🪵 Hardwood Flooring Calculator

Calculate how much hardwood flooring and how many boards you need

in
$/sqft
Room Area
—
sq ft
Flooring Needed
—
sq ft (with waste)
Boards Needed
—
boards

Hardwood Flooring Guide

💰 Hardwood Costs by Species (2026)

  • Oak: $4 – $8 / sq ft
  • Maple: $5 – $9 / sq ft
  • Hickory: $5 – $10 / sq ft
  • Cherry: $6 – $11 / sq ft
  • Walnut: $8 – $14 / sq ft
  • Bamboo: $3 – $7 / sq ft
  • Installation: $4 – $12 / sq ft

🏗️ Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Solid Hardwood: 3/4" thick, can be refinished multiple times, sensitive to moisture. Best for main-level living areas.

Engineered Hardwood: Layers of plywood with real wood veneer, more dimensionally stable, better for basements. Can be refinished 1–2 times.

🧹 Hardwood Maintenance Tips

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly
  • Damp mop only — never wet
  • Use felt pads under furniture
  • Refinish every 7–10 years
  • Maintain 35–55% indoor humidity

🧭 Installation Direction Guide

  • Run planks perpendicular to floor joists
  • In hallways, run lengthwise
  • In small rooms, run toward the longest wall to make the room appear larger
  • Consider light source — planks running toward windows look best

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hardwood do I need for a 10×12 room?
120 sq ft + 10% waste = 132 sq ft of hardwood. At average $7/sq ft for materials, budget approximately $924. Add installation costs of $4–$12/sq ft for a total project cost of $1,400–$2,500.
What's the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid is milled from a single piece of wood (3/4" thick) and can be sanded/refinished many times. Engineered has a real wood veneer over plywood layers, offering better moisture resistance and suitability for below-grade installation.
How long should hardwood acclimate before installation?
Most manufacturers recommend 3–5 days of acclimation. Store the unopened boxes in the room where they'll be installed, maintaining normal temperature (60–80°F) and humidity (35–55%).
Which direction should I lay hardwood floors?
Generally perpendicular to floor joists for structural support. In hallways, run boards lengthwise. In most rooms, lay planks parallel to the longest wall for the best visual effect.
Can I install hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom?
Kitchens: yes, with proper sealing and immediate cleanup of spills. Bathrooms: not recommended for solid hardwood; engineered hardwood with waterproof finish can work in half baths. Consider waterproof vinyl plank as an alternative.