Cost to Hardwood Floor Installation in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
If you’re budgeting a hardwood floor installation in Salt Lake City, most projects run $2,923-$11,692, 3% below the $6,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Wood Species. On its own it can swing the cost by $2,500 - $10,000 for 500 sq ft, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Choose red oak over exotic species. Red oak is the most affordable solid hardwood at $3-$7 per square foot, and it takes stain well enough to mimic pricier woods.
In the Mountain West (where Salt Lake City sits): Growing demand pushing labor costs up.
$2,923-$11,692 in Salt Lake City
3% below the national average · 0.97x cost multiplier
Homeowners in Salt Lake City typically spend $2,923-$11,692 on a hardwood floor installation, about 3% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Mountain West region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.
Cost Breakdown in Salt Lake City
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $6 | $13 | $24 |
| Materials | $2,288 | $3,640 | $7,800 |
| Labor | $1,748 | $2,623 | $3,934 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $4,036-10% vs. national avg | $6,263-11% vs. national avg | $12,254-2% vs. national avg |
Budget
Engineered oak, floating installation, minimal subfloor prep, standard layout for 500 sq ft
Mid-Range
Solid red oak, nail-down installation, stain to match existing trim, standard layout for 500 sq ft
Premium
Walnut or white oak, nail-down installation, custom stain, complex layout with borders or patterns for 500 sq ft
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Salt Lake City may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red Oak (Solid) | $3-$7/sq ft | Most homes, traditional or transitional stylesMost popular species, takes stain well, widely available, durable |
| White Oak (Solid) | $4-$10/sq ft | Modern and farmhouse styles, high-traffic areasHarder than red oak, water-resistant, modern aesthetic, ages beautifully |
| Maple (Solid) | $4-$9/sq ft | Contemporary spaces, light-colored floor plansVery hard and durable, light clean look, resists denting |
| Cherry (Solid) | $5-$12/sq ft | Formal rooms, traditional homesRich warm color, darkens beautifully with age, elegant grain |
| Walnut (Solid) | $7-$15/sq ft | Premium remodels, statement floorsRich dark color, premium look, unique grain patterns |
| Engineered Hardwood | $3-$14/sq ft | Basements, condos, over concrete, radiant heat systemsWorks over concrete and radiant heat, more stable in humidity, wide plank options |
| Bamboo | $4.50-$6.50/sq ft | Eco-conscious homeowners, modern spacesEco-friendly, very hard (strand-woven), affordable mid-range option |
Other Projects in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Estimate
Typical Range
$2,923-$11,692
vs. National Average
3% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.97x
Cost Per sq ft
$6-$24
This 0.97x estimate prices Salt Lake City labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →