Brazilian teak hardwood flooring, commonly sold in the U.S. as cumaru, typically costs $12-$25 per square foot installed, with many standard projects near $18. Board grade, solid or engineered construction, subfloor preparation, and local labor rates drive the final quote; a 300-square-foot room can run roughly $3,600-$7,500.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6 per sq ft | $10 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Engineered or value-grade boards at the low end; premium solid boards at the high end |
| Installed flooring | $12 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | $25 per sq ft | Includes typical installation labor and standard supplies |
| 300-sq-ft room | $3,600 | $5,400 | $7,500 | Before major subfloor repairs, stairs, or extensive removal |
| Installation labor | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft | Varies by fastening method, layout, and site access |
What Brazilian teak flooring costs for a typical room
For a straightforward installation, homeowners often pay $12-$25 per square foot for cumaru flooring and installation. A 300-square-foot room therefore costs about $3,600-$7,500, with an average budget near $5,400. These figures assume a level, dry subfloor, ordinary room shape, standard trim work, and midrange boards. They do not include extensive old-floor removal or substantial structural repairs.
Uninstalled boards commonly cost $6-$16 per square foot. Solid Brazilian teak tends to fall around $8-$16 per square foot, while engineered options may start near $6 and reach $13 per square foot depending on veneer thickness and finish. Add roughly 8%-12% to the ordered area for cutting waste; intricate layouts or many short runs can require more.
A practical planning figure is $18 per square foot installed before unusual prep or specialty trim. Actual quotes vary by region and product availability, so buyers should compare the same construction type, grade, finish, and delivery terms rather than comparing only the per-square-foot headline price.
Assumptions: 300 square feet, standard-grade cumaru, typical U.S. labor rates, normal access, and no major moisture or subfloor problems.
How boards, installation, and prep appear on quotes
A flooring estimate may combine labor and materials into one installed rate, but an itemized quote helps show whether the price includes acclimation, underlayment, transitions, and disposal. The ranges below are typical planning amounts per finished square foot for a standard project; individual charges can be quoted by room or by task instead.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumaru boards | $6 per sq ft | $10 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Solid versus engineered, grade, width, finish, and source |
| Installation labor | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft | Fastening method, room layout, and installer experience |
| Underlayment and fasteners | $0.50 per sq ft | $1.25 per sq ft | $2.50 per sq ft | Moisture barrier, acoustic layer, and product requirements |
| Removal and disposal | $1 per sq ft | $2.50 per sq ft | $5 per sq ft | Existing flooring type, adhesive, and dump fees |
| Subfloor leveling | $1 per sq ft | $3 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | Amount of patching, grinding, or plywood replacement |
| Transitions and trim | $2 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | $10 per linear ft | Material, profile, and number of doorways |
Not every line applies to every job. For example, a project over a clean plywood subfloor may not need removal or leveling, while installation over concrete may need an approved moisture-control system. Ask whether the quote includes moving furniture, door trimming, baseboards, and a final cleanup, since these tasks can be billed separately.
Labor commonly accounts for about one-third to one-half of an installed quote. For an hourly comparison, installers may charge about $50-$100 per hour, but most flooring bids use a square-foot rate or a fixed project total.
Why board width and subfloor conditions change price
Board specifications can shift material prices substantially. Standard-width solid cumaru often costs $8-$13 per square foot, while wide planks, select grades, or longer lengths can reach $14-$16 or more. Wider boards may require tighter moisture control and careful acclimation, and some installers charge more for handling or fastening them. A product’s listed grade and milling tolerances also affect the amount of visible color and grain variation.
Construction matters too. Engineered cumaru, with a real-wood wear layer over a stable core, may cost $6-$13 per square foot. Solid boards may cost $8-$16 and can be refinished more times depending on thickness. For rooms with seasonal humidity swings or a concrete base, engineered construction may be suitable where the manufacturer permits it, but installation requirements must be checked before purchase.
Subfloor flatness and moisture are major job-cost thresholds. Deviations greater than about 3/16 inch over 10 feet may require leveling, depending on the flooring instructions. Concrete moisture readings outside the specified limit can call for a barrier or remediation, adding roughly $1-$4 per square foot. A 500-square-foot installation also often receives a lower per-foot labor rate than a 120-square-foot room because setup and travel costs are spread over more area.
Ask the installer to document subfloor moisture and flatness before the boards are delivered. This can uncover repairs early and reduce the risk of cupping, gaps, or a disputed change order after installation begins.
Where U.S. flooring markets run higher or lower
Regional pricing reflects installer wages, housing costs, shipping distance, and how readily local suppliers stock cumaru. In lower-cost Midwest and Southern markets, a standard installed project may land around $12-$20 per square foot. Coastal metropolitan areas and expensive Western cities commonly reach $16-$28 per square foot for comparable work, especially when labor is booked through a full-service flooring company.
These are broad market comparisons, not fixed regional rates. A rural property may have lower hourly labor prices but a higher minimum charge or travel fee. Conversely, a city with several hardwood specialists may offer competing bids, although delivery, parking, and disposal can add expense. Imported hardwood availability and freight can also shift material pricing between distributors.
For a 300-square-foot room, a 15% regional premium changes a $5,400 midpoint estimate to about $6,210. A 10% discount brings it to roughly $4,860, assuming the same product and scope. Compare local quotes using the same square footage, waste allowance, removal plan, and trim count; otherwise, a regional price difference may simply reflect different inclusions.
Use regional averages as a screening tool, then judge quotes by itemized scope. Request at least two bids from contractors who regularly install Brazilian hardwood, particularly if the boards are wide or the subfloor is concrete.
How long a 300-square-foot cumaru install takes
A three-person crew may install roughly 250-500 square feet of straightforward prefinished flooring in one working day, though room shape and fastening requirements can slow progress. For a 300-square-foot area, installation often takes 1-2 days after the space is ready. Removing existing flooring, leveling, door trimming, and detailed transitions can extend the work to 3-5 days.
Solid cumaru needs to be acclimated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the home’s expected indoor conditions. Acclimation is not a fixed number of days: moisture readings and stable temperature and humidity matter more than simply leaving unopened cartons in a room. The installer may charge $100-$300 for moisture testing or site assessment if it is billed separately, although some companies include it in the project estimate.
Labor pricing often works out to $4-$11 per square foot, or approximately $1,200-$3,300 for a 300-square-foot installation before removal and repair. Stairs, diagonal layouts, borders, and occupied homes may require more hours. A tight schedule can also raise the bill if the contractor needs overtime or an additional crew; ask whether the quote assumes normal weekday work.
Confirm the acclimation and site-preparation schedule before setting a move-in date. Starting installation before moisture conditions are acceptable can create costly movement problems, while a prepared room helps avoid idle labor or a second mobilization charge.
Which add-ons push a teak flooring quote upward
Old-floor removal is a frequent extra. Carpet removal may cost $1-$2 per square foot, while glued-down flooring or multiple layers can cost $3-$6 per square foot because scraping and disposal take longer. Removing and replacing baseboards may add $2-$6 per linear foot, and custom matching trim can cost more. Ask whether the contractor will haul debris away or leave it for the homeowner.
Moisture-control products, floor leveling, and plywood repairs can add hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the affected area. A localized patch may cost $150-$500; widespread correction can exceed $1,000. Delivery charges can run $100-$400 for a local order and may be higher for remote delivery, limited access, or a small shipment. Some suppliers also have minimum-order requirements.
Transitions typically cost $20-$75 each installed, while stair treads can run about $60-$150 per step for material and installation, depending on whether matching solid cumaru is available. A floor-finishing charge may apply if the boards are unfinished; sanding and finishing often add $3-$7 per square foot. Prefinished boards cost more upfront but can reduce on-site finishing time and disruption.
Request written unit prices for uncertain work rather than accepting an open-ended allowance. A quote that identifies disposal, leveling, trim, and delivery charges makes it easier to compare the base flooring price with the true project total.
Cumaru versus oak and engineered hardwood pricing
Brazilian teak usually costs more than common domestic oak, but it is not always the most expensive hardwood option. Installed red or white oak often runs about $8-$18 per square foot for standard products and straightforward work. Cumaru commonly reaches $12-$25 installed because the material is imported and dense, and installation may need specialized tools and fasteners.
Engineered oak generally costs about $7-$18 per square foot installed, depending on veneer quality and the subfloor system. Engineered cumaru can narrow the price difference, often landing around $10-$21 installed. These ranges assume ordinary rooms; refinishing, removal, leveling, and trim can alter any comparison. A lower-cost domestic species may be a better budget choice when appearance is the priority, while cumaru’s distinctive color and hardness may justify its added material expense for some projects.
Luxury vinyl plank that imitates exotic wood may cost $4-$10 per square foot installed, while laminate options often fall around $3-$8. These surfaces are not solid hardwood and have different repair and refinishing options. They may lower the initial expense, particularly in moisture-prone areas, but buyers should compare wear-layer warranties and replacement plans rather than treating them as equal products.
Compare installed prices and expected service needs, not just the board price. Cumaru’s high density can resist everyday wear, but dents, moisture damage, and finish wear are still possible; choosing a cheaper substitute can be sensible when refinishing capability or authentic hardwood is not essential.
How to lower the flooring bill without sacrificing durability
Keep the layout simple. Straight plank installation costs less than diagonal patterns, borders, or contrasting inlays, which increase cutting waste and labor. Standard-width boards and common lengths are generally easier to source than wide specialty planks. Ordering the correct quantity with a reasonable waste allowance—often 8%-12%—helps avoid both excess material and a costly shortfall that requires a second shipment.
Prepare the room before the crew arrives by removing small items and arranging furniture, if the contractor allows it. Do not skip required moisture testing or subfloor work to save money; those omissions can lead to repairs that exceed the original savings. If existing flooring is already removed and the subfloor is clean and compliant, have the contractor confirm that no unnecessary removal or prep charge remains in the estimate.
Get two or three written bids that specify board construction, grade, finish, waste allowance, labor, transitions, disposal, and warranty. Ask whether a slightly different product from the same supplier meets the installation requirements at a lower price. Bundling multiple rooms may reduce mobilization costs, while scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may improve availability, though discounts are not guaranteed.
Protect the budget by trimming decorative scope before cutting essential installation steps. Standard trim, a straight layout, and a suitable engineered product can reduce the total without compromising basic installation quality; moisture control, acclimation, and a sound subfloor remain essential for a durable floor.