Replies

1. 
   michael_s | Nov 23, 1999 10:14pm | #1

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   I am a carpenter who occasionally installs 3/4" hardwood strip flooring. We have charged $1.55/sq ft to lay it for sometime now, but I just found out that some installers in the area are getting up to $2.80/sq ft to install. Am wondering what others are charging for this back straining work.

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 06:54am | #2

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   Mike,

   In Central PA, I get $2/s.f. I supply nails and nothing else. I will go a little less for unfinished and little more for prefinished. I also adjust for the size of the job. I don't install full time, maybe 5000 s.f. per year, but I know these rates are competitive in my area.

   Tom

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 07:18am | #3

   *Hi Michael, I haven't installed a hardwood floor for compensation for about 6 years so I can't answer your question. How much do you try to make an hour while laying hardwood or doing other work? Where do you live and work? I am always trying to get a sense of what carpenter/builders/tradesman make per hour as independent contractors. It has been like pulling teeth to get the folks here to reveal this very confidential information. I understand if people don't want to answer these questions but, if you bring it up I'll use the opening.Sincerely,Joe

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 08:25am | #4

   *For years we used to figure 6.00/ft installed - 2.00/material, 2.00/to lay it, 2.00/sand+finish. The last time I hired some done was last year and the goin' rate was 6.75/ft. I'd say around 2.25/ft to lay it here in Western Washington.

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 09:39am | #5

   *CT...$2.60-$3.00 for typical strip T&G flooring. Your nails and paper.

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 09:49am | #6

   *Check out what some of your local wood flooring people are getting, it will open your eyes. For example: a prospective remodel requires approx. 950 SF of new floor and screen and refinish of approx 200 SF. I was quoted $7.75, $8.00, $8.55, $9.00 and $10-$12 for material, installation and finishing(3 coats poly)for the new floor with no trim, moulding, threshold or staining included, and $1.45 ($475. min), $2.00, $2.25 ($450. min), and $3.00 for refinishing the 200 SF with 3 coats poly. My national estimator software puts the average cost of an installation and finishing job at $6.29 SF (Mat. $3.60, Inst. $1.49, Sand $.60, Poly-2 coats $.60). Comments? Ralph

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 03:51pm | #7

   *Those estimators are not that accurate. Look at two different ones and see the difference. I use them to help remind me of things I may forget.Rick Tuk

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   michael_s | Nov 24, 1999 08:50pm | #8

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   In reply to Joe Duncan, I live and work in Southern Minnesota. We try to make $30-40/hr to lay floor. I sub myself out basically to two general contractors in the area. Typically, I bill them for $20-30/hr, supplying all my own tools. This is for any carpentry, frame to finish.
   Around here, a recent hailstorm has created an intense demand for roofers, who if independant can easily make $50-80/hr.
   Ok- I spilled my guts - Who's next?

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   Ken_Howell | Nov 27, 1999 01:26am | #9

   *I just paid to have cherry installed, and it pretty much worked out to $6/sq ft, installed and finished (three coats Glitsa). --Ken

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   Guest_ | Nov 27, 1999 02:19am | #10

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   The national estimating software relies on YOUR input in order to be even halfway accurate. You must apply your local rates/costs instead of their averages.

   I too only use the software to remind me of things I might otherwise forget. It did, however, give me great info for setting up my own spreadsheet and data system.

   The only real accuracy is experience. You bite the bullet a few times, and you learn.

   James DuHamel

5. 
   Mad_Dog | Nov 27, 1999 04:27am | #11

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   Hey Michael,

   Too bad it's not a different time of year. I'm sick of sliding on roofs for a while, but have 6 lined up for spring. Are you near LaCrosse at all? Have coil nailer, will travel...

   MD

6. 
   Guest_ | Nov 27, 1999 05:59am | #12

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   I agree with "crazy legs". We are paying 6.50 per sq/ft for #1 common red oak, 6.35 for ash. Price is for all materials, sanding, and two coats of finish, usually Glitza.

7. 
   michael_s | Nov 27, 1999 09:33am | #13

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   Sorry, my coil nailer & me dont do the travel thing(at least not yet). I think I've got five or six for the spring too. Wanna bid on an 80 sq. tear off/re-shingle three stories high 10/12 pitch w/ EFIS stucco all the way round? Me neither. Have a good weekend everyone.

8. 
   michael_s | Jan 04, 2000 11:44pm | #14

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