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Hardwood Flooring Vancouver Prices: How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardwood Floors?

  • Writer: FloorsDepot Marketing
    FloorsDepot Marketing
  • Jan 18
  • 7 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Thinking about affordable hardwood and vinyl plank floors in Vancouver? The cost depends on wood type, labor and additional fees. This guide covers what you need to know about hardwood flooring installation costs so you can understand hardwood flooring Vancouver prices and make the best choice for your home.

Key Points

  • Hardwood flooring cost varies by wood type and labor.

  • Traditional and engineered hardwood floors have different prices and benefits.

  • Skilled labor ensures quality and avoids future issues.

  • Additional costs like delivery, installation and finishing add up.

  • Compare prices from different suppliers and installers to get the best deal.

Modern dining room with a dark wood table, chairs, and floral centerpieces. Bright pendant lights, art on walls, and a staircase in the background.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is durable, classic and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Hardwood flooring costs are affected by several factors such as wood type, installation and additional services. New hardwood floors can increase home value and last for decades. In Vancouver prices range from $400 to $25,000 depending on size and wood choice. For a detailed guide to hardwood flooring costs in Vancouver check out the latest deals and tips.

Cost to install hardwood floors

Factors to Consider

Wood type affects price: traditional hardwood (oak, maple) $3-$14 per sqft; engineered wood floors $3-$13. Hardwood flooring prices in Vancouver can vary significantly depending on several factors. Larger areas and complex layouts cost more. Your location—urban, rural or condo vs house—can result in higher cost due to local labor rates and accessibility.

Traditional vs Engineered Hardwood Floors

Traditional hardwood is solid wood, durable and refinishable but sensitive to moisture. Engineered wood floors have a real wood top layer over plywood, are more stable in humid climates like Vancouver’s and are often easier to install compared to solid hardwood. Engineered wood floors are a great option for areas with moisture and temperature fluctuations, offers versatility in installation and suitability for many spaces.

Detailed Look at Engineered Flooring

Engineered flooring consists of multiple layers with a genuine hardwood veneer on top, providing the authentic look of solid wood while offering enhanced moisture resistance and dimensional stability. This makes engineered flooring particularly well-suited for Vancouver’s damp climate and areas like basements or kitchens where excess moisture is common. Installation is often faster and more flexible, with options for floating, glue-down, or nail-down methods. Additionally, engineered flooring tends to be more affordable than traditional solid hardwood, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want durability and style.

Average Cost

Average cost including materials and labor is about $9.20 per sqft.

Modern interior with a dining area, hanging lights, and large windows showing trees. Stone staircase and art add elegance. Warm, inviting mood.

Hardwood Flooring Types

Traditional Hardwood

Solid wood planks (3 1/4 inches wide) such as oak, maple, and birch are popular choices. Unfinished flooring is less expensive but requires on-site finishing, which involves sanding and sealing the surface after installation. Professionals often sand the floor to smooth out imperfections or prepare it for refinishing. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times; sanding is a key step in the refinishing process to remove scratches and restore the wood’s surface. This process helps maintain the floor’s appearance and extends its lifespan.

Engineered Hardwood Floors

engineered wood floors have multiple layers topped with a real wood veneer, wider planks (5-7.5 inches), moisture resistant and suitable for areas with excess moisture. This construction provides greater stability and resistance to temperature changes compared to solid wood, making engineered wood floors a practical choice for Vancouver’s climate.

Pros and Cons

Traditional hardwood lasts longer and can be refinished multiple times but is pricier and less moisture resistant. Engineered hardwood floors are more stable and easier to install but have limited refinishing options.

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, island, and stools. Bright lighting, orchids on the counter, and a cozy corner sofa. Evening sky view.

Interior Design

Hardwood flooring can be chosen to match your style and complements many styles. Oak and maple offer durability and light tones; sustainable options like bamboo or reclaimed wood are available for eco-friendly homeowners. Finishes and installation patterns can customize the look.

Labor Costs

Hiring experienced installers for professional installation ensures a high quality result and avoids costly mistakes. Labor averages $2-$3 per sqft but can be higher for complex jobs or when installing trims and baseboards, as these finishing touches often require additional labor for precise fitting and a polished look. Make sure to include the cost of baseboards and any additional labor required for their installation in your overall labor estimate.

Material Costs

Oak and maple $4-$10 per sqft; exotic woods cost more. Additional materials like underlayment and adhesives add to costs.

Pre-Installation

Preparation for new flooring installation involves clearing rooms, acclimating wood to humidity and removing furniture. Proper prep prevents issues and ensures smooth installation.

Modern kitchen with island and orchid centerpiece. Sleek cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, wooden floor, and a bench dining area. Cozy lighting.

Vancouver Hardwood Flooring Installation: Process & Pricing Guide

Typically takes about a week: subfloor preparation, laying wood, acclimation and finishing. Post-installation care involves gentle cleaning and avoiding excess water—avoiding excess moisture is crucial to maintaining the quality of your floor.

DIY: How to Install Hardwood Flooring

DIY hardwood flooring can be a great way to update your space and potentially save on labour costs. Before you start, make sure to plan your project thoroughly and understand the steps involved to achieve a professional-looking result.

Start by choosing the right hardwood flooring for your needs, style and durability. Make sure to buy enough material to cover your square footage plus a little extra for mistakes or future repairs. Don’t forget to add underlayment and any installation hardware to your shopping list.

Subfloor preparation is a key step that shouldn’t be overlooked. The subfloor must be clean, dry and level to prevent issues with your new hardwood floors. Depending on the condition of your existing subfloor you may need to invest more time and money in repairs or leveling which can affect your overall cost.

When calculating your hardwood flooring cost remember to include not just the cost of the flooring itself but also any additional costs such as tools, adhesives, trim and disposal of old flooring. While you’ll save on professional labor costs, DIY installation can require more time and effort especially if you’re new to flooring projects.

Careful planning, accurate measurements and attention to detail is key to a successful installation. By considering all aspects of the project—from materials and subfloor preparation to unexpected expenses—you can better manage your budget and get beautiful long lasting hardwood floors in your home.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, center island, black stools, and orchids. Large windows show a forest view. Dining table with yellow flowers.

Benefits of Hardwood Floors

Increase home value, timeless beauty, easy maintenance and long term cost savings. Hardwood flooring is suitable for many rooms in the home including bedrooms due to its durability and comfort.

Choosing a Contractor

Look for experience, licenses, insurance and good reviews. Shop around and compare contractors to find the best combination of price and quality. Ask about past projects, timeline and detailed quotes.

Additional Costs

Consider delivery, installation fees, finishing, trim and potential repairs. Moisture damage isn’t usually covered by warranties. Installing hardwood in areas with high moisture such as bathrooms may require special materials or additional treatments which can add to overall cost.

Other Flooring Options

Engineered wood floors, vinyl flooring, tile, laminate and carpet offer different benefits and price points. Vinyl flooring is a cost effective and water resistant option especially for rooms prone to moisture. The best flooring option depends on the room and its requirements. Factor in overall cost and maintenance.

Other Flooring Options and Considerations

Before you install hardwood flooring, it’s important to explore all your flooring options. While hardwood floors are a classic choice known for their beauty, durability, and long-term value, installing hardwood floors is a significant investment. Understanding the full range of hardwood flooring costs and alternatives will help you choose the best option for your home and budget.

Alternatives like vinyl flooring, laminate, tile, and carpet each offer unique benefits that may be better suited for certain rooms or lifestyles. For example, vinyl and laminate are generally more affordable than hardwood, easier to install, and more resistant to moisture—making them practical choices for basements, bathrooms, or high-traffic areas. Tile is another durable option, especially in spaces prone to spills or excess moisture, while carpet provides warmth and comfort in bedrooms or family rooms.

When comparing hardwood flooring costs to other flooring options, consider not only the initial cost per square foot but also the long-term investment. Hardwood floors typically have a higher upfront cost but can increase your home’s value and last for decades with proper care. Engineered wood floors are an excellent alternative if you want the look of hardwood with added moisture resistance and a lower price point.

Think about your lifestyle and the specific needs of each room. If you have pets, children, or expect heavy wear and tear, you may want a flooring material that’s easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, if you value sustainability, hardwood and engineered wood offer eco-friendly choices, while vinyl and laminate provide budget-friendly alternatives. For more guidance, you can pick the right flooring colour for your home.

Ultimately, installing hardwood flooring is a big investment that may also require additional labour for preparation and finishing. Take the time to compare costs, durability, maintenance requirements, and personal style preferences across all your flooring options. By weighing these considerations, you can select the best flooring for your space and enjoy a beautiful, functional home for years to come.

Financing and Budgeting

Set a clear budget including all costs. Explore loans or low interest financing. Save by shopping around, off season installation or DIY prep work.

Comparing Quotes

Get multiple detailed quotes, evaluate materials, timelines and negotiate for the best deal.

Maintenance

Sweep or vacuum weekly, use hardwood cleaners monthly and refinish every 10 years or as needed.

Local Vancouver Tips

Vancouver’s wet climate means moisture management is crucial. Use dehumidifiers and mats in entryways to protect floors. Shop local retailers for seasonal sales and personalized advice. Visit showrooms to see samples and get expert guidance.

Cost Breakdown Table

Wood Type

Material Cost per Sq Ft

Labor Cost per Sq Ft

Typical Total Cost per Sq Ft

Oak

$4 - $10

$2 - $3

$6 - $13

Maple

$4 - $10

$2 - $3

$6 - $13

Engineered Wood

$3 - $13

$2 - $3

$5 - $16

Exotic Woods

$8 - $20+

$2 - $3

$10 - $23+

Customer Testimonials

"We chose engineered hardwood for our Vancouver basement and love how it holds up against moisture. The installation team was professional and efficient." — Sarah L.

"The oak floors we installed added so much warmth to our living room. The contractors did a great job with the baseboards and finishing." — Mark D.

FAQs

How much does hardwood flooring cost in Vancouver?

About $9,858 on average including materials and labor.

What types are available?

Solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.

Why hardwood over carpet?

Hardwood is clean, allergen free and adds value.

How long to install?

1-2 days installation; acclimation and finishing takes time.

How to prep?

Clear rooms and acclimate wood.

Additional costs?

Delivery, installation, finishing and trim.

Benefits of professional labor?

Quality installation avoids costly repairs.

Does hardwood add value?

Yes it’s a premium feature buyers want.

Can hardwood floors get damaged by moisture?

Yes, moisture can harm hardwood floors, causing warping or cracking. Proper humidity control is essential.

Are there eco-friendly hardwood options?

Yes, bamboo and reclaimed wood are sustainable choices.

Call to Action

Ready to transform your home with beautiful hardwood floors? Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized quote. Visit our Vancouver showroom to explore flooring options and get expert advice from our flooring specialists.

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