How Much Does It Cost to Install Oak Flooring in 2025?
Oak flooring installation costs an average of $12,000
Oak flooring installation costs an average of $12,000, with average costs ranging from $7,500 to $18,000.
Key cost factors include oak type, floor size, labor, and subfloor repairs.
Upgrading to oak boosts durability, elevates design appeal, and lifts resale value.
Hardwood flooring professionals charge an average of $3 to $7 per square foot for oak floor installation.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The cost to install oak flooring is between $1,100 and $36,000, with an average price of $12,000. Most homeowners pay between $7,500 to $18,000 on average. Several factors can impact your overall oak flooring cost, including the size of your space, the type of oak you choose, and the state of your existing floor and subfloor.
Oak Floor Installation Cost Factors
Floor Size
When planning for wood flooring installation, the size of the space is the biggest cost factor. Since flooring is priced per square foot, larger areas—like open-concept living spaces or multi-room installations—will increase your total cost, though they can come with a lower per-square-foot rate compared to smaller jobs.
Keep in mind that many installers have minimum project fees, which means very small spaces, such as a single bedroom, might not offer significant savings. Areas with stairs, hallways, or irregular shapes also tend to require more labor and materials, raising the overall installation cost.
| Area Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | Single bedroom | $1,100–$2,700 |
| 300 | Living room | $2,200–$5,400 |
| 600 | Two rooms | $4,400–$10,800 |
| 1,000 | Large open space | $7,500–$18,000 |
| 2,000 | Whole house | $15,000–$36,000 |
When calculating how much flooring to purchase, add between 10% and 20% to the square footage of your space, as you’ll generate waste when cutting the boards. For example, when installing oak floors in a 200-square-foot space, buy enough oak boards to cover 220 to 240 square feet.
Type of Oak Flooring
The type of oak flooring you choose plays a major role in overall cost, durability, and appearance. Solid oak is made from a single piece of wood, offering long-term durability at a higher price point. Engineered oak features a real oak veneer over a plywood core, making it more stable and more affordable, especially for areas with moisture or temperature changes.
Red oak and white oak are the most common species. White oak tends to cost slightly more but offers better resistance to moisture and wear. You’ll also choose between prefinished flooring, which installs faster and can reduce labor costs, and unfinished oak, which allows for custom staining but adds time and expense. Oak is graded by appearance—"select" grades are the most uniform and costly, while "#2 common grades offer more natural variation at a lower price. Specialty styles like wide-plank, reclaimed, or custom-milled oak will raise your material costs further.
| Oak Flooring Type | Description | Cost Range (Per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Solid red oak | Single wood piece, classic look | $8–$12 |
| Solid white oak | Denser, moisture-resistant | $9–$14 |
| Engineered red oak | Oak veneer, plywood core | $7–$11 |
| Engineered white oak | Oak veneer, plywood core | $8–$13 |
| Prefinished oak | Factory-finished, ready to install | $8–$15 |
| Unfinished oak | Sanded and finished on site | $7–$12 |
| Wide plank/reclaimed | Specialty, unique appearance | $12–$18 |
Staining and Sealing
Many homeowners love the natural tones of red or white oak and decide to skip stain after installation. Others may want to stain the floors to match the specific style of their home. White oak, in particular, is easy to stain.
Regardless of whether you stain the boards, be sure to have them sealed once installation is complete. Ask your contractor if staining is included in the quote. If it's not included, you may need to budget an additional $3 to $8 per square foot to have your oak floors stained, though you can tackle this work yourself if you have the time and knowledge. You can also purchase prefinished oak, which has already been stained in a specific color that could be a good match for your home. However, prefinished wood costs more.
Labor
Labor is a major part of the total cost for oak flooring installation. Most homeowners pay between $3 and $7 per square foot for professional labor, depending on location and project complexity. Local flooring specialists are the best choice, though general contractors or handymen may handle smaller jobs. For limited areas like single rooms or hallways, be aware that minimum service fees often apply.
Solid oak flooring costs more to install than engineered oak, since it requires additional steps like sanding and finishing. Projects with stairs, custom layouts, or intricate inlays can also increase labor time and cost. Labor rates include subfloor prep, installation, finishing, and cleanup, but it’s important to review your contractor’s quote to confirm what’s covered.
Removal and Disposal Costs
Many contractors will include the cost of removing and disposing of your old flooring in their quote, but it's a good idea to ask before signing. If the price isn't included, you'll need to add removal costs to your budget. For example, carpet removal costs between $1 and $3 per square foot.
DIY Oak Floor Installation vs. Hiring a Flooring Professional
Labor often accounts for 30% to 50% of the total oak-flooring budget. DIY-savvy homeowners can trim that expense, but installing hardwood is time-intensive, demanding precision tools and a solid grasp of flooring techniques.
Because hardwood flooring installation can be complicated, most homeowners should hire a local hardwood flooring installer. They can work more efficiently and ensure a better-looking finish—especially where special patterns are concerned—and they can also spot potential issues when replacing your old flooring, like rotting joists or asbestos.
Budgeting for Oak Flooring Installation
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your oak flooring installation project more budget-friendly:
Measure your space accurately to get precise material and labor estimates, avoiding surprises down the line.
Choose the right type and grade of oak that fits your budget while meeting your durability and style needs.
Get multiple quotes from licensed flooring professionals to compare prices and services.
Factor in additional costs like baseboards, transitions, and any necessary subfloor repairs.
Plan for ongoing maintenance to keep your oak floors looking great and protect your investment over time.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
