Engineered hardwood flooring offers hardwood’s beauty and elegance but with added humidity resistance. The cost to install engineered hardwood ranges between $7.50 to $12.50 per square foot on average.
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 typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 for a 200-square-foot area, whether a living room, bedroom, kitchen, or even bathroom.
In this cost guide, we’ve gathered data from big cities and small towns across the U.S., but the final cost of your project will depend on various factors. Let’s take a close look at them:
Cost 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, engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for hot climates, as its layered construction resists buckling and warping, which can be a concern with traditional hardwood in high-temperature conditions. As such, installation may be lower in these regions.
The table below shows a snapshot of the costs to install engineered hardwood flooring across the country:
City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
Northeast U.S. | |
Pawtucket, RI | $7.50 – $12.50 |
New York, NY | $9 – $15.50 |
Southeast U.S. | |
Dothan, AL | $7 – $11 |
Atlanta, GA | $7 – $11.50 |
Orlando, FL | $7 – $11.50 |
Midwest U.S. | |
South Bend, IN | $8 – $13 |
Chicago, IL | $8 – $13.50 |
Northwest U.S. | |
Corvallis, OR | $7.50 – $12.50 |
Seattle, WA | $8 – $13 |
Southwest U.S. | |
Houston, TX | $7 – $11.50 |
Roswell, NM | $7 – $11 |
San Diego, CA | $8 – 13 |
Cost by Type of Wood
Since engineered wood floorings have a natural hardwood veneer, 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.
For instance, red oak is one of the most common types of engineered wood, and it also fits most budgets. On the other hand, teak and cherry are fairly rare, so they’ll typically be on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
The table below shows the average costs per square foot for each flooring type:
Wood Type | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
Heart Pine | $1.50 – $4 |
Red Oak | $2 – $6 |
White Oak | $4 – $7 |
Hickory | $4 – $8 |
Maple | $4 – $8 |
Acacia | $4 – $9 |
White Ash | $5 – $7 |
Walnut | $5 – $9 |
Teak | $6 – $9 |
Cherry | $6 – $10 |
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.
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.
Hickory
Engineered hickory has natural color and grain pattern variations that give it a unique and rustic appearance. In addition, hickory has a Janka (hardness) rating of 1820, which means it’s sturdy and won’t scratch easily.
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.
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.
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.
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 1010, which means it is a softer wood.
Teak
Teak is a premium engineered hardwood flooring choice known for its durability and rich, dark tones. Its most famous feature is its decay resistance, being able to resist chipping, denting, scratching, and even termite infestations.
Cherry
Cherry has one of the highest Janka ratings, at 2350, 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.
Cost by 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.
Quality | Average Cost (per Square Foot) | Description |
Basic | $3 – $8 | The most common quality for domestic use. It typically has three core layers and a 1/16 to 1/12-inch-thick veneer. |
Mid-Grade | $6 – $11 | Offers added resistance to scratches and good overall cost-benefit, especially for those with pets or children at home. |
High-End | $9 – $15 | A top-quality material with up to seven core layers and a thick 1/6-inch veneer that gives it more stability and durability. |
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 $7.50 to $12.50 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 and Labor) |
100 sq. ft. | $750 – $1,250 |
200 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $2,500 |
300 sq. ft. | $2,250 – $3,750 |
400 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $5,000 |
500 sq. ft. | $3,750 – $6,250 |
600 sq. ft. | $4,500 – $7,500 |
Cost of Labor
Flooring contractors typically charge between $3 and $7 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.
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.
Installing engineered hardwood flooring DIY costs between $120 and $190 for tools and materials alone (minus the flooring), depending on the type of saw you buy. Moreover, you’ll spend $2 to $5 per square foot on underlayment.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Here are the other factors that can impact the costs of your engineered hardwood installation project:
Plank Width and Thickness
The width of the engineered hardwood planks can also affect the installation cost. Generally, narrower plank floorings (3 to 5 inches) tend to be less expensive than medium (5 to 7 inches) and wider planks (7 to 10 inches) because they require less material.
The same goes for the thickness of engineered hardwood planks. Thicker planks (3/4 inch) are more expensive than thin (3/8 inch) or standard planks (1/2 inch) due to the additional materials used in their construction. However, this added thickness also makes them more durable.
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.
Typically, you’ll also need an underlayment layer to reduce noise and protect your floors from moisture. Underlayment costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
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.
Engineered Elegance for Your Home
Engineered hardwood is a cost-effective, elegant, and durable flooring option for homeowners. With options for various preferences and budgets, engineered hardwood is an excellent investment for enhancing your home. If you want to make sure your new floors look the best, Home Gnome connects you to the best flooring installers near you.
Costs in this article are derived from national and local sources and are accurate at the time of reporting and writing.
See Related:
- Hardwood Flooring Cost Guide
- Vinyl Flooring Cost Guide
- Bamboo Flooring Cost Guide
- Linoleum Flooring Cost Guide
- Laminate Flooring Cost Guide
- Cork Flooring Cost Guide
Main Image Credit: Thanthara / Adobe Stock / License