How Much Does It Cost To Replace Carpet With Hardwood Floor?

If you’re considering replacing your carpet with hardwood flooring, you’re not alone. 

There’s nothing quite like the feel of hardwood flooring underfoot. It’s cool and smooth, and it just makes your whole home feel more elegant and put together. Plus, hardwood is incredibly durable, which means you can expect your investment to last for years to come. And let’s not forget about the aesthetic appeal. Hardwood flooring comes in so many beautiful colors and finishes that there’s sure to be a style that fits your home perfectly.

Many homeowners have their hearts set on hardwood floors and prefer a home with hardwood flooring over carpeting for a variety of reasons, including durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. However, one question that always arises is, “What’s the cost to replace carpet with hardwood?” The answer, as you’ll find, depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wood flooring you choose, the size of the space, and any additional costs associated with the installation process.

In this article, we’ll break down the various factors that contribute to the cost of replacing carpet with hardwood and provide you with an estimate of what you can expect to pay.

But first, let’s have a look at some reasons why you want to make the switch.

Why Switch to Hardwood Flooring?

Replacing carpet with hardwood flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are several compelling reasons to replace carpet with hardwood.

Sleek and Modern Look

One reason is that hardwood flooring offers a sleek and modern look that many homeowners find appealing. As design trends shift towards more minimalistic and modern styles, hardwood flooring has become a popular choice for those who want to update the look and feel of their home. Hardwood flooring offers a clean and polished look that can make any space feel more open and spacious.

Improve Property Resale Value

Another reason why people choose to replace carpets with hardwood is that it can increase the value of their home. Hardwood flooring is a highly sought-after feature in homes, and it is often seen as a sign of luxury and sophistication. According to real estate experts, installing hardwood flooring can help your home sell. Home buyers are willing to pay up to 2.5% more for hardwood flooring. This is because hardwood flooring is considered a premium feature that can make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

Durability And Longer Life Span

In addition to its aesthetic appeal and potential for increasing home value, hardwood flooring is also highly durable and long-lasting (especially when waxed and maintained well).

Unlike carpet, which can wear down and stain over time, hardwood flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic and is much easier to clean and maintain. This makes it an excellent choice for families with young children or pets, as it can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life. Hardwood flooring is known for its durability and longevity.

With proper installation and maintenance, hardwood floors can last for decades, even up to 100 years or more. While a carpet can last about 10 to 15 years max.

Easy To Clean & Better Air Quality

Another reason why homeowners choose hardwood flooring compared to carpet is its health benefits. Carpet is known to trap dust, dirt, spills, and other allergens, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies and asthma. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is easy to clean and has fewer allergens. This can help to improve indoor air quality and promote better respiratory health.

Sustainable And Eco-friendly

Finally, hardwood flooring is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for homeowners who are looking to reduce their environmental impact. Many hardwood flooring options are made from sustainably sourced materials, and some can even be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifespan. This makes hardwood flooring an excellent choice for those who are conscious of their environmental footprint.

Now let’s come back to break down the cost of replacing the carpet with hardwood, shall we?

Hardwood Flooring Costs

The first and most crucial factor is the hardwood flooring itself. And let me tell you, there’s a whole world of hardwood out there. 

Solid Hardwood

First, you’ve got your solid hardwood, which is like the OG of hardwood flooring. It’s made from a single piece of wood and comes in different species, like oak, maple, and cherry. And let’s be real, it’s the Beyoncé of flooring – stunning, strong, and worth every penny.

Engineered Hardwood

But if you’re looking to save a few bucks, there’s always engineered hardwood, which is like the cool cousin of solid hardwood. It’s got a thin layer of hardwood veneer attached to a plywood or high-density fiberboard core, and it’s usually more affordable, with prices ranging from $2 to $8 per square foot.

Laminate Flooring

And last but not least, there’s laminate flooring – the undercover cop of hardwood flooring. It’s not technically a hardwood, but it’s designed to look like it, and it’s often used as a budget-friendly alternative. Laminate flooring typically costs between $1 and $5 per square foot. So, which one will it be – the queen of flooring, the trendy cousin, or the sneaky imposter?

But, when choosing hardwood flooring, keep in mind that the cost per square foot can vary widely depending on the quality and durability of the product. Cheaper hardwood flooring may not last as long as more expensive options, so it’s important to consider your long-term needs and budget when making your decision.

Additional Costs Associated with Hardwood Flooring Installation

So, you’ve chosen your hardwood flooring – congrats, you’re one step closer to achieving your dream home! But before you start Instagramming your new floors, there are a few other costs to consider.

Subfloor Preparation

First up, is subfloor preparation. It’s like the skincare routine before your makeup – it’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary. You’ll need to remove any existing flooring, level the subfloor, and repair any damage, and that can cost you anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot. 

Installation

Then, there’s installation – the moment of truth. It’s like the final exam of the hardwood flooring world. The cost of installation can vary depending on the size of the space, the type of hardwood flooring, and the complexity of the installation process. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $8 per square foot. 

Finishing

And once your floors are installed, it’s time for finishing – the cherry on top. You’ll need to stain, seal, or apply a protective coating to your floors to protect them from everyday wear and tear. This can cost you between $2 to $5 per square foot.

Baseboards And Trim

Oh, and don’t forget about baseboards and trim! You’ll need to install new ones to cover any gaps between your floors and the walls. And just like accessories, the cost of baseboards and trim can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the materials used. So, get ready to spend some cash – your hardwood floors deserve it!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Replacing Carpet with Hardwood

While the cost of hardwood flooring and installation are the most significant factors that contribute to the overall cost of replacing carpet with hardwood, there are several other factors that can impact the final price.

Size of the space: The larger the space, the more hardwood flooring you’ll need, which will increase the overall cost of the project. Additionally, larger spaces may require more subfloor preparation and take longer to install, which can also contribute to higher costs.

Type of hardwood flooring: As previously mentioned, the type of hardwood flooring you choose can have a significant impact on the cost of the project. Solid hardwood flooring is typically more expensive than engineered hardwood or laminate flooring.

The complexity of the installation: If your space has unusual angles, curves, or obstacles, the installation process may be more complex and time-consuming, which can increase the overall cost.

Additional materials: In addition to hardwood flooring, there may be other materials required for the installation process, such as adhesive, underlayment, and moisture barriers. These materials can add to the overall cost of the project.

Removal of old carpet: If you’re replacing carpet with hardwood, you’ll need to remove the old carpet before installation. If you plan to do this yourself, there will be no additional cost, but if you hire a professional, you might as well add your carpet removal cost.

Calculating the Cost of Replacing Carpet with Wooden Floors

Now that we’ve broken down the various factors that contribute to the cost of replacing carpet with hardwood, let’s put it all together to provide an estimate of what you can expect to pay.

Let’s say you have a 500-square-foot space in need of new flooring. If you choose engineered hardwood flooring at $4 per square foot, the cost of the flooring alone would be $2,000. That may seem like a hefty price tag, but remember that hardwood flooring can add significant value to your home and is known to last for decades.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to the cost of the hardwood flooring, you’ll need to factor in several additional costs. These include subfloor preparation, installation, finishing, and baseboards and trim.

Subfloor preparation is an essential step in ensuring that your hardwood flooring is installed correctly and will last for years to come. Depending on the condition of your existing subfloor, you can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot for preparation.

The cost of installation can vary depending on the size of the space, the complexity of the installation process, and the type of hardwood flooring being installed. On average, installation costs range from $3 to $8 per square foot.

Once your hardwood flooring is installed, it’s time to finish it. This step protects the flooring from wear and tear and can give it a beautiful shine. The cost of finishing hardwood flooring can range from $2 to $5 per square foot.

Lastly, new baseboards and trim will need to be installed to cover any gaps between the hardwood flooring and the walls. The cost of baseboards and trim can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the materials used.

All of these additional costs can quickly add up, bringing the total cost of the project to between $6,000 and $10,000.

Yikes! That may seem like a lot of money, but remember that investing in high-quality hardwood flooring can add significant value to your home and last for decades.

P.s you might not need to place hardwood flooring in all your rooms. You may as well just do it for your kitchen and lounge area, or your own and your kid’s room (especially if you have to remove slime from carpet!). Whatever it may be if the size of your project is smaller, you won’t have to pay that much.

Honestly, when I started my research, I didn’t anticipate the cost to be this much either. 

But don’t fret, there’s good news! 

Let’s discuss how you can save money on replacing your carpet with hardwood.

How to Save Money on Replacing Carpet with Hardwood

Replacing carpet with hardwood can be a significant investment, but there are ways to save money on the project without sacrificing quality. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the overall cost of replacing carpet with hardwood:

Shop around: Get multiple quotes from different flooring companies to compare prices and ensure that you’re getting a fair deal and not getting catfished by a shady company. It’s like Tinder, but for flooring companies. 

Choose a more affordable type of hardwood flooring: Engineered hardwood or laminate flooring can be more affordable than solid hardwood flooring while still providing a similar look and feel. It’s like getting the knock-off designer purse – it looks similar to the real thing, but won’t break the bank.

Do some of the work yourself: Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. While you may not be able to install the hardwood flooring yourself, you may be able to save some moolah by doing some of the prep work, such as removing the old carpet or baseboards.

Opt for a simpler installation: If your space has a lot of unique angles or patterns, the installation process may be more complicated and require additional labor and materials. Choosing a simpler installation method can help reduce the overall cost.

Consider pre-finished hardwood flooring: Pre-finished hardwood flooring comes with a protective finish already applied, which can save you money on finishing costs.

Hardwood Floors Vs Carpet: Pros and Cons

Let’s jot down some final pros and cons for you to decide if you really want to make the switch or not.

	Carpet Flooring	Hardwood Flooring
Pros	– Softer and more comfortable underfoot	– Durable and long-lasting
	– Provides insulation and noise reduction	– Enhances home value and aesthetics
	– Offers a wide variety of colors and patterns	– Easy to clean and maintain
	– More affordable than hardwood in upfront cost	– Resistant to stains and scratches
Cons	– Can be difficult to clean and may harbor allergens	– More expensive than carpet in upfront cost
	– May require more frequent replacement	– Can be noisy and less insulated than carpet
	– Prone to stains and damage	– Harder and less comfortable underfoot than carpet
	– Can be affected by humidity and moisture	– Limited variety in colors and patterns
	– May have a shorter lifespan than hardwood	– Installation can be more complex and time-

Final Thoughts

Replacing carpet with hardwood flooring can be a significant investment, but it’s also a great way to add value and style to your home. The cost of the project will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of hardwood flooring you choose, the size of the space, and any additional costs associated with the installation process.

To ensure that you’re getting a fair deal, be sure to get multiple quotes from different flooring companies, and choose a type of hardwood flooring that fits your budget and long-term needs. With the right planning and budgeting, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of hardwood flooring in your home for years to come.

So, will you be investing in hardwood flooring? Let us know in the comments!

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