Cost $55,000Adds $38,500
Your estimate
Cost
$7,500
Adds at resale
$8,850
Recouped
118%
National planning figure: $7,500 cost, 118% recouped. Ranked #4 of 27 projects by ROI.
Hardwood is one of the features buyers ask for by name. Refinishing floors that are already there is cheap and dramatic; installing new hardwood in main living areas costs more but still ranks well in realtor surveys.
Why it scores where it does
- Hardwood appears in listing descriptions and filters.
- Refinishing exposes value you already own.
- Replaces worn carpet that buyers mentally budget to rip out.
Get the most from it
- Check under carpet first; many older homes hide oak floors.
- Stick to a mid-tone stain that suits most décor.
- Engineered hardwood is a good choice over concrete slabs.
New hardwood flooring ROI by region
| Region | Cost | Value added | % recouped | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific | $9,000 | $11,328 | 126% | |
| Mountain | $7,500 | $9,381 | 125% | |
| South Atlantic | $7,125 | $8,496 | 119% | |
| New England | $8,400 | $9,735 | 116% | |
| West South Central | $6,900 | $7,700 | 112% | |
| East South Central | $6,750 | $7,434 | 110% | |
| Middle Atlantic | $8,250 | $9,027 | 109% | |
| West North Central | $7,350 | $7,788 | 106% | |
| East North Central | $7,425 | $7,611 | 103% |
Frequently asked questions
Refinish or replace hardwood before selling?
Refinish if the boards are sound; industry surveys such as the NAR Remodeling Impact report put refinishing among the best-recovered interior projects.
Is luxury vinyl plank as good as hardwood for resale?
LVP is durable and water-resistant and buyers like it in kitchens and basements, but hardwood still carries more prestige in living areas.