How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors?

The cost to install 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000. This includes both materials and labor, with factors like wood species, plank width, and finish impacting the total price. Engineered hardwood may cost less than solid hardwood. For competitive pricing and nationwide delivery, shop quality hardwood flooring at Georgia Carpet.

What type of hardwood flooring is best?

The best type of hardwood flooring depends on your needs. Solid hardwood offers long-term durability and can be refinished multiple times, while engineered hardwood provides greater moisture resistance and is ideal for basements or humid climates. Popular choices include oak, hickory, and maple. Georgia Carpet carries a wide selection of both solid and engineered hardwood from trusted brands.

What is the best grade of hardwood flooring?

Clear grade is considered the highest grade of hardwood flooring, featuring minimal color variation and virtually no knots. Select grade is also high quality, offering a clean, uniform look with slight natural character. Lower grades like #1 Common or Rustic show more variation and are often used for a natural, distressed style. Georgia Carpet offers hardwood flooring in all grades to suit your style and budget.

How much does 1,500 square feet of hardwood cost?

Installing 1,500 square feet of hardwood flooring can cost between $9,000 and $18,000, depending on the type of hardwood, installation method, and your location. Engineered options may cost less than traditional solid wood. Explore affordable hardwood flooring options at Georgia Carpet and get expert help finding the right product for your space.

Why Hardwood Flooring?

Today’s hardwood flooring is built for modern living—offering the warmth and beauty of wood in both real planks and high-performance alternatives. From luxury vinyl to WPC and laminate, many floors now feature ultra-realistic visuals of popular species like oak, maple, and birch. If you're searching for the look of waterproof hardwood, these advanced materials offer a durable, affordable solution with the same natural appeal.

While synthetic floors come close, nothing matches the authentic beauty and feel of real hardwood flooring. For those seeking timeless style and lasting value, solid hardwood remains the gold standard. At Georgia Carpet, we offer discount hardwood flooring from top brands—making it easy to bring natural elegance into your home without overspending.

Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is available in two major types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Although both are made of 100% hardwood, they have some notable differences regarding where you can place them, how they respond and refinishing:

Solid hardwood flooring: A solid hardwood floor is sliced right out of the tree in one piece, giving you an unadulterated cross-section visual. This enhances the grain's linear qualities, which run straight down each board for a striking look. Beyond this, each plank has milled tongues and grooves and will likely be stained and sealed for improved water resistance. A solid hardwood floor can also be sanded and refinished multiple times over. This action requires the utmost care when it comes to maintenance and refinishing.

Engineered hardwood flooring features a real wood top layer with a multi-layer plywood core, making it more stable and resistant to moisture than solid wood. Its cross-layered construction reduces the risk of warping and makes it ideal for installation over concrete subfloors. Engineered planks are often wider, adding a modern touch to any space.

While most engineered floors can’t be fully refinished, some styles allow light sanding or spot treatments. Always check the care instructions for your specific product to understand its long-term maintenance needs.

Is Engineered Hardwood Considered Real Hardwood?

Yes—according to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), engineered hardwood flooring qualifies as real hardwood. Though it features a plywood or HDF core, the top veneer is made from genuine wood, giving it the same natural beauty and style as solid planks. It’s simply a more stable, versatile alternative with the same authentic hardwood look.

Other Factors to Consider

Home resale value: Whether solid or engineered, wood flooring adds value to a home. Despite its higher price, it is considered a fabulous investment and is guaranteed to increase your property's value. Your home will possess a timeless look and have an aura of luxury.

Hardwood Flooring on a Budget

If you're shopping on a budget, laminate or vinyl flooring are cost-effective and durable alternatives—but few options match the luxury and visual appeal of real hardwood floors. For a more affordable hardwood choice, consider character-grade flooring, which features natural knots, mineral streaks, and bold grain patterns that add rustic charm and uniqueness to any space.

At Georgia Carpet, we carry leading names in hardwood flooring known for quality, style, and value. Shaw Flooring is a trusted industry leader, offering a wide range of styles at competitive prices. Mannington is another top choice, recognized for innovation and design excellence in engineered hardwood flooring.

You'll also find options from American Hardwood, Bruce Kennedale, Chesapeake, Triangulo, and our own Georgia Carpet private label. From rich, dramatic tones to light and airy finishes, our selection includes something for every design vision and budget.

Ordering Hardwood Flooring Direct

Ready to take the plunge and purchase hardwood flooring? At Georgia Carpet, we offer a wide selection of discount hardwood, so homeowners and business owners within any budget can easily find what they need. Shopping for hardwood online may seem complicated, but our website makes it easy. Georgia Carpet is an authorized dealer for dozens of industry leaders, and we're one of the top flooring distributors in the United States. Since 1969, our extensive brand selections, our prices and our dedication to customer service have made us one of the best places to shop for all your flooring needs!

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, you’ll enjoy benefits like:

Timeless, natural beauty

Long lifespan and strong resale value

Compatibility with a wide range of décor styles

Easy cleaning and allergen reduction

Refinishing potential for extended durability (solid only)

Where to Install Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring performs best in low-moisture environments. Solid hardwood is ideal for upper-level floors, hallways, and main living areas. Engineered hardwood can be used in more moisture-prone areas like kitchens, basements, and even powder rooms, provided proper installation guidelines are followed.