Flooring and tile
Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost Guide: Solid, Engineered & LVP (2026)
Detailed cost analysis comparing solid hardwood ($10–$18/sq ft), engineered wood ($8–$14/sq ft), and waterproof LVP ($4–$9/sq ft) installed.
Data reviewed October 24, 2026
Flooring sets the architectural tone of a home and impacts daily durability. Choosing among solid hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank requires balancing moisture tolerance, acoustic feel, subfloor type, and installation labor.
| Flooring Type | Materials / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total Installed / Sq Ft | Refinishable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Red / White Oak | $5.00 - $10.00 | $4.50 - $7.50 | $9.50 - $17.50 | Yes (4–6 times) |
| Engineered Hardwood | $4.50 - $9.00 | $3.50 - $6.00 | $8.00 - $15.00 | Yes (1–2 times if 3mm+ wear layer) |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $2.00 - $4.50 | $2.50 - $4.00 | $4.50 - $8.50 | No (Replace planks) |
| Porcelain Tile Wood-Look | $3.00 - $7.00 | $6.00 - $10.00 | $9.00 - $17.00 | No (Waterproof masonry) |
Solid Hardwood (Oak, Maple, Walnut)
Solid 3/4-inch hardwood ($10–$18 per square foot installed) can be sanded and refinished 4 to 6 times over a century of use. However, solid wood cannot be installed below grade (in basements) or directly over concrete slabs due to moisture expansion.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood ($8–$15 per square foot installed) bonds a real hardwood veneer over multi-ply cross-grain plywood, providing superior dimensional stability over radiant heat and concrete subfloors.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP ($4.50–$9 per square foot installed) provides 100% waterproof performance, making it the dominant choice for basements, bathrooms, and high-traffic households with pets.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you install solid hardwood over a concrete slab?
- Not directly. Solid wood requires a plywood subfloor underlayment or sleeper system over concrete. Engineered wood or LVP is recommended over concrete slabs.
- How thick should an engineered wood wear layer be?
- Look for a wear layer of at least 3mm to 4mm if you plan on sanding and refinishing the floor in the future.