What is a reasonable price for hardwood flooring installation in Coquitlam?

Hardwood flooring installation in Coquitlam typically ranges from $8-15 per square foot for materials and labor combined, with most homeowners paying $10-12 per square foot for quality engineered hardwood with professional installation.

The total cost depends heavily on your material choice and project specifics. Engineered hardwood (the most popular choice in Metro Vancouver) runs $4-8 per square foot for materials, while solid hardwood ranges $6-12 per square foot. Professional installation adds another $4-7 per square foot, depending on the complexity of your layout, subfloor condition, and any prep work needed.

For a typical 1,000 square foot main floor in Coquitlam, you're looking at $10,000-15,000 total for a quality job with engineered hardwood. This includes materials, professional installation, baseboards, transitions, and basic subfloor prep. Higher-end solid hardwood or exotic species can push costs to $15,000-20,000 for the same area.

Factors that affect pricing in Coquitlam specifically include the age and condition of your home's subfloor, access for material delivery (especially in hillside areas), and whether you need moisture barriers for basement installations. Many Coquitlam homes built in the 1970s-80s may need additional subfloor leveling, adding $2-4 per square foot. If you're in a strata property, factor in potential elevator booking fees and noise restrictions that could extend the timeline.

What's typically included: Professional installation, basic underlayment, quarter-round or shoe molding, and cleanup. What costs extra: Subfloor repairs, moisture barriers, custom transitions, removal of existing flooring (add $2-3 per square foot), and premium finishes or wide-plank options.

Professional installation is strongly recommended for hardwood flooring. Proper acclimation, moisture testing, and installation techniques are crucial in our wet climate. A poorly installed floor can cup, gap, or fail prematurely. Licensed flooring contractors carry WorkSafeBC coverage and typically warranty their installation work for 1-2 years.

Next steps: Get quotes from at least three licensed flooring contractors, ensuring they include material specifications, prep work, and timeline. Visit showrooms to see samples in different lighting, and ask about moisture barriers if installing over concrete or in below-grade areas. The City of Coquitlam doesn't require permits for flooring replacement, but strata properties need council approval before starting work.