How much does carpet-to-hardwood conversion cost in a 3-bedroom Coquitlam townhouse?

A full carpet-to-hardwood conversion in a 3-bedroom Coquitlam townhouse typically costs between $8,000 and $18,000, depending on the hardwood species, grade, and whether the project includes stairs. For a typical townhouse with approximately 800 to 1,200 square feet of flooring area across the main and upper levels, this breaks down into carpet removal, subfloor preparation, materials, and professional installation.

Carpet removal and disposal is the first cost component. Removing existing carpet, underpad, and tack strips runs $1 to $2 per square foot in Metro Vancouver. For 1,000 square feet, that is $1,000 to $2,000 including hauling and disposal fees. Some flooring installers include basic carpet removal in their installation quote, while others charge it separately — always clarify this upfront.

Subfloor preparation is where costs can surprise you. Once the carpet is removed, the plywood or OSB subfloor is exposed and must be assessed. Carpet hides a multitude of sins — uneven surfaces, squeaky spots, old adhesive residue, pet stains that have soaked through, and occasionally moisture damage. Expect to budget $1 to $3 per square foot for subfloor prep, which may include replacing damaged sections, securing squeaky areas with screws, applying leveling compound to uneven spots, and installing a vapour barrier if the subfloor sits over a crawl space or concrete slab. For a 1,000-square-foot project, subfloor prep typically adds $1,000 to $3,000.

Hardwood material and installation costs make up the bulk of your budget. Here is what to expect in the current Metro Vancouver market:

Solid hardwood (white oak, red oak, maple, or hickory) runs $8 to $18 per square foot installed — that is $8,000 to $18,000 for 1,000 square feet. White oak is the most popular choice in Coquitlam and across Metro Vancouver right now, with mid-grade options in the $10 to $14 per square foot range. Solid hardwood is installed using nail-down or staple-down methods over plywood subfloors and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its 50+ year lifespan.

Engineered hardwood is typically $7 to $16 per square foot installed, offering a similar look to solid hardwood with better moisture stability — an important advantage in Metro Vancouver's climate. Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for townhouses because it can be floated (click-lock) over most subfloors, reducing installation time and cost compared to nail-down solid hardwood.

Stairs add significant cost and are often the budget item that catches townhouse owners off guard. Most Coquitlam townhouses have at least one staircase connecting levels, and hardwood on stairs is substantially more labour-intensive than flat floors. Expect $75 to $150 per step for hardwood treads and risers, with custom nosing and transitions. A standard 13-step staircase costs $975 to $1,950 for hardwood installation — and many townhouses have two staircases.

Transition strips and trim between rooms, at doorways, and along the perimeter add another $300 to $800 to the project. New baseboards or quarter round may be needed if the existing baseboards were sized for carpet height — hardwood sits lower than carpet plus underpad, leaving a gap at the wall base.

Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a 1,000-square-foot Coquitlam townhouse with one staircase:

| Item | Cost Range |
|------|------------|
| Carpet removal & disposal | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Subfloor preparation | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Engineered hardwood (materials + installation) | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Stairs (13 steps) | $975 – $1,950 |
| Transitions & trim | $300 – $800 |
| Total | $10,275 – $23,750 |

Most Coquitlam townhouse owners land in the $12,000 to $16,000 range by choosing mid-grade engineered white oak with professional installation. This delivers a beautiful, durable result without the premium pricing of exotic species or the highest-end solid hardwood.

If your townhouse is a strata property — and most Coquitlam townhouses are — check your strata bylaws before purchasing any materials. Many strata corporations require acoustic underlayment rated to STC 55+ and IIC 55+ when replacing carpet with hard flooring. This adds $1 to $3 per square foot for the acoustic underlay plus potential strata application fees of $200 to $500. Getting strata approval before committing to materials prevents costly surprises.

Want to compare quotes from flooring installers in the Tri-Cities area? Vancouver Floor Installers can match you with experienced local contractors for free estimates on your carpet-to-hardwood conversion.

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