How Much Does It Cost to Hardwood Floors in Denver? Let’s Break It Down
So, you’ve decided to ditch that 20-year-old carpet and give your Denver home the upgrade it deserves with hardwood floors. Smart move! But now you’re staring at your budget, wondering: “How much is this going to hurt?” Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. As a team that’s been knee-deep in sawdust and custom remodels for years (shoutout to our crew at Verified Builders), we’re here to spill the beans on hardwood flooring costs in Denver. Spoiler: It’s not just about the wood.
Let’s skip the vague estimates and dive into the nitty-gritty. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and why partnering with a home renovation contractor who actually listens (hi, it’s us) makes all the difference.
Contents
- 1 What’s Driving the Cost of Hardwood Floors? Hint: It’s Not Just the Wood
- 2 Denver Hardwood Flooring Costs: A Real-World Table
- 3 “But Wait—What About Engineered Wood or Laminate?”
- 4 Why Go Pro? A Rant Against “I’ll Just Do It Myself”
- 5 3 Questions Denver Homeowners Always Ask (Answered)
- 6 Final Tip: Don’t Cheap Out on the Details
- 7 Ready to Transform Your Denver Home?
What’s Driving the Cost of Hardwood Floors? Hint: It’s Not Just the Wood
First off, let’s squash the myth that hardwood flooring is a one-price-fits-all situation. Nope. The final number depends on a cocktail of factors, some obvious (cough square footage cough) and others sneakier than a creaky floorboard at midnight. Here’s the breakdown:
1. The Wood Type: Fancy Exotics or Trusty Classics?
Hardwood isn’t just “hardwood.” You’ve got options:
- Oak: The Honda Accord of flooring—reliable, affordable, and timeless.
- Maple: A bit pricier, but tougher than your aunt’s Thanksgiving turkey.
- Exotics (like Brazilian Cherry): The sports car of woods. Gorgeous, but your wallet might need CPR.
2. Labor: DIY or Call the Pros?
Sure, you could YouTube your way through installation. But unless you’re okay with gaps wider than I-25 traffic, leave it to a general contractor who’s done this a few hundred times. Labor typically eats 30–50% of the total cost.
3. Subfloor Surprises
Ah, the subfloor—the underappreciated hero of your flooring. If yours is cracked, uneven, or harboring a 1980s linoleum time capsule, prep work adds $$$.
4. Finish & Extras
Matte? Glossy? Hand-scraped? Each finish affects the price. And let’s not forget transitions, stairs, or that awkward nook where your cat insists on napping.
FYI: Want a ballpark? In Denver, most homeowners spend $8–$20 per square foot installed. But let’s get specific.
Denver Hardwood Flooring Costs: A Real-World Table
Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on recent projects we’ve tackled at Verified Builders:
| Wood Type | Material Cost (per sq. ft.) | Installation Cost (per sq. ft.) | Total Range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $3–$6 | $4–$8 | $7–$14 |
| White Oak | $4–$8 | $5–$9 | $9–$17 |
| Maple | $5–$9 | $5–$10 | $10–$19 |
| Brazilian Walnut | $8–$14 | $7–$12 | $15–$26 |
| Reclaimed Barn Wood | $10–$18 | $8–$15 | $18–$33 |
Note: Prices vary based on market trends, project complexity, and whether your subfloor is secretly a disaster.
“But Wait—What About Engineered Wood or Laminate?”
Great question! Engineered wood (layers of real wood over plywood) costs $4–$13 per sq. ft. installed. Laminate? As low as $3–$7. But IMO, nothing beats the authenticity of solid hardwood—especially if you’re aiming for luxury home renovations or planning a whole house remodeling project.
And hey, if you’re pairing this with a basement remodel or bathroom renovation, let’s talk synergy. At Verified Builders, we love projects where we can streamline costs across multiple rooms.
Why Go Pro? A Rant Against “I’ll Just Do It Myself”
Look, we get it. DIY is tempting. But hardwood installation is like assembling IKEA furniture—if one step goes wrong, you’re left with a lopsided mess. Here’s why hiring a remodeling company like ours pays off:
- Precision cuts: No “oops, that board’s 1/2-inch too short” moments.
- Tools you don’t own: We’ve got industrial sanders, nail guns, and lasers. Yes, lasers.
- Warranties: Because life happens, and we’ve got your back.
Plus, our reviews don’t lie. Ask our clients—they’ll tell you we’re less “contractor” and more “flooring fairy godparents.”
3 Questions Denver Homeowners Always Ask (Answered)
1. “Can I install hardwood in my basement?”
Short answer: Not recommended. Basements are moisture magnets. Instead, pair your main-floor hardwood with a basement remodel contractor (we do those too!) who can suggest luxury vinyl or tile.
2. “How long does installation take?”
For a standard 1,000 sq. ft. home: 3–5 days. Add extra time for intricate patterns or if we find surprises under your old floors.
3. “Should I wait for a sale?”
Nah. Prices fluctuate less than Colorado weather. Focus on finding a home addition contractor or bathroom remodeling pro who offers transparent pricing. cough Like us cough.
Final Tip: Don’t Cheap Out on the Details
Skimping on installation or finishes is like buying a Tesla and putting bicycle tires on it. Invest in quality labor (hi again!), moisture barriers, and finishes that match your lifestyle. Got kids or dogs? Matte finishes hide scratches better than glossy.
Ready to Transform Your Denver Home?
At Verified Builders, we’re not just another remodeling company—we’re your neighbors. We’ve been tackling home remodeling projects across Denver for years, from bathroom renovation contractor gigs to full luxury home renovations. Whether you’re refinishing a single room or planning a whole house remodeling marathon, we’ll keep the process smooth, transparent, and maybe even fun.
So, if you’re Googling “home renovation contractor near me,” stop scrolling. Let’s chat about your hardwood floors—and make your home the envy of your Pinterest board. 😉
Give us a call today. Your floors (and future self) will thank you.
