Does Wood Flooring Increase Home Value? Here’s What the Experts Say

Of all the home remodels that are wanted and worth it, number one is wood flooring. From hardwood planks to engineered wood with modern finishes, the question on everyone's mind is: does wood flooring really pay for itself?

Short answer: yes. Long answer: quality, installation, consumer preferences, regional market conditions. What wood floor experts and real estate professionals have to say about the impact of wood flooring on home value—and maximizing the benefits of this timeless makeover—is unpacked in this article.

Why Buyers Love Wood Flooring

Before we get into the numbers, a brief aside on why wood flooring is so well-liked, to begin with:

Aesthetic Appeal: Wood floors are warm, sophisticated, and luxurious. They look great with nearly any interior design style, from modern minimalism to country cuteness.
Endurance: Hardwood floors, with proper care, endure decades—even a hundred years, occasionally.
Low Maintenance: Wood will not attract dust or allergens like carpet will. It's a cleaner, healthier option.

What Do the Experts Say?

The experts consider these factors while suggesting the wood flooring.

1. Return on Investment (ROI)

On the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2022 Remodeling Impact Report:

New hardwood flooring has a 118% cost recovery factor.
Refinishing existing hardwood floors recoups 147% of its investment.

That is, not only will the cash be recovered, but you'll even be making money on it if and when you sell again in most situations.

2. Consumer Preferences

A National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) survey found that:

82% of real estate agents reported that homes with hardwood floors sold faster and for more dollars.
54% of potential home buyers would pay extra for a home with hardwood floors.
These numbers make hardwood floor homes the crown jewel in a hot market, and more desirable, and maybe even propel the sale.

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood: Is It Significant?

Engineered wood and solid hardwood flooring can increase the value of a home—but the level of effect will vary based on quality, location, and purchaser demand.

Solid Hardwood

Will not warp under pressure and can be refinished several times.
Gives additional perceived value in higher-end or heritage settings.
Costly and more prone to warping in wet spaces.

Engineered Wood

Made up of a hardwood veneer over several layers of plywood.
Less expensive and less prone to warping in wet spaces, such as basements.
Less refinishing needed but still plenty of eye candy and resale value.

Pro tip: Luxury home buyers may prefer the real thing: genuine hardwood. In a mid-range or contemporary home, engineered wood will probably be worth its weight.

What About Laminate or Wood-Look Floors

Laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has come a long way both in terms of looks and performance. Yes, those wood-grain imitations may bring on purchasing excitement, but they won't usually bring on resale value as often as the genuine article: wood flooring.

Yes, in budget homes or apartment rentals, solid laminate or LVP are cheap. They save money, look attractive, and are easy to mop clean.

Regional Trends: Location Is Everything

The effect of wood flooring on the value of a property can be local as well. In upscale urban centers such as San Francisco, Boston, or New York, it is hard floors that every home possesses, and houses that lack it are out-of-date.

In hot, humid climates such as the Gulf Coast or Florida, tile or wood-block flooring that simulates wood may be flipped on occasion with an aversion to water.

Never ever forget always what's normal in your home marketplace. If homes in your home marketplace do have wood floors, carpeting or cost-cutting substitutes would lower your worth.

Things That Influence Value Boost

Here’s more on tips that can make your wood flooring valuable.

1. Installation Quality

No matter the cost of flooring, it would be of no use to your house if the fit is not good. Squeak, gap, or lump would be disappointing to potential buyers.

2. Flow and Continuity

Hardwood flooring in large main living spaces (hall, dining room, living room, and kitchen) offers a smooth transition that is desirable to homebuyers. Other flooring is stumpy textured and loses its appearance.

3. Condition and Maintenance

Squeaky, buckled, or gummied wood floors are fine. Refinish your wood floors and have them appear as new and enjoy huge resale advantage if you do have wood flooring.

4. Design and Finish

Neutral wood color shades such as walnut, oak, or whitewash finishes are more desirable to more potential customers. Dark red or yellow is said by some to no longer be "in fashion."

Cost vs. Value: Worth the Investment?

Keeping that myth-buster in consideration, let's consider estimated cost ranges (as of 2025 estimates):

Though the initial. cost will be steep, long-term home value appreciation and buyer desirability will reap rewards for you—particularly if resale within a few years is an attractive option.

The Last Word: Is it Worth Going Wood Flooring?

Do hardwood floors increase the value of homes? Yes. But responsibly, that is to say, using the appropriate materials, finishes, and installation in your home's aesthetic and marketplace.

Here's a rapid overview to guide you:

Selling in 2–5 years? Wood flooring will increase pace and sale price.
Hardwood already installed? Refinish, not replace—it provides higher ROI.
Covering deceased vinyl or carpet? Engineered wood may be the perfect compromise.
Looking for lasting, timeless? Hardwood is difficult to beat.

Conclusion

Wood flooring is more than a fleeting fad—it's an intelligent investment. With greater longevity, timeless beauty, and proven returns, it's one of the most financially smart means of flipping your home's interior and resale on its side.

Regardless of solid hardwood, engineered, or luxury refinish, all the experts concur: wood flooring contributes real value—to the look of your home and its wallet.