The overall cost of flooring covers the hardwood, fasteners, and any installation procedures. Prices for unfinished hardwood flooring tend to be lower than those for their prefinished counterparts, but also realize that the finish and its application need to be part of the overall cost. Prices for unfinished hardwood flooring vary, as well, with species and type.

Unfinished flooring has several advantages over prefinished products. No matter if you purchase solid or engineered hardwood, you can choose the exact stain for the space – not settle on an approximation. Additionally, because a finish is added after, the hardwood blends seamlessly in with existing flooring materials.

At the same time, installation for unfinished hardwood flooring is more involved and takes longer to complete. After the stain is added, you may need to wait a week or more for the floor to dry. The area, as well, needs to be free of debris and in complete isolation at the same time. Even with labor and the additional wait time, the total cost of unfinished flooring is not greater or less than that of prefinished.

Aside from the flooring, prices for unfinished hardwood flooring need to cover installation services and any materials used. In general, the cost of gluing, nailing down, or floating unfinished flooring is $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Plywood may need to be added on top of a concrete subfloor before the hardwood is added, and this service is an additional $1.50 per square foot.

Unfinished hardwood flooring needs a stain, and the price must be included in the overall cost. Refinishing the flooring is $3.25 per square foot, and screening and coating is an additional $1.25 per square foot. Staining the hardwood is $4.50 per square foot.

Depending upon the state of your floor, preparation may be needed, and on average, this service is $60 per hour. Also, a moisture barrier, baseboard installation, common hardwood borders, and sound control may also need to be included.