Cost to Replace Hardwood Flooring
Replacing hardwood flooring means removing the existing boards, preparing a dry and level subfloor, and fitting new planks before reinstalling trim. It is a hard, labor-intensive project, particularly when old boards must be lifted, the subfloor needs repair or leveling, and planks need precise cuts around obstacles.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Deep water damage in the existing hardwood
- Cupping or rot in the flooring
- Subfloor problems beneath the existing boards
- Planks worn too thin to sand and refinish
- An upgrade to new hardwood flooring
DIY or call a pro?
This is a legitimate DIY project with the right tools, including saws, a pneumatic flooring nailer, a moisture meter, and a level. A flooring professional is worth considering if removal, subfloor leveling, or cutting and fitting planks feels beyond your comfort level. Consult a professional before proceeding if the subfloor is rotted or the floor joists are involved.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace a hardwood floor myself, or is hiring help a better choice?
- DIY is possible, but this is a hard project that requires careful tear-out, subfloor preparation, layout, and plank installation. Consider hiring help if you are unsure about using a circular saw, miter saw, table saw, or pneumatic flooring nailer, or if the subfloor or joists need more than minor repair. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection with saws and nailers, use a dust mask during tear-out and cutting, and watch for hidden nails and staples.
- What makes hardwood floor replacement cost more?
- The price scales with the floor area and can rise with labor time, the selected flooring and related materials, removal and haul-away of old material, and a minimum or trip charge for a small job. Subfloor preparation can also add labor time and materials when leveling compound or repairs are needed.
- Should worn hardwood be replaced or refinished?
- Check whether the boards have deep water damage, cupping, rot, subfloor problems, or are too thin to sand; those conditions call for replacement. Surface wear alone can be refinished, so it is worth confirming the floor's condition before committing to a full tear-out.
- What installation details prevent problems with new hardwood planks?
- Inspect the opened subfloor for damage, moisture, and levelness before tearing out the whole floor, then make sure it is dry and flat. Leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap around the perimeter, stagger plank joints by about 6 inches, and fasten baseboards to the wall rather than the floor so the flooring can move.
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