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Hardwood floor installation cost can vary widely depending on several different factors. Do it yourself enthusiasts try to save money by doing their own install. In reality, they often cause themselves higher costs in the end. Whether you are going to try a DIY or opt for a professional installation, here are a few things to remember in estimating the cost.

1. Cost of Basic Materials

Hardwood floor installation cost must include the cost of the materials. Within the general heading of hardwood flooring, there are many different choices. There are traditional solid hardwood floors. These come in different widths of boards which cost different amounts per square foot. They also come in different wood types, also having a range of costs.

Besides solid hardwoods, there are also engineered wood flooring and wood laminate flooring. Solid hardwoods generally cost the most; with engineered wood flooring costing less and wood laminate flooring costing the least.

2. Cost of Installation Supplies

When you are putting in a hardwood floor, there are usually additional items you need to purchase in order to install the floor correctly. Hardwood floor installation cost must include some kind of fastener such as nails or glue, underlayment such as plywood, and in some cases you will want insulation.

If you hire a professional installer to do the work, these costs will be absorbed in the overall cost of the job. You will not have to pay extra for them. If you are doing the work yourself, you will not only have to buy them, but you will also have to be knowledgeable enough to buy the right supplies the first time. Otherwise you will spend even more money.

3. Cost of Equipment

Hardwood floor installation cost can include equipment as well. It takes special equipment to install most types of hardwood floors, especially solid hardwoods. You might need a circular saw to cut the plywood for the underlayment. You need one or more miter or compound miter saws for different applications in cutting trim and planks. You will need a jig saw for cutting pieces that are irregular in shape. You will need a table saw for ripping down the lengths of individual boards. You will need specialty saws, like a jamb saw to cut under door casings and a router if you have wood inlays.

You will also need tools for floor leveling, measuring humidity, glues, hammers, power nail guns, an air compressor and trowels. If you have all these tools, you are good to go. Unfortunately for the do it yourselfer, few people have all these tools on hand and need to rent at least some of them. This increases hardwood floor installation cost. When you hire a professional remodeler, these items come included and cost you no extra. Estimating the cost of putting in a hardwood floor depends on all these factors.