Hardwood flooring will give you an amazing feel and texture as you walk on it because of its high-quality materials. But, since hardwood comes in various types, the question is, which one is the cheapest?
Generally, its cost can affect your buying decision. Hardwood flooring prices depend on different factors, such as materials and the installation process.
Prices of Hardwood Flooring Depending on Type
Pine is the cheapest hardwood flooring option, excluding the installation process. The cost is between $2 and $4 per sq. ft. Engineered Heart Pine and Engineered White Ash are two high-end engineered hardwoods that cost around $10 and $13 per sq. ft.
Here are some of the most widely used types of solid hardwood with their corresponding prices.
Pine Hardwood Flooring
The engineered heart pine flooring costs around $10 to $11 per sq. ft., while pine hardwood is $2 to $4 per sq. ft. You may have to reconsider pine softwood if you have pets because it is more susceptible to scratches and dents than other woods.
However, if you are looking to achieve a more rough and ready look in your home, pine gives a stunning appearance with warm tones ranging from vintage charm to rustic knots, beige, and amber.
Maple Hardwood Flooring
Maple wood is more durable and less prone to dents. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic locations.
Due to its durability, it is more difficult to work on, and DIYing might not be a good choice. You will need the help of professionals to complete the work.
The hues range from white to a faint crimson tone. The average price per square foot is $3 to $6. However, engineered maple often costs $10 to $12 per sq. ft.
Ash Hardwood Flooring
Ash is a hardy wood that is notoriously difficult to dye. It has a creamy white to light gray-brown colour and a strong grain that resembles oak. And the colour of Ash’s heartwood displays a rich, deep brown colour.
Engineered White Ash costs $12 to $13 per sq. ft., whereas the cost of Ash hardwood is about $5 to $6 per sq. ft.
Bamboo Hardwood Flooring
Bamboo hardwood is available in a range of hues and designs. Although it is not true hardwood, it features many properties similar to real hardwoods. It includes durability, water resistance, and aesthetics—bamboo flooring costs between $2 and $4 per sq. ft.
Hickory Hardwood Flooring
Hickory is a hardwood with beautiful grain patterns and various colour options. For $3 to $6 per sq. ft., you can have hickory hardwood that works well in high-traffic areas.
Oak Hardwood Flooring
Rich details, deep styles, and earth shades abound in oak hardwood. Red oak contains a reddish earth-toned grain that is narrow but evident. Oak is a mid-priced wood floor choice that costs around $3 to $10 per sq. ft.
Walnut Hardwood Flooring
This unique brownish wood has a distinct grain and comes in various unusual brownish tones. It is highly tough and long-lasting, with materials costing from $5 to $9 per sq. ft.
Additional Cost Considerations for the Cheapest Hardwood Flooring
The information below will give you insight into which type of hardwood is the cheapest.
Floor Refinishing
Refinishing a hardwood floor can cost anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot. It will depend on the size, location, staining, finishing type, frequency of coatings, and labour costs.
A hardwood floor may never need to be refinished if properly cared for. Depending on the thickness and quality of the wood, a solid wood floor can last for around 20 to 160 years without needing to be refinished.
Trim and Molding
Its installation trims costs around $5.50 to $9 per linear foot. Additionally, painting a new color costs $1.50 per linear foot. All in all, it will cost about $150 to remove and reinstall the baseboards.
Following your wood flooring installation, the contractor adds trim moulding to the bottom of the wall, covering the edges to disguise any gaps. However, even if there are no gaps, they will become noticeable over time. That is due to the wood’s contraction and expansion and tiny movements in the foundation if no trim is added.
