Hardwood Flooring Cost in 2027: Installation Price per Square Foot (DFW)
Last Updated on October 29, 2026 by Valeria
Installed hardwood flooring in DFW typically costs about $7 to $16 per square foot, materials and labor included, for popular species like oak and maple. Engineered hardwood usually lands in the lower to middle part of that range; solid, wide-plank and exotic species sit at the top.
Removing old floors, slab prep, stairs and patterns like herringbone add to the total. A free in-home estimate gives you an exact, itemized price.
New hardwood floors are one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. They add warmth, character and value that lasts for decades. Before you start, it helps to know what drives the price, so you can plan a budget with confidence. This guide breaks down hardwood flooring cost per square foot for homeowners in Frisco, Plano, Prosper, McKinney and across North Texas.
Hardwood flooring cost at a glance
| Cost item | Typical DFW range (per sq ft) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered hardwood materials | $3 – $13 | Real-wood top layer on a stable core; great over slabs |
| Solid hardwood materials | $8 – $15 | Real wood all the way through; can be refinished many times |
| Exotic species materials | $8 – $25 | Brazilian cherry, teak and other imported woods |
| Installation labor | $3 – $8 | Standard straight-lay install by a professional crew |
| Typical installed total | $7 – $16 | Oak or maple, materials plus labor, standard layout |
Solid vs engineered hardwood cost
Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood, so it can be sanded and refinished many times over its life. It generally costs more for materials, and in North Texas it often costs more to install, because most homes sit on concrete slabs and solid wood needs a wood subfloor over the slab first. Engineered hardwood puts a real-wood wear layer on a cross-layered core that stays stable over concrete. It can be glued down or floated directly over a slab, which keeps installation simpler. For a deeper comparison, see hardwood vs engineered vs laminate.
Hardwood flooring prices by species
| Species | Relative price | Why homeowners choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Red oak | $ | Classic grain, takes stain well, very budget-friendly |
| White oak | $–$$ | Today’s most popular look; natural and light finishes |
| Maple | $–$$ | Smooth, subtle grain and a clean modern look |
| Hickory | $$ | Very hard with bold color variation; hides wear |
| Walnut | $$$ | Rich, dark tones; softer, so best in lower-traffic rooms |
| Exotic species | $$$ | Unique colors and hardness; imported, so prices vary |
Not sure which species fits your home? Our hardwood species guide and white oak vs red oak comparison walk through the looks and trade-offs. We carry hardwood from Bella Cera, Jackson Hardwood and D&M.
Add-ons that change the price
| Add-on | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old floor removal | $0.20 – $2.50 per sq ft | Carpet is quick; glued-down tile and adhesive take longer |
| Underlayment and moisture barrier | $0.50 – $3.50 per sq ft | Required over concrete for most hardwood installs |
| Slab leveling | Varies | Priced after we check flatness with a straightedge |
| Stairs | Priced per step | Treads, risers and stair nose are cut and fitted by hand |
| Diagonal or simple patterns | +$3 – $8 per sq ft | More cuts and waste than a straight lay |
| Herringbone or chevron | +$8 – $14 per sq ft | Precise layout and the most labor |
| Refinishing existing hardwood | Often far less than replacing | A sand and refinish can bring sound floors back to life |
| Trim, transitions and baseboard | Small but adds up | Quarter round, reducers and thresholds |
A quote that looks low may leave out removal, moisture barrier, leveling or trim. Ask every installer for an itemized quote so you’re comparing the same job, not just a per-square-foot number.
What a project might cost
Roughly $2,100 – $4,800 installed at $7 – $16 per sq ft, before add-ons.
Roughly $3,500 – $8,000 installed, before add-ons.
Roughly $7,000 – $16,000 installed, before add-ons.
Added to any of the above; often paired with new hardwood.
These examples use the typical installed range and don’t include removal, leveling, stairs or patterns. Your exact number depends on your floor, species and layout.
Hardwood vs LVP vs laminate cost
| Floor | Relative installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $–$$ | Most scratch resistance for the money; busy family rooms |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $–$$ | Waterproof core for kitchens, baths and laundry rooms |
| Engineered hardwood | $$–$$$ | Real wood over slabs, in living areas and bedrooms |
| Solid hardwood | $$$ | Real wood that can be refinished for generations |
If budget or water resistance is a big factor, wood-look LVP or laminate can give you a similar look for less. Many homes mix them: real hardwood in living areas and LVP in kitchens and baths. See the full breakdown in hardwood vs vinyl flooring cost.
Why North Texas homes cost what they do
Most homes here sit on concrete slabs over clay soil that shifts with the seasons, and our humidity swings from muggy summers to dry winters. That’s why a good hardwood install starts with checking the slab for flatness and moisture, adding the right moisture barrier, and often choosing engineered hardwood, which handles slabs and humidity changes better. That prep is part of the price, and it’s what keeps your floors flat and beautiful for years.
How to save on hardwood floor installation
- Choose a popular species. Red and white oak cost less than exotic woods and look timeless.
- Go with prefinished planks. Factory finishes skip on-site sanding and finishing time.
- Keep the layout simple. A straight lay costs less than diagonal or herringbone.
- Refinish when you can. If your existing hardwood is sound, refinishing often costs far less than replacing it.
- Put hardwood where it matters most. Use it in main living areas and choose LVP for wet rooms.
- Ask about financing. We offer customer financing to spread out the cost of your project.
Get your exact hardwood price, free
We measure your rooms, check your slab and bring hardwood samples to your home in Frisco, Plano, Prosper and across North Texas. Your in-home estimate is free, with a clear, itemized quote.
Book my free in-home estimateFrequently asked questions
How much does hardwood flooring cost per square foot?
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, installed hardwood typically costs about $7 to $16 per square foot for popular species like oak and maple, including materials and labor. Exotic species, patterns and add-ons cost more.
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of hardwood?
At $7 to $16 per square foot, about $7,000 to $16,000 before add-ons like removal, leveling and stairs.
Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
Usually, yes. Engineered materials often cost less, and on concrete slabs it installs without the extra wood subfloor solid hardwood needs.
What is the labor cost to install hardwood floors?
Professional installation labor typically runs about $3 to $8 per square foot for a standard straight lay. Patterns, stairs and prep add to labor.
Is hardwood more expensive than LVP or laminate?
Yes, in most cases. Laminate and LVP generally cost less installed, while engineered and solid hardwood cost more but add real-wood character and value.
Is refinishing cheaper than replacing hardwood?
Usually. If your existing hardwood is structurally sound, sanding and refinishing typically costs far less than new floors.
