How Much to Rip Up Carpet and Put Down Hardwood Flooring

Replacing carpet with hardwood is a common home improvement that increases value, durability, and style. This article explains how much it costs to rip up carpet and put down hardwood, breaking down removal, materials, labor, subfloor work, and choices that drive price so readers can plan an accurate budget.

Project Element	Estimated Cost Range
Carpet Removal & Disposal (per room)	$50 – $300
Engineered Hardwood (materials)	$3 – $8 per sq ft
Solid Hardwood (materials)	$5 – $15+ per sq ft
Installation Labor	$3 – $8 per sq ft
Subfloor Repairs & Prep	$1 – $5 per sq ft
Total Typical Project (per 200 sq ft)	$2,000 – $8,000

Key Factors That Determine Total Cost

Several variables influence the final price: type of hardwood, flooring grade, square footage, condition of the subfloor, installation pattern, and geographic labor rates. Luxury species and complex layouts raise material and labor costs.

Carpet Removal And Disposal Costs

Carpet removal is the first step. Simple removal for a single room typically runs $50–$150, while whole-house removal can reach $300–$800 depending on size and labor. Professional removal includes padding and tack strip disposal.

Homeowners who remove carpet themselves save labor but must account for disposal fees. Many landfills or recycling centers charge $1–$3 per square yard or a flat drop-off fee.

Material Costs: Engineered Vs Solid Hardwood

Material choice is a major price driver. Engineered hardwood generally costs $3–$8 per sq ft and is stable for basements and over concrete. Solid hardwood costs $5–$15+ per sq ft depending on species like oak, maple, hickory, walnut, or exotic woods.

Pre-finished boards lower finishing costs. Unfinished solid hardwood requires sanding and finishing onsite, adding $2–$4 per sq ft for labor and materials.

Labor Costs For Installing Hardwood Flooring

Installation labor typically ranges from $3–$8 per sq ft for straightforward installs. Complex patterns, staircases, or custom inlays increase labor costs and may push labor to $10–$15 per sq ft in high-cost areas.

Labor includes acclimation, layout, fastening, and transitions. Nail-down or staple-down methods favor solid hardwood; floating or glue-down methods are common for engineered products.

Subfloor Prep And Repair Expenses

A sound subfloor is essential. Minor repairs and leveling cost about $1–$3 per sq ft. Extensive repairs, plywood replacement, or joist work can raise costs to $4–$8 per sq ft or more.

Preparation may include removal of tack strips, adhesive cleanup, moisture testing, and installing a moisture barrier or underlayment for engineered floors.

Additional Costs: Trim, Transitions, And Finishing

Finish carpentry—baseboards, shoe molding, and transition strips—adds $1–$3 per linear foot. Door trimming to fit new floor height typically costs $20–$75 per door. Expect $100–$600 extra for trim and thresholds in most projects.

Typical Project Examples And Ballpark Estimates

Examples illustrate ranges for a U.S. homeowner. Small Room (150 sq ft): engineered hardwood install could be $900–$2,000 total. Average Living Room (300 sq ft): engineered $1,800–$4,500; solid $2,500–$7,000. Whole House (1,500 sq ft): engineered $6,000–$18,000; solid $9,000–$40,000 depending on species and prep.

DIY Versus Hiring Professionals

DIY reduces labor costs but requires skill. DIY savings typically range from 30%–60% of total project cost, but mistakes on subfloor prep or installation can be costly. Tools such as flooring nailers, underlayment, and saws are required.

Hiring a pro ensures warranty, consistent quality, and often better speed. Licensed installers can also handle complex patterns, stairs, and finish work more reliably.

How To Calculate Costs For Your Space

To estimate, measure the room in square feet and add 5%–10% for waste and cuts. Use a cost-per-square-foot formula: Total Estimate = (Material Cost per sq ft + Labor Cost per sq ft + Subfloor Prep per sq ft) × Area + Removal + Trim.

For example, a 200 sq ft room using $5 material and $4 labor with $1 prep: (5+4+1)×200 = $2,000 plus $150 removal and $300 trim = $2,450.

Choosing The Right Hardwood For Budget And Performance

Domestic species like oak and maple offer balance of cost and durability. Oak typically provides the best value for wear and resale value. Walnut and exotic species are pricier and may require special maintenance.

Engineered hardwood is recommended for below-grade spaces or for homeowners who want a lower-cost, stable option that still looks like solid wood.

Common Installation Methods And Their Cost Impact

Nail-down and staple-down installations are common for solid hardwood and typically economical. Glue-down is common for engineered and concrete subfloors and may add time and material costs. Floating installs are fastest and often cheapest but suit only certain products.

Moisture, Climate, And Warranty Considerations

Moisture testing is crucial; excess moisture can void warranties and ruin hardwood. Expect an additional $50–$200 for moisture testing. Follow manufacturer acclimation instructions to protect warranty coverage.

Climate control during and after installation helps maintain humidity levels and prevent gapping or cupping.

Ways To Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

• Shop sales and remnants to get high-quality materials at reduced prices.
• Choose engineered hardwood in moisture-prone areas to avoid extra prep costs.
• Remove carpet and baseboards yourself to lower removal labor fees.
• Bundle multiple rooms to reduce per-room mobilization charges.
• Get three written quotes and check installer references and reviews.

Permit, Disposal, And Environmental Considerations

Most residential flooring projects do not require permits, but historic homes may have regulations. Recycling options for old carpet and padding reduce landfill impact and sometimes cost less.

Consider low-VOC finishes and certified wood (FSC) if sustainability is a priority; certified products can be slightly more expensive but benefit indoor air quality.

Timeline: How Long The Project Takes

Small rooms can be completed in one to three days. Larger or multiple rooms may take one to two weeks including acclimation time. Acclimation of hardwood typically requires 48–72 hours but may take longer in humid or very dry conditions.

Red Flags When Hiring Installers

Watch for large upfront deposits, lack of references, no written estimate, or reluctance to provide a written warranty. Reputable installers provide a clear contract, proof of insurance, and references.

Sample Checklist For Getting Accurate Quotes

1. Provide exact square footage and room layout photos.
2. Specify hardwood type, finish, and installation pattern.
3. Ask if price includes removal, disposal, underlayment, and trim.
4. Request timeline, warranty details, and payment schedule.
5. Confirm moisture testing and subfloor prep charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Carpet Per Square Foot?

Carpet removal ranges from for simple jobs, but most pros charge flat fees per room or per hour, with disposal included in higher-end estimates.

Is It Cheaper To Install Engineered Or Solid Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is generally cheaper and more dimensionally stable, particularly over concrete or radiant heat, while solid hardwood costs more and may appreciate more in certain markets.

Can Hardwood Be Installed Over Existing Subfloors Without Removing Plywood?

Often yes, if the existing subfloor is level, dry, and structurally sound. Thin underlayments or self-leveling compounds can address minor issues without full replacement.

Will Replacing Carpet With Hardwood Increase Home Value?

Yes. Hardwood is a high-return renovation in many U.S. markets. Potential resale value improvement depends on quality, consistency throughout the house, and buyer preferences.

Practical Next Steps For Homeowners

Measure rooms, decide on hardwood type, and obtain three detailed bids. Include inspection of subfloor and moisture testing in every estimate to avoid unexpected costs.

Plan for a contingency budget of 10%–20% for unforeseen subfloor repair, specialty trim, or schedule delays.

Contact local flooring professionals for in-home estimates and compare warranties before committing to purchase or installation services.