How Much Does Hardwood Floor Installation Cost in Chicago, IL?

Chicago pricing is 15% above the national average. Updated for 2026.

Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Chicago's finance-manufacturing-logistics economy.See our methodology

Low End
$7
Average
$12
High End
$21
per sq ft (installed)
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Hardwood Floor Installation Pricing in Chicago, IL

In Chicago, hardwood floor installation costs are 15% above the national average, reflecting the city's finance-manufacturing-logistics-driven economy. The union-heavy labor market means you have decent options when shopping for quotes. Most residents with a population base of 2.7M find the pricing competitive relative to the local cost of living.

Local climate plays a direct role in hardwood floor installation costs here. Brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects.

Market-specific factors matter in Chicago: strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks.

Chicago has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your hardwood floor installation project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.

Chicago vs National Average

Chicago Average
$12
National Average
$10
Difference
+15%
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What Affects Hardwood Floor Installation Cost in Chicago?

Wood Type

Oak: $6-$12/sq ft. Maple: $7-$13/sq ft. Walnut: $10-$18/sq ft. Brazilian cherry: $12-$22/sq ft

Solid vs Engineered

Solid: $8-$18/sq ft. Engineered: $6-$14/sq ft

Chicago Market Conditions

strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks

Local Climate Impact

brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects

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Top-Rated Hardwood Floor Installation Pros in Chicago, IL

6 providers

BuildRight Interiors

โญ PREMIUM
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…3.5(123 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 670 Center St, Chicago, IL๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2020
โœ“ InsuredBBB: A+โšก Usually responds in 4 hours

Serving Chicago and surrounding areas since 2020. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.

Modern Edge Construction

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.8(120 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 176 Oak Ave, Chicago, IL๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 1993
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: A+

Dream Home Kitchen & Bath

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.6(140 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 688 Industrial Blvd, Chicago, IL๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 1995
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: A+

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Tips to Save on Hardwood Floor Installation in Chicago

  • 1.Engineered hardwood costs less and works in more situations than solid
  • 2.Choose domestic species (oak, maple) over exotic for significant savings
  • 3.Buy material during holiday sales
  • 4.Have all rooms done at once for volume discounts
  • 5.Chicago has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
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๐Ÿ“ˆ Hardwood Floor Installation in Chicago Cost Trends (2020โ€“2024)

Prices have increased +9.1% over the last 5 years

$11
2020
$11
2021
$12
2022
$12
2023
$12
2024
YearNational AvgYoY Change
2020$11โ€”
2021$11+0.0%
2022$12+9.1%
2023$12+0.0%
2024$12+0.0%

Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Did You Pay?

Real costs reported by homeowners for Hardwood Floor Installation in Chicago

$12
Avg Reported
$8
Lowest Reported
$17
Highest Reported

Recent Reports

$10
Dallas, TX ยท Jan 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$14
Chicago, IL ยท Feb 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$11
Phoenix, AZ ยท Mar 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
$14
Denver, CO ยท Apr 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$10
Atlanta, GA ยท May 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
$16
Seattle, WA ยท Jun 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hardwood flooring last?

Solid hardwood can last 75-100 years with refinishing every 7-10 years. Engineered lasts 20-50 years.

Why does hardwood floor installation cost different in Chicago than other cities?

Chicago's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the finance-manufacturing-logistics economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.

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