One day, you’re staring at your scratched-up floors thinking they’ve seen better days, and the next, you’re deep in a rabbit hole of renovation costs and resale estimates. It’s a familiar homeowner dilemma: spend money now in hopes of making more later, or leave things as they are and save your cash. After all, not every home improvement project delivers the return you expect. That naturally leads to the question: does new flooring increase home value?
A Top Agent Can Help You Prepare Your Home
A top-rated real estate agent can guide you in selecting the best flooring and other value-boosting preparations to get the most return out of your investment. HomeLight’s data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more.
The answer isn’t always straightforward because it depends on factors like the type of flooring, the condition of your current floors, and what buyers in your area expect to see. Some upgrades can make a home feel fresh, modern, and move-in ready, while others may barely register with potential buyers.
Before you start tearing up carpet or pricing out hardwood planks, it helps to understand when new flooring is worth the investment.
Does new flooring increase home value?
Yes, new flooring can increase home value by 2% to 5%, and sometimes more than homeowners expect. Think about it: buyers may overlook a dated light fixture or two, but it’s hard to ignore carpet that has survived a decade of muddy shoes, pet accidents, and mystery stains. Because flooring covers so much visual real estate, it plays a big role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of the home.
Leighann Nash, a top real estate agent in Atlanta, considers flooring one of the more affordable upgrades that can deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). She says that spending a few thousand dollars to replace worn-out carpet, especially in homes with pets, can make a noticeable difference in both buyer appeal and home value.
Hardwood floors, in particular, tend to perform well, with some estimates placing their ROI at around 75%, though other flooring materials can also add value when chosen strategically. And it’s not just buyers who appreciate the upgrade.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report, new wood flooring earned a joy score of 9.1 out of 10, suggesting that homeowners themselves are highly satisfied with the results. So the real question isn’t just whether new flooring adds value, but rather how to make sure every dollar you spend on those new floors works as hard as possible for you.
In the section below, we outlined pro tips to make the most of your flooring investment.
1. Invest in hardwood flooring for maximum ROI
Hardwood floors are a classic choice that continues to impress buyers. Historically, hardwood flooring has been a staple in American homes, evolving from simple planks to intricate designs. Today, it’s still very highly valued.
In fact, an Angi survey found that more than a quarter of Americans (28%) consider hardwood flooring the luxury upgrade they value most.
Hardwood floors are both timeless and durable. Unlike carpet, which typically needs replacing every five years, hardwood can last much longer with proper care. Regular recoating every three to five years and refinishing every eight to 10 years help maintain their longevity and versatility.
How much does hardwood flooring cost?
Installing hardwood floors can cost quite a bit depending on a few key factors. On average, you’re looking at somewhere between $2,470 and $7,030 for installation, with most people landing around $4,720.
That price usually includes both materials and labor, but it can shift based on the type of wood you choose, the size of the space, and whether your floors need extra prep work like removing old flooring or fixing the subfloor. Location also plays a role, and costs can swing depending on how simple or complex the job is.
Because of all these moving parts, the easiest way to get a clearer picture is to get a few quotes from local contractors. If you want a quick ballpark estimate, Angi has a Hardwood Flooring Cost Calculator where you can plug in your ZIP code and get pricing tailored to your area and project details.
How do types of hardwood vary in cost?
Hardwood flooring isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all situation. Different wood types can come with very different price tags. Before you start comparing quotes or falling in love with a finish, it helps to understand how the type of hardwood you choose can seriously swing your total cost. Below are some common hardwood choices, along with their typical price ranges:
- Maple: $4-$15 per square foot
- Red oak: $5-$11 per square foot
- White oak: $5-$12 per square foot
- Hickory: $6-$14 per square foot
- White ash: $6-$14 per square foot
- Brazilian walnut (ipe): $9-$15 per square foot
»Learn more: Before you commit to new flooring (or other renovation projects), it’s worth figuring out what might actually be making buyers hesitate so you’re not spending money in the wrong places. Use the Buyer Fear Finder widget to uncover potential deal-breakers now, so your upgrades actually pay off when it comes time to sell.
2. Explore budget-friendly alternatives
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider alternatives that mimic the look of hardwood:
Vinyl Flooring
Versatile and affordable, vinyl comes in various designs, including faux wood and tile. It’s durable but less so than real wood, but with proper care, it can last for 20 years. Vinyl sheets cost $1 to $2 per square foot, while planks and tiles cost about $1.50 to $12 per square foot. Homeowners typically can install those themselves.
Linoleum
This eco-friendly long-wearing choice costs $2 to $5 per square foot for sheets, $3 to $6 per square foot for planks, and $4 to $7 per square foot for tiles. It’s renewable, recyclable, and requires resealing every five years. Installing linoleum flooring costs $1,760 on average, depending on the square footage. Most spend between $650 and $4,800, or $3 to $12 per square foot.
Hardwood with character
Hardwood flooring comes in various grades, reflecting its natural imperfections and unique features. For a more affordable option, consider oak with noticeable color variations, knots, and streaks. “Rustic” or “utility” grade wood offers these distinctive features at a lower cost. Alternatively, stained and sealed plywood planks can provide a rustic appearance for about $5 per square foot.
Carpet tiles
For a flooring refresh, consider carpet tiles priced from $2.50 to $11 per square foot in various colors and patterns. Traditional carpet, also known as “broadloom” carpet, is more affordable upfront, ranging from $1 to $8 per square foot.
Painted floors
Specialized paint can revitalize wood, cement, tile, or linoleum surfaces, and preparation products ensure a smooth finish. One gallon of paint starts at $70.
Checking out these more budget-friendly flooring options can help you get the look you want without blowing your budget. And it’s not just about looks. Good flooring choices can still boost your home’s value and give you a solid return on investment. Whether you go with vinyl, linoleum, carpet tiles, or even something as simple as a fresh coat of paint, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your space without sacrificing style or long-term value.
3. Choose flooring based on room use
Flooring should be chosen based on the room’s function and traffic. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, durable materials such as ceramic tile or hardwoods like oak or hickory are ideal. Avoid solid wood in basements or bathrooms due to humidity issues. Instead, go for engineered wood.
Nash has seen that buyers are all about tile in the bathrooms and hardwood in the main living areas.
The condition of your flooring underneath can also affect both your budget and what type of flooring you end up choosing. For example, if you pull up carpet and discover concrete or tile underneath, you’ll need to go with something like a click-together floating floor or a glue-down option, basically anything that doesn’t require nails.
4. Select timeless, wide-appeal colors
When it comes to flooring, color can make a big difference in how a home feels day to day, and not just when it’s time to sell. Choosing timeless, wide-appeal tones keeps your space looking fresh now while also staying attractive to future buyers, whenever that day comes. Here are some colors worth considering:
- Neutral shades like warm oak, natural blonde wood, light beige, and soft greige are popular because they pair easily with almost any furniture or decor style. They also have a fresh and airy appeal.
- Soft gray-brown blends (sometimes called taupe or “weathered oak”) offer a modern feel without going too cool or trendy.
- Warm tones such as honey and chestnut provide a cozy, inviting feel.
- Nature-inspired colors, such as reclaimed wood and earthy greens, along with sustainable flooring options, are gaining traction, as people are increasingly drawn to calming, organic-looking interiors.
- Mid-tone browns are also a go-to since they feel cozy and grounded without leaning too trendy or too plain. These colors tend to be forgiving with everyday wear, which makes them practical for long-term living.
Sticking with classic, versatile tones means you get a home that feels comfortable and stylish for you now, while still keeping strong resale appeal in your back pocket. Avoid overly dark shades that show dust and footprints. They can also sometimes feel too specific or date themselves quickly depending on design trends.
5. Ensure a seamless flooring flow
When you’re updating your flooring, consistency really matters. You don’t want every room to look like it belongs in a different house with mismatched colors or finishes. That’s where pros can really help, since they can sand, refinish, and blend everything so the floors feel smooth and cohesive from room to room.
Beyond just boosting your home’s value and ROI, a well-planned flooring upgrade also makes the whole space feel more connected and easy on the eyes.
“You definitely don’t want to walk into the foyer that’s a cherry color, and then your dining room and your living room off to the left and the right are three shades lighter,” Nash said. “You want to match it to what you already have as best as you can so that you get that flow feeling when the buyer first walks in the door.”
It can be helpful to see what your home is worth before embarking on any renovations. HomeLight’s free tool makes it easy to get a preliminary estimate of value within minutes.Get a Home Value Estimate Before You Replace Flooring
Long-term cost of ownership vs. initial ROI
When planning flooring upgrades, it’s easy to get laser-focused on upfront ROI and overlook long-term considerations that come after the installation. Hardwood gets a lot of credit for boosting home value, but it’s not exactly “set it and forget it” flooring. Over the years, it may need refinishing, some repairs here and there, and a bit of upkeep if life gets messy with pets or kids.
Meanwhile, options like vinyl or laminate might not wow buyers as much at first, but they’re usually way easier (and cheaper) to live with day to day. Carpet can also look budget-friendly upfront, but it tends to wear out faster and might need replacing sooner than you think.
Rather than focusing solely on projected ROI figures, consider also the long-term implications of your flooring choice and what it will require to maintain over time. The best choice is the one that balances resale appeal with long-term practicality and peace of mind.
Flooring as your home’s foundation
New flooring can definitely increase your home’s value, but how much you get back depends on the materials, design choices, and quality of installation. In many cases, it’s a smart upgrade that improves both everyday comfort and future resale appeal.
Still, not every flooring project delivers the same return, so it pays to be strategic before you start tearing anything out. A thoughtful update can make your home feel more modern, cohesive, and move-in ready, things buyers notice right away. Before you dive into renovations, check your home’s current value using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator so you can plan your next steps with a clearer picture.
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