How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost? Let's Talk Real Numbers.

Thinking about hardwood floors for your home? Great choice. As a local, family-owned business proudly serving the Kansas City metro, we’ve been helping homeowners make smart, beautiful upgrades for years—and hardwood flooring is one of the smartest around. Just a heads up—this guide focuses on solid hardwood flooring only. Engineered or pre-finished options come with their own pros, cons, and cost structures. Don't worry, we’ll break those down in a separate blog post. Let’s get right to it: quality hardwood flooring typically ranges from $4 to $9 per sq ft for materials. On average in Kansas City you can expect to pay $4-$8 per sq ft for installation costs, and another $4 to $7 per sq ft to sand and finish. Which puts the total investment somewhere between $12 and $24 per sq ft, depending on the scope of your project.

So what affects the price? Here are a few key factors:

• Wood Species: Red oak is cost-effective and durable. Exotic woods like Brazilian walnut carry a premium but deliver stunning results.

• Plank Width: Wider planks create a bold, upscale look, but they come with a higher price tag.

• Finish Options: Waterborne finishes have low voc's, and dry/cure quicker than oil based polyurethane but the cost for waterborne is slightly more.

• Subfloor Prep: Any necessary subfloor repairs or leveling will increase overall cost.

• Design Details: Custom patterns like herringbone or decorative borders add labor time and material needs.
  

Species, Grade, Cut & Plank Width:

When it comes to choosing hardwood flooring, there are a few major factors that influence both the look and the price: species, grade, cut style, and plank width. Here's what you need to know before picking your flooring.

Wood Species Breakdown

Some woods are more budget-friendly, while others offer unique aesthetics and durability at a higher price point. Red and white oak are most commonly used, but here’s a snapshot of five different species.

Red Oak

• Material Cost: $3–$6 per sq. ft.

• Look: Warm undertones, reddish hues, and a prominent grain.

• Durability: ~1290 Janka (solid, everyday toughness).

• Pros/Cons: Affordable, easy to stain, and widely available. The grain can be a little busy for some.

White Oak

• Material Cost: $4–$11 per sq. ft.

• Look: Cooler tones, smoother grain, with beautiful ray flecks in quarter sawn cuts.

• Durability: ~1360 Janka – a bit tougher than red oak.

• Pros/Cons: More water-resistant, great for modern looks, stains evenly. Slightly pricier.

Hickory

• Material Cost: $6–$12 per sq. ft.

• Look: Bold contrast and lots of color variation—think rustic, lived-in charm.

• Durability: ~1820 Janka – super tough.

• Pros/Cons: Extremely durable, perfect for high-traffic homes. But it’s harder to install and has a wild grain.

Walnut (American Black Walnut)

• Material Cost: $10–$15 per sq. ft.

• Look: Rich chocolate brown, smooth grain, and upscale vibes.

• Durability: ~1010 Janka – softer than oak, but still reliable.

• Pros/Cons: Elegant and high-end, but shows dents and scratches more easily.

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

• Material Cost: $9–$14 per sq. ft.

• Look: Deep red-brown tones, dramatic grain, darkens over time.

• Durability: ~2820 Janka – crazy hard.

• Pros/Cons: Incredibly durable and exotic-looking. Some find it too red, and it’s tricky to refinish.
  

Wood Grades: What They Really Mean

Grading is all about appearance, not strength. Here's how they stack up:

• Select Grade: Clean grain, minimal knots, consistent color. Sleek and modern. Material Cost: $5–$13 per sq. ft.

• #1 Common: Some natural variation—light knots, color changes. Lived-in, warm feel. Material Cost: $4–$11 per sq. ft.

• #2 Common: Full of character: visible knots, streaks, and color changes. Great for rustic styles.Material Cost: $3–$8 per sq. ft.
  

Cut Style: How the Log Is Sliced

Cut style affects grain appearance, stability, and cost. Rift and quarter sawn boards are considered high-end for good reason—they expand and contract more evenly, making them less likely to cup, gap, or warp. That stability makes them ideal for wider planks or homes with fluctuating humidity. While they do come at a higher price point due to extra milling time and material waste, they're well worth the investment in the right space.

• Plain Sawn (Standard): Wavy, cathedral-like grain

• Rift Sawn: Tight, straight grain. Clean and contemporary

• Quarter Sawn: Straight grain, beautiful "ray flecks"
  

Plank Width: Size Does Matter

The width of your planks impacts style, performance, and price. Here’s what to expect:

• 2 ¼"–3 ¼" Standard Width: Classic, traditional, easy to install. Material Cost: $3–$6 per sq. ft.

• 5"–6" Wide Planks: Trendy and luxe. More visual impact, fewer seams. Material Cost: $5–$8 per sq. ft.

• 7”+ Extra-Wide Planks: Bold and beautiful. Often used in high-end, open-concept spaces. Material Cost: $6–$15 per sq. ft.(Note: May require engineered wood or extra subfloor prep for stability.)
  

Installation & Finishing – Why It Matters

Choosing beautiful hardwood is just the beginning—how it's installed makes all the difference. You can have the most stunning planks on the planet, but if the installation is sloppy, it’s not going to look right, wear well, or last.

Here’s why & how installation impacts your total investment:

• Subfloor Prep: If the subfloor isn’t flat and secure, your floors can squeak, shift, or buckle. Prep work (leveling, repairing, or replacing subfloor) adds time and cost but protects your investment.

• Acclimation: Wood needs to adjust to your home's humidity before it’s installed. Skipping this step = gaps, warping, and frustration later. Pros build that time into the schedule.

• Layout & Design: Installing simple straight planks takes time and care, but custom layouts and patterns require advanced skill and more labor. Translation: higher cost, but stunning results.

• Installation Methods: Hardwood can be nailed, stapled, glued, or even floated. Nail downs are common, but a wood subfloor is needed. Glue-down or glue+staple combos are often used for wider planks or over concrete and provide extra stability.

• Precision Finishing: Gaps between boards? Misaligned cuts? These issues aren’t just annoying—they’re costly to fix later. Hiring a pro (like us) gets it done right the first time.
  

Bottom line: The quality of your installation directly affects how your floors look, feel, and hold up over time. It’s not the place to cut corners.

In Kansas City, expert hardwood floor installation typically runs $4–$8+ per square foot, depending on layout complexity, subfloor condition, and finishing needs. And trust us—spending a little more for skilled pros is well worth it.

Additionally, the type of finish can add to the cost. A higher-quality finish—such as water-based urethane—can add $2 to $4 per square foot to your total, enhancing both the appearance and lifespan of your floors.

Refinishing: Give Old Floors New Life

Refinishing is a smart and often cost-effective way to revive your existing hardwood floors. It involves sanding down the surface, addressing minor imperfections, and applying a fresh finish. This not only boosts your home’s value and aesthetics but can also extend the life of your floors by decades.

In the Kansas City area, refinishing typically costs $4–$7 per square foot, depending on the current condition of the floors and the finish you choose.

Why choose hardwood over other flooring options? We understand—it’s an investment. But hardwood offers a return you can see and feel for decades:

• Longevity: When properly maintained, hardwood can last 50 years or more. Most other flooring options don’t come close.

• Home Value: Hardwood is a major selling point. It increases your home’s market appeal and resale price.

• Timeless Appeal: Trends change. Hardwood doesn’t. It’s always in style.

• Easy to Maintain: Spills and messes? No problem. Hardwood cleans up easily and holds up well in busy households.
  

Bottom Line? Hardwood may cost more upfront but it delivers long-term value that those options simply can’t match. It’s not just about how your floors look today—it’s about how they’ll perform for years to come.

At the end of the day, we believe in doing things right. That means honest pricing, premium materials, expert installation, and clear communication from start to finish. We treat your home like our own, because that’s just how we do business.

If you’re ready to elevate your space with hardwood flooring, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk through your vision, your space, and your budget—and create something beautiful that lasts.