Cost to Install 500 Sq Ft of Solid Hardwood Flooring
Updated July 2026 · Pricing data from Floormath's flooring cost model
Budgeting a 500 sq ft hardwood job? Across all 7 product tiers in Floormath's model, installed totals span $3,720–$10,720, with the typical mid-range project near $5,970.
500 sq ft cost by product tier
| Product tier | Material | Installed range | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak — Domestic | $5.49/sf | $3,720–$6,594 | $5,020 |
| Hard Maple — Domestic | $6.49/sf | $4,270–$7,144 | $5,570 |
| Engineered Oak — Stable | $6.49/sf | $3,770–$7,144 | $5,320 |
| Hickory — Hardest Domestic | $6.99/sf | $4,657–$7,832 | $5,970 |
| White Oak — Premium Domestic | $7.49/sf | $4,657–$8,382 | $6,244 |
| Brazilian Cherry / Exotic | $9.99/sf | $5,870–$10,720 | $7,744 |
| American Walnut — Luxury | $10.99/sf | $6,420–$10,720 | $8,294 |
Totals include 10% material waste and professional installation.
How 500 sq ft compares to other project sizes
| Area | Budget | Typical | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 sq ft | $1,071 | $1,719 | $3,087 |
| 200 sq ft | $1,488 | $2,388 | $4,288 |
| 300 sq ft | $2,232 | $3,582 | $6,432 |
| 500 sq ft | $3,720 | $5,970 | $10,720 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $7,439 | $11,939 | $21,439 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $11,158 | $17,908 | $32,159 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $14,878 | $23,878 | $42,878 |
Scaling up or down? These numbers move almost perfectly linearly with area, so a quick estimate for any size is your square footage times $7.44–$21.44. The calculator does the exact math with your state's labor factored in.
Price your 500 sq ft project with your own state's labor rates
Run the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
How much material should I order for 500 sq ft?
Order about 550 sq ft — the standard 10% waste allowance covers cuts, mistakes, and a few spare boards for future repairs. Diagonal layouts and patterned installs need 15%+.
Does 500 sq ft qualify for bulk pricing?
Yes — most suppliers break pricing at 500 and 1,000 sq ft, and installers will sharpen day rates for multi-room continuous work.
Can I save by installing 500 sq ft myself?
DIY removes the labor line — roughly $2,125 on a job this size at national-average rates. This material is one of the harder DIY installs; most homeowners hire out.