Wood Floor Install Cost? (3 Contractor Scams!)

And let me tell you, I’ve seen it all when it comes to wood floor installations.

According to a recent survey by the National Wood Flooring Association, nearly 30% of homeowners reported experiencing issues with their flooring installation, often leading to unexpected costs and dissatisfaction.

That’s a HUGE number!

It highlights the importance of getting clued up before you dive into a wood floor project. We’re talking about your hard-earned cash and the look of your home, after all.

In this article, I’m going to break down the costs involved in wood floor installation and, more importantly, arm you with the knowledge to dodge some common scams.

Trust me, a little preparation can save you a whole lot of headache (and money!) down the road.

Overview of Wood Floor Installation Costs

Okay, let’s talk money. Figuring out the cost of your wood floor installation is like solving a puzzle.

There are a bunch of pieces that need to fit together to get the right picture.

Here are the main factors that will influence your final bill:

Type of Wood: Hardwood (oak, maple, walnut) is generally pricier than engineered wood. Why? Because it’s solid wood all the way through, which means it can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

Engineered wood, on the other hand, has a thin layer of hardwood veneer over a plywood or fiberboard core. It’s more affordable and often more resistant to moisture, but it can’t be refinished as many times as solid hardwood.
Quality of Materials: You get what you pay for, folks. Cheaper wood might have more imperfections, be less durable, or come from unsustainable sources.

Opting for a higher-quality wood will not only look better but will also last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Square Footage: This one’s pretty obvious. The larger the area you’re covering, the more materials and labor you’ll need, and the higher the cost.
Geographic Location and Labor Costs: Labor rates vary widely depending on where you live. Big cities usually have higher labor costs than smaller towns.

Also, some contractors are simply more experienced and skilled than others, and their rates will reflect that.
Removal of Old Flooring and Additional Preparation Work: Tearing up old carpet, tile, or vinyl can add to the overall cost. Also, if your subfloor (the layer underneath your flooring) is uneven or damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced before the new wood floor can be installed.

Here’s a rough breakdown of average costs per square foot:

Wood Type	Installation Method	Average Cost Per Square Foot (Materials & Labor)
Engineered Wood	Nail-Down/Glue-Down	$6 – $12
Solid Hardwood	Nail-Down	$8 – $15
Luxury Vinyl Plank	Click-Lock	$5 – $10
Bamboo	Nail-Down/Glue-Down	$7 – $14
Laminate	Click-Lock	$3 – $8

Don’t forget about these extra expenses:

Underlayment: This is a layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the wood floor. It helps to cushion the floor, reduce noise, and provide insulation.
Trim: Baseboards, quarter-round, and other trim pieces are used to cover the edges of the floor and give it a finished look.

Finishing: If you’re installing unfinished hardwood, you’ll need to sand, stain, and seal it. This can add a significant cost to the project.

Important Note: These are just average costs. The actual cost of your project will depend on the specific factors mentioned above.

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to get quotes from multiple contractors. More on that later!

Common Wood Floor Installation Scams

Okay, now for the part you really need to pay attention to.

Unfortunately, there are some shady characters out there who are looking to take advantage of homeowners. I hate to say it, but it’s true.

The flooring industry, like any other home improvement sector, isn’t immune to scams. Homeowners can be particularly vulnerable because they might not know the ins and outs of flooring installation.

That’s why I’m here to shine a light on some common scams and how to avoid them.

The “Too Good to Be True” Estimate

This is a classic. A contractor gives you an estimate that’s significantly lower than everyone else. Sounds great, right?

Wrong!

These lowball estimates are often a way to get their foot in the door. Once they start the job, they’ll hit you with a bunch of unexpected additional charges.

“Oh, we didn’t realize the subfloor was in such bad shape.”

“We need to use a more expensive adhesive than we originally planned.”

“The wood we quoted you is no longer available, but we have something similar that’s a bit more.”

Sound familiar?

Here’s a real-world example:

I had a client, let’s call her Sarah, who got three estimates for a hardwood floor installation in her living room. Two of the estimates were in the $5,000-$6,000 range. But one contractor came in with an estimate of just $3,500!

Sarah was thrilled. She thought she was getting a great deal. But a week into the job, the contractor told her that the subfloor needed to be completely replaced, which would add another $2,000 to the bill.

Sarah was stuck. She had already paid the contractor a deposit, and she didn’t want to start all over with someone else. So she paid the extra money.

In the end, she paid almost as much as she would have if she had gone with one of the higher estimates in the first place!

How to avoid this scam:

Get multiple estimates: Don’t just get one or two. Get at least three, and preferably more.
Be wary of extremely low estimates: If an estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs: Make sure the estimate includes everything, from materials and labor to removal of old flooring and any necessary preparation work.

Get everything in writing: Make sure the contract clearly spells out the scope of the work, the materials to be used, the total cost, and the payment schedule.

The Phantom Contractor

This scam is particularly nasty. It involves individuals who pose as licensed contractors but don’t have the necessary credentials or experience.

They might have a fake license number, or they might just be operating completely under the radar.

The problem with hiring an unlicensed contractor is that you have no recourse if something goes wrong. If they do a shoddy job, damage your property, or simply disappear with your money, you’re out of luck.

Signs that a contractor might not be legitimate:

Lack of proper licensing: In most states, contractors are required to be licensed. Check with your state’s licensing board to verify that the contractor is legitimate.
No insurance: A reputable contractor will have liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects you if someone gets injured on your property or if your property is damaged during the installation.
No physical business location: Be wary of contractors who only have a cell phone number and a P.O. box. A legitimate contractor will have a physical office or showroom.

Pressure tactics: A scam artist might try to pressure you into signing a contract immediately or paying a large deposit upfront.
Cash-only payments: Be very cautious of contractors who only accept cash payments. This is a red flag that they’re trying to avoid paying taxes or that they’re not running a legitimate business.

Here’s another story:

I once had to fix a botched wood floor installation that was done by an unlicensed contractor. The homeowner, let’s call him Tom, had hired the guy because he offered a really low price.

But the installation was a disaster. The wood was uneven, there were gaps between the boards, and the finish was peeling off.

To make matters worse, the contractor had damaged Tom’s plumbing while installing the floor!

Tom tried to contact the contractor to get him to fix the problems, but the guy had disappeared. Tom was left with a ruined floor and a hefty repair bill.

Protect yourself:

Always check the contractor’s license: Verify that they are licensed and in good standing with your state’s licensing board.
Ask for proof of insurance: Get copies of their liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

Check references: Ask for a list of previous clients and contact them to see if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
Read online reviews: See what other people are saying about the contractor online. Check sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Bait and Switch

This is a sneaky tactic where a contractor advertises one price or product but then delivers something of lesser quality or at a higher cost.

For example, they might show you a sample of high-quality hardwood flooring, but then install a cheaper, lower-grade product.

Or they might quote you a low price for the installation, but then add on a bunch of extra charges at the last minute.

Red flags to watch out for:

Vague contracts: A contract that doesn’t clearly specify the type of wood, the brand, the grade, and the quantity is a red flag.

Last-minute changes: Be wary of contractors who try to change the terms of the agreement at the last minute.
Substitutions: If the contractor tries to substitute a different product than what was originally agreed upon, ask why. And if you’re not happy with the substitution, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Unexplained price increases: If the price suddenly goes up for no apparent reason, demand an explanation. And get any changes in writing.

Let me share one last story:

I had another client, let’s call her Maria, who was a victim of the bait and switch. She had hired a contractor to install new hardwood floors in her kitchen.

The contractor showed her a sample of beautiful, high-end maple flooring. Maria loved it, and she agreed to the price.

But when the contractor started the installation, she noticed that the wood didn’t look quite the same. It was a different color, and it had more knots and imperfections.

When she confronted the contractor, he claimed that the maple flooring she had chosen was no longer available, so he had substituted a cheaper grade of maple.

Maria was furious. She had paid for a high-end product, but she had received something of much lesser quality.

Here’s how to protect yourself from the bait and switch:

Be specific in your contract: Make sure the contract clearly specifies the type of wood, the brand, the grade, and the quantity.

Inspect the materials before installation: Before the contractor starts the installation, inspect the materials to make sure they match what was agreed upon in the contract.
Don’t be afraid to say no: If you’re not happy with the materials or the price, don’t be afraid to walk away.

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground here. I know it can be overwhelming, but trust me, being informed is your best defense against scams and unexpected costs.

Remember, wood floor installation is a significant investment. It’s worth taking the time to do your research, get multiple estimates, and verify contractor credentials.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, demand clarity, and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

By being proactive and vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams and ensure that you get the beautiful, durable wood floors you’ve always dreamed of.

So go out there and take charge of your flooring project! You’ve got this!

Wood Floor Install Cost? (3 Contractor Scams!)

Overview of Wood Floor Installation Costs