basic$3 – $9
Mid-Grade$6 – $12
High-End$9 – $16

Basic

Basic or low-grade engineered wood is the most common quality for domestic use. It typically has three core layers and a 1/16 to 1/12- inch-thick veneer. The costs range from $3 to $9 per square foot, which is a good value for your money, but they may not be as durable as other grades.

Mid-Grade

Mid-grade engineered hardwood is a good option for those looking to balance cost and quality. It offers added resistance to scratches and good overall cost-benefit, especially for those with pets or children at home. It costs between $6 and $12 per square foot.

High-End

High-end engineered hardwood is a top-quality material with up to seven core layers and a thick 1/6-inch veneer that gives it more stability and durability. They cost between $9 and $16 per square foot, but the higher initial cost may be offset by the fact that they will last longer (up to 30 years) and require less maintenance over time.

Type

Since engineered wood floorings have a veneer of natural hardwood, some types of wood may be more expensive than others. Some woods are rarer than others, others have higher quality, some cost more to harvest, and so on.

The table below shows the average costs per square foot for each flooring type:

Wood TypeAverage Cost (Per Square Foot)
Heart Pine$1.50 – $4
Acacia$3 – $8
Hickory$3 – $8
Oak$3 – $15
Maple$4 – $7
Brazilian Koa$4 – $9
Walnut$4 – $13
White Ash$5 – $6
Brazilian Cherry$5 – $9

Tip: The Janka rating refers to the hardness and density of hardwood.

Heart Pine

Heart pine is a type of wood harvested from the heart of the longleaf pine tree, which is native to the southeastern United States. Known for its rich, reddish-brown color; tight, straight grain; and unique warm color, engineered heart pine is also durable, dense, and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Engineered heart pine costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot.

Acacia

Acacia is known for its unique and beautiful pronounced grain patterns, with apparent knots that give style to any room. It doesn’t shrink or warp easily, which means it will last for years in your home. Engineered acacia is also low maintenance, costing $3 to $8 per square foot.

Hickory

Engineered hickory has natural color and grain pattern variations that give it a unique and rustic appearance. In addition, hickory has a Janka rating of 1820, which means it’s sturdy and won’t scratch easily. Engineered hickory planks cost between $3 and $8 per square foot.

Oak

There are two main types of engineered oak flooring: red oak and white oak. Red oak is known for its reddish-brown color and is a popular choice for traditional or rustic-style homes. White oak is lighter in color and has a more subtle grain pattern, making it a popular choice for modern or contemporary homes. 

In general, engineered oak costs $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type, with red oak costing closer to the higher end.

Maple

Maple is known for its uniform color, ranging from creamy white to light reddish-brown, and its tight grain pattern gives it a smooth and refined look. Engineered maple is relatively hard, which makes it adequate for medium to high-traffic areas. It costs between $4 and $7 per square foot.

Brazilian Koa

Brazilian Koa wood, also known as tigerwood, is known for its unique and striking colors that range from golden-orange to deep red and brown, with dark streaks throughout the grain. It has a whopping Janka rating of 2,160, which means it is extremely hard and dense. Engineered Brazilian koa costs $4 to $9 per square foot.

Walnut

Engineered walnut has a rich, dark color that ranges from chocolate brown to deep, almost black hues. It also has a distinct grain pattern that can include swirling and burled patterns. However, walnut has a Janka rating of only 1,010, which means it is a softer wood. Engineered walnut costs $4 to $13 per square foot.

White Ash

White ash is known for its light color, ranging from cream to grayish-brown. It has a bold grain design that can include a combination of straight and wavy lines. Engineered white ash looks great in contemporary homes, especially those with lots of sunlight. It costs $5 to $6 per square foot.

Brazilian Cherry

Brazilian cherry has one of the highest Janka ratings, at 2,350, which means it can handle a lot of footfall. It has an exotic look with a reddish-brown hue that can add character and warmth to any room. Engineered Brazilian cherry is durable and resistant to wear and tear, costing $5 to $9 per square foot. 

Plank Width  

The width of the engineered hardwood planks can also affect the installation cost. Generally, narrower plank floorings tend to be less expensive than wider planks because they require less material. 

However, the differences in prices are not that significant, especially between narrow and medium-width planks, so it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and design.

Plank WidthAverage Cost (Per Square Foot)
Narrow$3 – $9
Medium$4 – $8
Wide$5 – $14

Labor

Flooring contractors typically charge between $3 and $9 per square foot to install engineered hardwood. However, these costs can vary depending on the installation method, with click-lock floating floors closer to the lower end than planks that require gluing down or nailing.

Floating engineered hardwood can be installed more quickly, with no need for adhesive or nails, which reduces the amount of labor required, reducing costs. Therefore, if you’re looking to save on installation costs and pay closer to $3, it’s worth considering this method.

Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor is a layer of concrete or plywood that provides a smooth and even surface for the final flooring to be placed on. If the subfloor is not level, the engineered hardwood will not lay flat, creating unevenness and potential issues such as squeaks and gaps between planks.

Replacing the subfloors costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.

Related Services 

Engineered hardwood is a popular flooring choice among homeowners who want the look of natural wood but don’t want the price tag associated with it. However, other types of flooring offer similar benefits and could be a great alternative depending on your needs and preferences.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is often confused with engineered hardwood flooring because both look like wood. However, unlike engineered wood, laminate doesn’t have a top veneer layer of real wood but an image top layer that mimics the look of wood. 

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that is easy to install and low-maintenance, with a color that doesn’t fade with sunlight, as hardwood does. Laminate costs $1,440 to $4,310 to install, with an average of $2,790, or $3 to $9 per square foot.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is a classic and timeless option that offers a high return on investment. It is made from solid wood planks and is available in a wide variety of species and finishes. 

There are a few factors to consider when choosing between natural wood and engineered wood flooring:

Solid HardwoodEngineered Hardwood
Can be refinished multiple timesLess susceptible to warping
More traditionalMore cost-effective
Longer lifespanMore water-resistant
Better acousticsEasy installation
Higher resale valueMore suitable for radiant floor heating

Installing hardwood floors costs $2,245 to $6,110, or $7 to $16 per square foot. It’s important to note that although engineered wood is typically more affordable, some exotic species can cost as high as solid wood, so check both options when deciding.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

Installing engineered hardwood flooring is relatively easy, especially if the planks come with a click-together system. This allows for a straightforward installation process with no need for adhesives or glue, and most DIY enthusiasts can do it. 

However, suppose the installation requires nailing and gluing, and you don’t have much experience with home improvement. In that case, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

The table below displays the materials and equipment you’ll need for installing engineered wood planks:

DIY EquipmentAverage Cost
Tape measure$18
Level$21
Tapping block$25
Rubber mallet$16
Pull bar$18
SawHandsaw: $10
Jigsaw: $80
Chalk line$12
Underlayment$2 – $5 per square foot
Total cost for a 200-square-foot room:$520 – $1,190

For a 200-square-foot room, you’ll spend $520 to $1,190 on materials, depending on the type of saw and underlayment you buy. With that, you’ll save $3 to $9 per square foot on labor costs.

Cost of Engineered Hardwood by Location

Labor costs for engineered hardwood flooring may be affected by where you live. For example, urban areas usually have a higher demand for flooring services. As a result, installation costs may be higher than in rural areas. 

Additionally, exotic wood species such as the Brazilian Koa or Brazilian Cherry are often imported, which can lead to higher transportation fees. 

FAQ

What are the Disadvantages of Engineered Hardwood?

Although there are several advantages to choosing engineered hardwood as your flooring of choice, there are also some disadvantages to consider before making the final decision:

● Engineered wood is not as durable as solid wood.
● You can only refinish or sand it a few times.
● It can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity, although less than real wood.
● Engineered wood has to be acclimated before installation.
● It is susceptible to dents and scratches.
● It can fade when exposed to direct sunlight.

Can you Mop Engineered Hardwood?

Yes, you can mop engineered hardwood floors. However, the mop must be damp and not soaking wet, as these floorings are resistant to moisture but can still be damaged by too much water.

How Long Does Engineered Hardwood Last?

Engineered hardwood floors can last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. However, while engineered hardwood is a durable flooring option, it does not have the longevity of solid wood, which can last up to 100 years.

Final Thoughts 

Engineered hardwood is a cost-effective and durable flooring option for homeowners, at $6 to $20 per square foot, including the flooring materials and labor. However, prices can vary significantly depending on a few factors.

As with any home improvement project, the success of your engineered hardwood flooring depends on the quality of the installation. So make the smart move, and hire a professional flooring contractor near you.

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

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Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer, psychologist, and plant enthusiast. She is currently doing a PhD in Social Psychology; and can't help but play with every dog she sees walking down the street.