What Does Wooden Flooring Actually Cost in India? The Real Numbers
Planning wooden flooring for your home and staring at wildly different price quotes? You're not alone. The price per sq ft for wooden flooring in India starts at Rs. 70 per sq ft and varies significantly by type, finish type, your location, and wooden grade level. That's a massive range—and without understanding what drives these numbers, you'll either overpay or end up with flooring that disappoints within years.
Here's the reality: the wood floor cost per square foot depends on the type of wood flooring. On average, it ranges between Rs 100 and Rs 1,500 per sq ft. But material cost is just the starting point. Installation, accessories, subfloor preparation, and long-term maintenance can easily add 30-50% to your initial estimate. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can calculate your actual project budget—room by room, type by type.
Wooden Flooring Types: Cost Comparison for 2026
Before diving into room-wise calculations, you need to understand the three primary wooden flooring categories available in India—because each occupies a different price bracket and serves different purposes.
Laminate Flooring: The Budget-Friendly Option
For Laminate flooring, the average price per square foot ranges from Rs. 70 per sq ft to Rs. 150 per sq ft. Laminate flooring is entirely synthetic. It consists of a core (usually fiberboard), topped with a high-resolution image of wood.
Why consider laminate? Laminate flooring is made of a synthetic material that mimics the look of natural wood. It is a cost-effective alternative to wooden flooring that is resistant to scratches, making it appropriate for areas with high foot traffic.
Best for: Rental properties, budget-conscious renovations, kids' rooms, and spaces where you want the wood aesthetic without significant investment. Not recommended for humid areas like bathrooms or poorly ventilated kitchens.
Engineered Wood Flooring: The Sweet Spot
Engineered wood flooring will cost between Rs. 80 per sq ft and Rs. 300 per sq ft. Engineered wood flooring, which has a top layer of real wood over a plywood base, is more affordable at Rs 80 to 300 per square foot, depending on the brand and supplier.
Engineered wood flooring is a cost-effective and durable option to hardwood flooring, which offers similar aesthetic appeal and enhanced stability. It can better handle temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure. It is an easy-to-install flooring option that is long-lasting.
Best for: Most Indian homes, especially in coastal cities with humidity fluctuations. Offers genuine wood appearance with better stability than solid hardwood at a lower price point.
Solid Hardwood Flooring: The Premium Choice
Solid hardwood flooring will range between Rs. 400 per sq ft and Rs. 1500 per sq ft. The cost of hardwood floors is anywhere between ₹400 and ₹1,500 per sq. ft. (depending on the type of wood). Additionally, you'll have to pay an installation cost of ₹200 to ₹500 per sq. ft. to get them laid.
Hardwood flooring is purely made from single pieces of wood and is considered a traditional form of wooden flooring. It is tremendously durable and can be refinished multiple times. This type of wooden flooring has the highest installation and material cost, but it is very durable and luxurious.
Best for: Luxury homes, properties you own long-term, and spaces where resale value matters. Requires careful climate control and regular maintenance.
SPC Flooring: The Waterproof Alternative
While not technically "wooden" flooring, SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) flooring deserves mention as it replicates wood aesthetics with complete waterproofing. Generally, you can expect prices to range from ₹70 to ₹250 per square foot. Higher-end options, with more intricate designs or greater durability, can go up to ₹400 per square foot.
SPC, which stands for Stone Polymer Composite, features a core that is typically comprised of around calcium carbonate (limestone) and polyvinyl chloride. SPC Flooring is designed to identically replicate traditional flooring materials such as stone, ceramic, or wood, yet provide many more practical benefits.
Material Cost Comparison Table
| Flooring Type | Material Cost (₹/sq ft) | Lifespan | Refinishing | Water Resistance | Best Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | ₹70–₹150 | 10-20 years | Cannot refinish | Low | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Engineered Wood | ₹80–₹300 | 25-30 years | 1-2 times | Moderate | All rooms except wet areas |
| Solid Hardwood | ₹400–₹1,500 | 50-100 years | Multiple times | Low | Bedrooms, formal living |
| SPC Flooring | ₹70–₹250 | 10-20 years | Cannot refinish | High (waterproof) | All rooms including bathrooms |
Installation Costs: The Hidden Budget Killer
Material prices attract all the attention, but installation charges can add an additional Rs 50 to Rs 150 per square foot, depending on the method and complexity of the project. For hardwood flooring specifically, you'll have to pay an installation cost of ₹200 to ₹500 per sq. ft. to get them laid.
Wood flooring labour cost can range from ₹50 to ₹300/sq ft, depending on the type of wood, size of panels, amount of surface preparation and finishing required, installation complexity, flooring pattern and other such factors.
Installation Method Price Differences
Nail down or glue down installation methods are more expensive than floating floor installations. Here's how each method affects your budget:
| Installation Method | Labour Cost (₹/sq ft) | Best For | DIY Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating (click-lock) | ₹40–₹80 | Laminate, SPC, some engineered | High |
| Glue-down | ₹60–₹120 | Engineered wood | Moderate |
| Nail-down | ₹100–₹200 | Solid hardwood | Low (professional only) |
| Herringbone/chevron patterns | Add ₹50–₹100 | Premium installations | Professional only |
Subfloor Preparation: Often Overlooked
There are hidden factors: underlayments, delivery, labor, finishing, and even GST. For my Bangalore client's 600 sq ft living area, the quoted floor price shot up by 30% after accounting for proper subfloor preparation, moisture barrier, and waste due to odd-shaped rooms.
The installation cost of wood flooring varies based on the type of wood, the complexity of installation, experience, and the number of installers employed. Factors like subfloor preparation, removal of existing flooring, and the need for underlayment can influence the overall installation cost.
Room-wise Cost Calculator: Your Actual Budget
Knowing the per-square-foot rate means little without context. Here's how to calculate real costs for typical Indian room sizes:
Master Bedroom (150-200 sq ft)
| Cost Component | Laminate | Engineered Wood | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material (180 sq ft) | ₹12,600–₹27,000 | ₹14,400–₹54,000 | ₹72,000–₹2,70,000 |
| Installation | ₹7,200–₹14,400 | ₹10,800–₹21,600 | ₹36,000–₹90,000 |
| Underlayment | ₹3,600–₹5,400 | ₹3,600–₹7,200 | ₹5,400–₹9,000 |
| Skirting & accessories | ₹4,000–₹6,000 | ₹5,000–₹8,000 | ₹8,000–₹15,000 |
| Total Range | ₹27,400–₹52,800 | ₹33,800–₹90,800 | ₹1,21,400–₹3,84,000 |
Living Room (250-400 sq ft)
| Cost Component | Laminate | Engineered Wood | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material (320 sq ft) | ₹22,400–₹48,000 | ₹25,600–₹96,000 | ₹1,28,000–₹4,80,000 |
| Installation | ₹12,800–₹25,600 | ₹19,200–₹38,400 | ₹64,000–₹1,60,000 |
| Underlayment | ₹6,400–₹9,600 | ₹6,400–₹12,800 | ₹9,600–₹16,000 |
| Skirting & accessories | ₹6,000–₹9,000 | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | ₹12,000–₹22,000 |
| Total Range | ₹47,600–₹92,200 | ₹59,200–₹1,59,200 | ₹2,13,600–₹6,78,000 |
Full 3BHK Apartment (1,200-1,500 sq ft flooring area)
For a typical 3BHK with 1,350 sq ft of floor space (excluding bathrooms and kitchen if using tiles):
| Flooring Type | Budget Estimate | Mid-Range Estimate | Premium Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | ₹1.6–₹2.4 lakh | ₹2.4–₹3.2 lakh | ₹3.2–₹4.5 lakh |
| Engineered Wood | ₹2.4–₹4.0 lakh | ₹4.0–₹6.5 lakh | ₹6.5–₹10 lakh |
| Solid Hardwood | ₹8–₹12 lakh | ₹12–₹18 lakh | ₹18–₹30 lakh |
Accessories & Hidden Costs Checklist
Don't let these "extras" catch you off guard:
- Skirting/baseboards: ₹40–₹150 per running foot
- T-molding and reducers: T-profile, skirting, reducing and beading charges are about Rs 4900 as a typical set
- Underlayment/foam: ₹15–₹40 per sq ft
- Moisture barrier: ₹10–₹25 per sq ft (essential for ground floors)
- Old flooring removal: ₹20–₹50 per sq ft
- Wastage allowance: Add 5–10% to your total square footage estimate for cutting, fitting, and future repairs.
- Delivery charges: Varies by location; often free for large orders in metros
- GST: 18% on materials and 12-18% on labour
Regional Price Variations Across India
The cost of wooden flooring may vary pan India due to the availability of materials and cost of transportation. Location can influence pricing. In metropolitan areas where demand is high, the cost may be elevated compared to smaller towns.
The costs for installing wooden flooring in Delhi are as follows: Laminate Wood Flooring: ₹120 – ₹180 per square foot, Engineered Wood Flooring: ₹250 – ₹450 per square foot, Solid Wood Flooring: ₹350 – ₹800 per square foot.
City-wise Price Expectations (Material + Installation)
| City | Laminate (₹/sq ft) | Engineered (₹/sq ft) | Hardwood (₹/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹140–₹280 | ₹200–₹500 | ₹600–₹1,800 |
| Delhi NCR | ₹120–₹250 | ₹180–₹450 | ₹550–₹1,600 |
| Bangalore | ₹130–₹260 | ₹190–₹480 | ₹580–₹1,700 |
| Chennai | ₹120–₹240 | ₹170–₹420 | ₹520–₹1,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹110–₹220 | ₹160–₹400 | ₹500–₹1,400 |
| Tier-2 cities | ₹100–₹200 | ₹150–₹380 | ₹480–₹1,300 |
Long-term Cost Considerations: Maintenance & Lifespan
You should also consider maintenance expenses for cleaning, occasional refinishing, and repairs when budgeting for wooden flooring.
Refinishing Costs
I'll have to pay Rs. 80 to Rs 250 every time I want to sand and reseal them. For solid hardwood, expect to refinish every 7-10 years. Engineered wood can typically handle 1-2 refinishing cycles during its lifetime. Laminate cannot be refinished at all.
Lifecycle Cost Comparison (20-year projection)
The overall lifecycle cost is important to consider. While hardwood flooring may cost more upfront in comparison to laminate, hardwood can last for decades while laminate flooring may need to be replaced after 10-20 years.
| Factor | Laminate | Engineered Wood | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacements in 20 years | 1-2 times | 0-1 times | 0 times |
| Refinishing needed | Cannot refinish | Once (optional) | 2-3 times |
| Annual maintenance cost | ₹500–₹1,500 | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Resale value addition | Minimal | Moderate | High |
Quick Decision Guide: Which Wooden Flooring Should You Choose?
Choose Laminate If:
- Your total flooring budget is under ₹3 lakh for a 3BHK
- You're renovating a rental property
- You want quick installation with minimal disruption
- You have children or pets and prioritize scratch resistance over authenticity
- You're comfortable replacing flooring in 10-15 years
Choose Engineered Wood If:
- You want real wood appearance and feel at a reasonable price
- Your city has humidity fluctuations (coastal areas, monsoon-heavy regions)
- You're installing over radiant heating
- You want flooring that lasts 25+ years with proper care
- Budget allows ₹4-8 lakh for a 3BHK
Choose Solid Hardwood If:
- You own the property and plan to stay long-term
- Budget exceeds ₹10 lakh for flooring
- You have climate-controlled interiors (AC throughout)
- Resale value and property appreciation matter significantly
- You appreciate the ability to refinish and restore over decades
Choose SPC Flooring If:
- You need flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, or balconies
- Complete waterproofing is non-negotiable
- You want wood aesthetics in high-moisture areas
- Budget is moderate and you prioritize practicality over authenticity
Factors That Affect Your Final Price
Type of Wood: Exotic woods like teak or walnut are pricier than common ones like oak or maple. Thickness: Thicker boards are pricier, due to the increased use of materials and their enhanced durability. Finish: Specialty finishes like hand-scraped or distressed surfaces may command higher prices due to additional craftsmanship. Installation Method: Floating floor installations are typically more cost-effective than glue-down or nail-down methods.
Quality & brand: Top-quality wood from well-known brands cost more because of durability.
Price Drivers to Negotiate
- Bulk ordering: Orders over 500 sq ft often qualify for 5-10% discounts
- Off-season installation: Avoid peak wedding/festival seasons for better contractor rates
- Package deals: Some suppliers bundle material + installation + accessories at reduced rates
- AC grade vs select grade: Minor variations in wood grain can save 15-25% without visible quality difference
Buyer's Checklist Before Finalizing
- Measure accurately: Have a professional measure, not just builder floor plans—actual flooring area differs
- Check subfloor condition: Uneven or damp subfloors add ₹30-80/sq ft for preparation
- Request samples: Always see and touch samples in your home's lighting before ordering
- Get itemized quotes: Insist on separate line items for material, labour, accessories, and taxes
- Verify warranty terms: Manufacturer warranty vs installer warranty—know what each covers
- Confirm lead time: Imported engineered wood can take 4-8 weeks; plan accordingly
- Ask about wastage policy: Good contractors order 7-10% extra; understand who pays for excess
- Check acclimatization requirements: Most wooden flooring needs 48-72 hours in your home before installation
Money-Saving Strategies Without Compromising Quality
Research and Compare: Look into suppliers and brands to find deals and discounts on wooden flooring materials. Choose Local Woods: Opt for wood species that are locally sourced to reduce transportation costs.
Smart Budget Allocation
- Prioritize high-visibility areas: Use premium flooring in living/dining; laminate in bedrooms saves significantly
- Skip exotic species: Indian teak or sal offers similar durability to imported oak at lower cost
- Consider floating installation: Even for engineered wood, this saves ₹30-50/sq ft on labour
- Buy from manufacturers directly: Cutting out retailer margins can save 10-15%
- Time your purchase: End-of-financial-year sales (Feb-March) often offer significant discounts
Practical Takeaways for Indian Homeowners
Whether you go for hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring, each type has its pros and cons and suits different needs and budgets.
The "right" wooden flooring isn't about finding the cheapest option or the most expensive one—it's about matching your budget, climate conditions, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Wooden flooring typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 100 years, depending upon various factors such as the type of wood, quality, installation method, and maintenance practices. Properly maintained wood flooring can last for years without having to be replaced.
For most Indian homeowners in 2026, engineered wood flooring offers the optimal balance—genuine wood aesthetics, reasonable pricing (₹150-400/sq ft all-in for mid-range options), superior humidity tolerance, and 25+ year lifespan. Reserve solid hardwood for statement rooms if budget permits, and don't dismiss quality laminate for bedrooms and low-traffic areas where cost savings make practical sense.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes based on industry practices and publicly available information. Product specifications, standards, prices, and availability may vary by manufacturer, region, and time. Readers should independently verify details with manufacturers, dealers, or qualified professionals before making purchase or construction decisions.
