Changing Carpet to Hardwood Cost: What Homeowners Can Expect 💰
- Riley Thorne

- Sep 10
- 2 min read
Upgrading from carpet to hardwood can instantly transform your home’s look and boost resale value. But before you start ripping out old carpet, you’ll want to know the changing carpet to hardwood cost.
On average, homeowners spend $4,000–$10,000 to replace carpet with hardwood, depending on wood type, labor rates, and square footage.
This guide breaks down costs, explains factors that affect pricing, and compares estimates for how much to change carpet to wood floor. We’ll also briefly touch on unrelated but common homeowner frustrations like thermostat temp not changing—since remodeling projects often bring up other household issues.

Changing Carpet to Hardwood Cost
The total cost depends on multiple factors:
Carpet Removal: $1–$2 per sq. ft.
Subfloor Prep: $1–$3 per sq. ft. (repair, leveling, or moisture barrier).
Hardwood Material: $3–$15 per sq. ft. depending on wood species.
Installation Labor: $4–$8 per sq. ft.
Average Total: $8–$25 per sq. ft., or $4,000–$10,000 for a 500 sq. ft. area.
Pro Tip: Engineered hardwood can lower costs while still providing the look of solid hardwood.
How Much to Change Carpet to Wood Floor?
When homeowners ask how much to change carpet to wood floor, they usually want a quick ballpark. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Home Size | Approx. Sq. Ft. | Cost Range |
Small Room | 200 | $1,600–$5,000 |
Average Living Room | 400 | $3,200–$8,500 |
Full Home | 1,000+ | $8,000–$25,000+ |
Costs increase for premium wood species like oak, maple, or walnut.
Additional Cost Factors 🏠
Several extras may affect your changing carpet to hardwood cost:
Trim & Molding Replacement – $2–$6 per linear foot.
Furniture Moving Fees – $50–$100 per room.
Finishing/Sealing – $1–$3 per sq. ft. for site-finished hardwood.
If you’re on a budget, consider refinishing existing wood under carpet instead of replacing it entirely.
A Note on Thermostats
While unrelated, some homeowners also ask about thermostat temp not changing during remodels. This issue usually points to:
Dead batteries.
Wiring or sensor problems.
HVAC malfunctions.
If you’re already upgrading flooring, it may be a good time to have your HVAC checked, especially before major seasonal changes.
FAQ: Carpet to Hardwood Costs
What is the average changing carpet to hardwood cost? $8–$25 per sq. ft., or $4,000–$10,000 for a 500 sq. ft. space.
How much to change carpet to wood floor in one room? Typically $1,600–$5,000 depending on size and wood choice.
Does replacing carpet with hardwood increase home value? Yes, hardwood floors can boost resale value significantly.
What’s cheaper: hardwood or engineered wood? Engineered hardwood is usually 20–40% cheaper.
Why is my thermostat temp not changing? Likely a battery, wiring, or HVAC system issue—unrelated to flooring but worth checking.
Conclusion
So, what’s the real changing carpet to hardwood cost? On average, expect $8–$25 per sq. ft., with total costs ranging from $4,000–$10,000 for mid-sized projects. If you’re asking how much to change carpet to wood floor, the answer depends on size, wood type, and prep work.
While flooring upgrades can be pricey, the return on investment—both in home value and comfort—makes hardwood one of the smartest upgrades you can make. ✅



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