What is a reasonable labor cost per square foot (I'm buying the unfinished wood, glue-down, slab) to install, sand & apply 3-coats poly? (No stain.)

Let's assume the slab prep is done, they're quoting me separate for that. They're also charging me separate for using the "dustless system." So, what's a reasonable price for just the basic installation?

Thanks,
Mike
Atlanta, GA

Labor prices vary throughout the country. The best way to see if a company's prices are in line with the local going rate is to get comparable bids from different companies. I'd recommend at least three estimates. Also, the smaller the job, the higher per sq.ft. price it usually is. IMO, it's worth it to go "dustless" (if such a thing truly exists) but ask what the cost difference is between dustless and non-dustless. Furthermore, glue downs are more time consuming than nailing down so expect to pay a little more for that as well. But BALLPARK, I'd say labor to install about $3.00 a ft APPROX. and labor to sand and finish about $3.00 a ft., not including material (wood or adhesive) and not including slab prep or trim work, like baseboards.

There is nothing basic about installing a solid unfinished wood as a gluedown, over concrete. I'm assuming this is a ¾" thick unfinished wood floor.

I'm at $3.10 starting price, for 4" - 6" wide plank flooring.
and $3.75 for less then 4" wide strip flooring, install, as a gluedown.
The company I contract to do my sand & finishes, charges me $3.25 to sand, and finish natural, with OMU, no stain. They are dustless.

Those prices you mention, does that include subfloor prep as well? I know some subfloors are pretty crappy (personal experience ).

Nope

Gotcha.

I'm about to kick my wife in the face if I hear her bitch one more time about a tool that I need to get this floor installed. I can't handle this crap anymore. "What do you mean you need another saw blade? You already have one. $5 here, $10 here. Blah blah freaking blah blah."

Sorry for the rant.

Too radical Dave! Calm down there Dude! You need to learn to go get the things you need without ASKING PERMISSION. She's your wife, not your mom. And NO KICKING ALLOWED. Or screaming or yelling either.

Hang in there Dave, I am going through the samething as you are now for the last 5 months and I am still not yet done . I am doing it all by myself no help from others and we are expecting our first child soon. This forum has been helpful and these guys are great. Hang in there, I know what you are going through.

Yeah sorry for going off a little bit like that; I was extremely frustrated last night after our trip to Lowe's.

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that has to go through it. She came and talked to me later though. Turns out she's just frustrated that we have all these new tools but are still walking around on plywood.

I tell you though, if I buy ONE more hammer, my wife WILL leave me!

Man...I've got to tell you guys! My wife has been fantastic! She has been right in the thick of the destruction and reconstruction of our sub-floors. `nothing like saying "we need" "this and that"...she generally is the first to get the checkbook out and say "lets go" and when we get there...she says..."wouldn't you rather have this $$$$$ over this cheap piece of @#$% for ¢¢¢¢" and lets face it...this subfloor prep seems to be the hard part...and she usually has as much dirt on her face and cuts on her fingers as i do....(the clean up in the shower together is kind of fun too)

I Salute my wife! Thank you Honey...I couldn't have done this without you!

(Oh...I forgot to say....we are getting ready to put down 3/4 x 3-1/4 unfinished Brazilian Cherry.....and thanks to all of you! We have been lurkers gleening just about every scrap of information that we can from all of you....and it seems to have gone very well so far with the information gathered from mostly from this site....THANK YOU ALL!!) I'LL keep you posted as to the outcome and the finished product!)

I think we might be on to a new discussion category here fellas ... "Marriage counselling through wood floors"

hmmmm. Ken, give it some thought ... perhaps a testimonials page ... "How hardwood floors saved/destroyed my marriage"

LOL!!!


Hehehehehe!

That was worth a big chuckle.