However, the simplest/most generalized answer is that hardwood floors can last anywhere from 25 to 100 years, potentially even longer. The most common types of hardwood used for flooring are oak, maple, and cherry. These woods are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
In the same respect, most properly maintained hardwood floors can go anywhere from 20 to 30 years without needing any significant work done. Their longevity makes hardwood floors a great investment for any house. However, there will come a time when every hardwood floor will need to either be refinished or replaced.
Hardwood floor installation will cost between $3 to $14 per square foot on average. The national average for a hardwood floor installation is $2,500 to $7,300. Affordable hardwood options include pine, which starts at $4.50 per square foot, while imported walnut hardwood could cost as much as $20 per square foot.
The Best Time of Year to Buy Flooring
In fact, it's usually right around the New Year. Unlike cars, boats, and appliances that change models every year, flooring prices drop around the New Year because that is when demand is at its lowest and warehouses are willing to make deals to move product.
Foot Traffic and Wear
Over time, this can lead to all kinds of wood floor damage. For homes with children, pets, or frequent gatherings, refinishing may be necessary every 7–10 years. In contrast, floors in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms or formal dining rooms, might only need refinishing every 10–15 years.
Refinishing can make the floor look new again and a new stain color can change the look entirely. However, if you're not happy with the wood floor design – type of wood, size of the planks, or basic layout – you will have to replace the floor itself.
You can still choose to refinish without sanding, but the new stain may accentuate existing scratches in the wood rather than cover them. Water damage or pet stains that penetrate the finish into the actual floorboards may also require a full on sanding of the floor.
Greige and white oak are two of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring when it comes to house resale. They provide timeless elegance and neutrality, making them ideal for any home.
Solid hardwood flooring lasts 30 to 100 years (or more), while engineered hardwood flooring can last at least 20 to 30 years. Your floor's life span depends on the type of wood, the quality of the product, how it was installed, where it is located, and whether it receives regular maintenance.
Overall, winter can be an excellent time to find good deals. Late December to January are popular times to shop for floors as many people wind down after the holiday season.
Installing hardwood floors in a 1000 sq ft area typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $16,000.
Estimates show that hardwood floors can provide an ROI of 70-80%, meaning you can recoup most of your investment when selling your home. This makes hardwood flooring a smart choice for homeowners looking to increase their property's marketability and resale value.
Cost Considerations
When comparing hardwood and carpet, hardwood flooring is usually the more expensive option. The average cost of carpet per square foot is $3, whereas the average price of hardwood floors per square foot is $8.
The best way to clean hardwood floors and keep them in shape is to stick to a regular schedule of maintenance. Sweep, dust or dry mop daily. Vacuum weekly. Clean heavy-traffic areas with a damp mop twice a month.
Short Answer: Yes – Old Flooring Should Be Removed
Any time you hear “renovation” it means there's some demo involved. In the case of a flooring renovation the bulk of the demo work is usually removing the old flooring. (Removing old quarter-round and trim might also be necessary.)
Refinishing could save you roughly $4 per square foot compared to replacing the floors. For a 1,000 square foot area, that's a potential savings of $4,000. To replace hardwood floors, you could expect to pay $6 to $12 per square foot as of 2025.
Hickory (1,820) is the hardest domestic wood species available. Its natural grain patterns do an excellent job hiding scratches and dents, so it's perfect for homes with kids and pets. Many manufacturers choose hickory specifically for their most durable flooring lines.
Simply put, if your current floors are mostly just looking drab and dull, or if they have surface-level damage, you can probably save them. If they have deeper problems, you may need to replace them.
Buff and polish it
Buffing your floor is a great way to breathe new life into it without having to go the whole hog and resand it. In very simple terms, a buffer is a machine with a heavy rotating pad that uses its movement to create a professional looking finish on tired wood flooring.
And lastly, grey and white-washed hardwood floors provide a contemporary yet timeless appeal. Choosing any of these hardwood floor colors that never go out of style will ensure your home maintains its elegance and value over time.
What Flooring Adds the Most Value? Hardwood flooring has long been the top choice for homebuyers and remains so today. According to Realtor.com, installing new hardwood floors may increase a home's value by as much as 2.5%, though some realtors place that figure at 6 to 10% or more.
Prime grade or AB-grade wood flooring is the highest quality of hardwood flooring that you can find. The wood in this grade has been carefully selected, and it features a minimal amount of natural defects like knots, sapwood, and grain irregularities.
Perform thorough cleaning on your floor and ensure it's dry. Add a bit of wood floor polish along with the room's corners, ensuring it takes the S shape. Then carefully spread the polishing with a flat-surface mop. Always work with the wood grain.
Overall, professional floor refinishers will charge anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot. The cost jumps a bit to between $5 and $8 per square foot for the less-disruptive dustless refinishing method—a process that requires commercial vacuums.