The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring: Is It Worth It for Your Home?

Is hardwood flooring worth it?

For living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways, yes. Hardwood costs more to buy than LVP or laminate, but it's the only one of the three that can be sanded and refinished to look new again. A well-cared-for hardwood floor can outlast several cheaper floors. It also adds real value when you sell, and most people simply love living with it.

We're Vision Flooring in Everett, WA. We install and refinish hardwood every week, and we also install LVP and laminate. So here's an honest look at where hardwood shines, and where something else makes more sense.

Do hardwood floors increase home value?

Yes, and they're among the best-returning interior projects. In the National Association of Realtors' 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, new wood flooring recovered an estimated 118% of its cost at resale, and refinishing existing hardwood recovered about 147%. Both also earned the report's top "Joy Score" from homeowners.

If you already have hardwood, even under carpet, refinishing it before you sell is often one of the smartest things you can do.

How long do hardwood floors last?

Decades, and often the life of the home, with basic care. The finish is what wears, not the wood. A screen and recoat every 5–7 years refreshes the finish, and a full sand and refinish brings the wood itself back when it's needed. Engineered hardwood lasts a long time too, but how many times it can be sanded depends on the thickness of its top layer.

See refinish, recoat or just clean? and our care guide.

Are hardwood floors better than carpet?

For allergies, cleaning and lifespan, usually yes. Carpet traps dust, pet dander and pollen, and it wears out and gets replaced. Hardwood can be cleaned with a dust mop and refinished for decades. Mayo Clinic's allergy guidance even recommends replacing carpet with hardwood or other hard flooring. Carpet is softer and quieter, but area rugs on hardwood give you both. Read more in hardwood floors: a healthy choice.

What styles of hardwood can I choose from?

Almost any look you want, from the species and plank width to the stain, sheen and pattern.

• Species: red and white oak are the most popular and durable. Hickory is harder still. Maple is smooth and light. Walnut and exotic woods add rich color.
• Width: classic narrow strips or modern wide planks.
• Color: natural, or stained anything from pale gray to deep espresso. See our floor stain colors.
• Sheen: matte, satin or semi-gloss.
• Details: borders, inlays and stairs that match the floor.

Is there hardwood under my carpet?

In many older homes, yes. Oak floors were often carpeted over decades ago. Lift a corner of carpet in a closet or at a floor vent to check. If you find hardwood, a sand and refinish can often bring it back for far less than new flooring. Some boards may need repair where tack strips or pets left marks.

How much do hardwood floors cost?

Installation labor for prefinished nail-down hardwood is about $3 per sq ft, plus material. Unfinished hardwood is about $3 per sq ft to install, plus $4–$6 per sq ft to sand and finish on site, and $0.75–$1.50 per sq ft for stain. Refinishing an existing hardwood floor is about $4–$6 per sq ft.

Example, 500 sq ft: about $1,500 in labor for new prefinished hardwood, or about $2,000–$3,000 to refinish hardwood you already have. Projects have an $800 minimum. Try our free flooring calculator, or learn how it all works in our hardwood installation guide.