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Installing new flooring in your home is one of the best ways to increase its market value. But it’s also a great way to elevate your living space, taking it from drab to fab in short order.
When it comes to installing flooring, it’s important to know that it’s not a simple DIY project. Since you’ll probably have to hire a contractor or flooring company for this project, knowing how much it could cost is key. Flooring can cost between $1,500 and $4,500 with an average price of about $3,000 to cover a 500-square-foot space.
Your project cost will vary widely depending on several different factors, including the location of your home, the type of flooring you choose and even which flooring contractor you hire.
NOTE:The beginning half of 2021 has seen an unprecedented labor shortage as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunctionwith this, demand for materials and construction jobs has skyrocketed. As a result, material prices may be higher than those reported in this article, and lead times may be longer than usual for both labor and materials.
Average Cost Per Square Foot to Install Hardwood Flooring
| Average Kitchen Remodel Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $6 - $10 | |
| Highest Cost | $60,000 | |
| Lowest Cost | $22 | |
Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the factors involved in the cost to install flooring. In general, hardwood flooring is the most expensive material when it comes to flooring installation cost per square foot. Many national providers’ websites show price ranges from less than $1 per square foot for laminate flooring to more than $10 per square foot for premium, hand-scraped hardwood brands.
Next up is tile, which begins around $2 per square foot but can soar to hundreds of dollars per square foot for high-end tile. However, these price points are rare, and most tile flooring installations will be considerably cheaper than hardwood. That’s one reason why many customers these days opt for tile that looks like wood.
Finally, if you’re hoping to stick to a tight budget for your flooring job, you may want to simply stick with carpet. Basic indoor carpet starts as low as $0.65 per square foot, while super plush, premium carpet made from 100% New Zealand wool can be priced as high as $10 or more per square foot.
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Flooring Costs to Consider
When thinking about the cost to install flooring, it’s one thing to look at the price of materials. But it’s crucial to consider all the factors involved that can drive up the cost of the job. Let’s take a look below:
Materials
From contractor-grade laminate flooring and basic carpeting to the latest, greatest exotic hardwood and premium, brand-name tile, your materials cost will likely be one of the biggest variables you’ll face when it comes to flooring installation cost per square foot.
The good news? You’ve got plenty of options to choose from, so if you’re uncomfortable with the price point you’ve been quoted, simply opt for slightly less expensive flooring. Chances are, it’ll be close enough to your vision to suit your needs.
Another great option is to shop around and consider searching for a warehouse that can sell you the flooring at wholesale prices. Here’s a flooring price comparison for materials.
Materials Cost Per Square Foot
| Average Kitchen Remodel Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Laminate Hardwood | $0.68 - $2.59 | |
| Real Hardwood | $3 to $12 | |
| Tile | $1 to $3 | |
| Carpet | $2 - $5 | |
Labor
Often the second largest factor when it comes to the average cost to install flooring is labor cost. A contractor that runs a small business and does their own work may shave hundreds of dollars off the job when compared to a contractor that’s assigned to you by a big-box store. Often, larger stores will be aiming for a larger profit margin, and you’ll pay a higher price as a result.
But in general, here’s how much you can expect to pay for labor per square foot for different types of flooring:
Labor Cost Per Square Foot
| Average Kitchen Remodel Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Laminate Hardwood | $1 - $2 | |
| Real Hardwood | $3 - $9 | |
| Tile | $6 - $8 | |
| Carpet | $1 - $3 | |
Underlayment
Don’t forget to add underlayment to your flooring price comparison. Regardless of whether you’ve chosen carpet, tile or hardwood, you’ll need to factor additional costs for padding or underlayment. Padding is laid underneath the carpet for additional support and to absorb any spills that might occur. It often comes in three- or four-price points, from the most basic, contractor-grade offering to premium padding that feels similar to an upscale foam mattress.
Tile installations require the underlayment to prevent cracking from uneven surfaces, and hardwood installations rely on underlayment for a smooth installation surface, and to cut down on noise. A basic-grade 500-square-foot roll of underlayment for tile or hardwood costs $26, while carpet padding runs between $0.25 and $0.90 per square foot at big box stores.
Removal and Disposal of Existing Flooring
While some contractors offer this service for free, others don’t. Still, others might expect you to do it yourself or hire a different company to handle it. Be sure to check with your flooring contractor to determine what costs you may be facing for the disposal and removal of your existing flooring.
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Additional Materials
Aside from underlayment, you’ll need to factor in any extra materials as well. This is particularly the case with hardwood flooring, where you may need extra wood to install on stairs, as well as quarter rounds, nose molding, trim and other pieces. You may want to estimate 10% to 15% extra wood for incidentals if you’ll be ordering your materials rather than your contractor. While it may be cheaper to order materials yourself, a lack of knowledge when it comes to ordering the right parts and estimating extras could derail your project.
Flooring Cost Estimator
Assuming the materials and labor costs listed above, the average cost to install flooring in a 500-square-foot living space is:
| Average Kitchen Remodel Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Laminate Hardwood | $850 - $2,300 | |
| Real Hardwood | $3,000 - $10,500 | |
| Tile | $3,500 - $5,500 | |
| Carpet | $1,500 - $4,000 | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood flooring is all wood. Most often, it’s between 5/8 to 3/4 inches thick. This means it can be sanded and refinished many times. But that’s not the case with engineered wood, which is what explains the lower price tag. Most engineered wood only measures a few millimeters of real wood that can be refinished, and under that is plywood. That means you may only be able to refinish it once, maybe twice, over its lifetime.
Should I install my flooring on my own or should I hire a professional?
The answer depends on your prowess when it comes to DIY tasks. If you’re handy and consider yourself to be an experienced DIY-er, you can likely complete your own flooring installation. But if you’re not, it may be best to hire a professional who’s able to consider every aspect of your job, from removal to underlayment to any extra pieces you might need.
What are some recent flooring trends I might want to consider?
In 2021, homeowners seem to be seeking a more uniform, neutral look that brings nature directly into their living spaces. That means lighter colors, less variations like knots and striations, and longer-length boards that contribute to a sense of openness and thus a larger space.
How much does it cost to install tile flooring?
Tile flooring installation can range from$1,500 (including tile) to $2,400 fora 120-square foot space, which equals around $13 to $20 per square foot.
How much does sheet vinyl flooring cost?
Vinyl flooring costs, on average,between $0.50 and $2 per square foot, while vinyl plank and vinyl tiles cost $2 to $3 per square foot. Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile cost between $2.50 and $5 per square foot.
How much does it cost to install laminate flooring?
Plastic laminate flooring can cost between $1 and $5 per square foot, but real wood laminate flooring can cost up to $12 per square foot.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of hardwood flooring? ›
Installing hardwood flooring costs between $6 and $12 per square foot. That averages out to $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor. An estimate for 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring runs between $6,000 and $12,000.
How much does it cost to install 1000 sq ft vinyl plank flooring? ›$5,500 to $8,000 is the average cost to install 1000 sq/ft of vinyl plank flooring. The cost of vinyl plank flooring is $4 to $12 per square foot when professionally installed. Most homeowners pay between $5.50 and $8.00 to have good-quality, water-resistant or waterproof plank flooring installed.
How much do most contractors charge to lay flooring? ›Installing flooring yourself costs from $0.50 to $15 per square foot for materials, not including your prep and labor time. Hiring a pro flooring contractor near you will run around $3 to $22 per square foot, including labor and materials. The condition of the floors is a major component of your property's value.
How do you calculate the cost of flooring installation? ›To estimate the flooring cost to cover a 48-square-foot floor, you need to know the flooring cost per square foot. The vinyl flooring cost ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, laminate flooring is $2 to $6 per square foot, and hardwood flooring costs $3 to $7.
What flooring is most expensive to install? ›In general, hardwood flooring is the most expensive material when it comes to flooring installation cost per square foot. Many national providers' websites show price ranges from less than $1 per square foot for laminate flooring to more than $10 per square foot for premium, hand-scraped hardwood brands.
What is the cheapest way to install flooring? ›If you're looking to save money, sheet vinyl is an especially great option because it's generally easy enough for most homeowners to install on their own, so it's possible to skip the cost of installation.
Is it cheaper to install LVP or tile? ›Vinyl plank is much more budget-friendly than ceramic tile. Depending on the type of tile you are choosing, ceramics can cost as much as hardwood or high-quality carpet. Materials aside, it costs 40% less to install vinyl plank than it does to install ceramic tile.
Is it cheaper to install carpet or vinyl plank? ›Cost is comparable when weighing vinyl vs. carpet. Carpet costs on average $3-4 per square foot, but has been known to increase to $4.50-5.50 per square foot when installation is factored in. Luxury vinyl can be priced from $2-$5 per square foot including the cost of installation for commercial products.
Is vinyl cheaper to install than laminate? ›What is cheaper: Luxury vinyl or laminate? Mostly, laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring cost the same on a national average, but vinyl can get more expensive depending on the level of luxury material used.
What is the labor cost to install vinyl plank flooring? ›Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
How much does it cost in labor to install baseboards? ›
The labor cost to install baseboards is around $5 to $7.75 per linear foot. This will take up a vast majority of your overall project cost.
How much is labor to install laminate flooring? ›Average Total Project Cost: $3.80 - $4.80 per sq. ft. Installation: $2.00 - $3.00 per sq.
What is the labor cost to install hardwood flooring? ›The average cost of installing hardwood floors is $3–$10 per square foot for materials and $3–$8 per square foot for labor, totaling $6–$18 per square foot. A single 200-square-foot room might cost $1,200–$3,600, while a 2,000-square-foot house could cost $12,000–$36,000.
Is it worth it to install flooring yourself? ›If you consider that hiring a professional to install your floors could cost upward of several thousand dollars, doing it yourself may be worth the extra time. When installing your own floors, you only have to pay the cost of materials and tools or tool rental.
How much does it cost to install plank flooring? ›Vinyl plank flooring costs approximately $2 to $10 per square foot installed, and luxury vinyl plank flooring costs between $1 and $6 per square foot for materials, plus $1 to $5 per square foot for labor.
What type of flooring do rich people have? ›Natural Stone Flooring
A natural stone floor is one of the most opulent high-end flooring because of its naturally shiny appearance. Marble is a popular choice for people who want to bring that palace feel to their foyer. It is a premium feature of many high-class homes and brings a bit of whimsy to a space.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
What is the most desirable flooring? ›Tile. Tile is the most obvious choice for kitchens and bathrooms, as it is naturally waterproof and fairly indestructible. Some tile trends include realistic stone or wood looks. New homes tend to include timeless looks like marble, limestone, or slate.
How can I save money on the floor installation? ›- Planning prior to the installation. Planning now saves time and money later. ...
- Hiring an experienced flooring contractor. Don't choose the flooring contractor with the cheapest bid. ...
- Selecting a product proven for your building's application.
- Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring. Self-adhesive vinyl tiles can be installed quickly and easily. ...
- Carpet Tile Flooring. ...
- Floating Vinyl Sheet Flooring. ...
- Laminate Plank Flooring. ...
- Engineered Wood Flooring. ...
- Painted Wood Flooring. ...
- Stained Concrete Flooring.
Is vinyl or laminate better? ›
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Does vinyl plank flooring devalue a home? ›You should also keep in mind that vinyl plank and tile flooring might not increase the value of your home as much as laminate flooring. However, vinyl flooring can still make all the difference in how long your floors will last, which could be vital as we head into a more competitive real estate market.
What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring? ›The disadvantages of vinyl floors
Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors. No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.
Is it worth putting vinyl flooring? ›Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
Is vinyl flooring as warm as carpet? ›Vinyl, LVT's & Lino
Although vinyl flooring is cooler on bare feet than carpet, it provides a warmer, more comfortable surface than natural stone or ceramic flooring. It's worth noting that the thicker your vinyl flooring is, the softer and warmer it will feel underfoot.
IS CARPET COMING BACK IN STYLE FOR 2022? Carpet is making a comeback in 2022. It doesn't matter what room you are decorating; it is worth paying attention to the floor. A statement rug or carpet is a good choice for a living room.
Which is more waterproof vinyl or laminate? ›Recommended Rooms
These characteristics mean that both vinyl and laminate can be used for dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. However, it should be noted again that while some laminate products are water-resistant, vinyl is completely waterproof.
Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
Can you mop vinyl flooring? ›First, vacuum or dry mop the floor to remove dust, hair and dirt. Then you're ready to move on to a wet mop and a cleaning solution. Commercial vinyl floor cleaners are available, but you can make a simple, effective cleaner for vinyl floors by mixing apple cider vinegar with water.
How long does it take to install 500 square feet of vinyl plank flooring? ›
Vinyl flooring installation typically takes between 1-2 days to complete. Some types of vinyl flooring, such as plank and tile, need a few days to acclimate to the temperature and humidity in your home prior to the installation.
How much does it cost to remove carpet and install vinyl flooring? ›Removing the carpet and installing vinyl flooring runs from $5 to $6 per square foot. Linoleum. This eco-friendly flooring option costs between $5 and $7 per square foot.
What is the difference between vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank? ›Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has incredible hardwood floor, ceramic tile, or natural stone visuals. These products are much thicker (5mm up to 12mm) than traditional sheet vinyl floors (2mm) and can usually be installed over existing floors where sheet vinyl would most likely need a new subfloor.
How much is labor for trim work? ›It typically costs around $65 to $105 per hour to install new trim. Trim installation projects take an average of 6.3 hours to complete, so you're looking at a total labor cost of around $410 to $660.
Does flooring installation include baseboards? ›Most flooring applications do not require you to remove existing baseboards. However, you may choose to remove the baseboards and replace them at the same time as flooring installation if you want to switch to a different baseboard height or change the style to match the overall look of your remodel.
How much does it cost to install an interior door? ›The average cost to install an interior door is $753 , but it can range between $359 and $1,170 . More complicated styles, such as pocket or French doors, will drive up costs.
Is it cheaper to install hardwood or laminate? ›On the plus side, laminate is easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and can be installed in places where natural wood can't go. And though it doesn't last as long as hardwood, it costs 50% less on average to buy and install.
How much does Costco charge to install laminate flooring? ›How Much Does It Cost to Install Costco Laminate Flooring? The cost to install laminate flooring ranges between $2 and $7/sq. ft. on average.
How much does it cost to put laminate flooring in a 10x10 room? ›Installing a laminate floor costs $3 to $8 (CAD 4 to CAD 10) per square foot for labor and material. For the flooring alone, expect to pay between 70 cents and $2.60 (CAD 0.90 and 3.30) per square foot. Laminate floors can mimic the look of stone or tile, but most have a wood appearance.
How much does it cost to put hardwood floors in a 12x12 room? ›The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for both labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you're redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.
How long does wood floor installation take? ›
Hardwood Flooring Installation
On average it takes 1-3 days to install hardwood floor. Typically, a 2-person crew of installers can lay 750 to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day, with the average size of a job being 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
...
Do-It-Yourself Installation.
| Species | Per 100 Sq. Ft. Room | Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry (Natural Finish) | $1,460 to $1,780 | $14.60 to $17.80 |
When comparing the cost of installing hardwood floors over carpet, quality hardwood flooring will almost always be a larger investment compared to carpet. Installing hardwood floors can cost between $12 and $20 per square foot installed, while carpet often cost about $6 to $12 per square foot installed.
Do flooring installers remove old flooring? ›Whether you have carpet, tile, laminate or vinyl, a contractor should be able to remove the floors you have before installing the floors you want.
How often should you replace your flooring? ›Carpet generally lasts about 10 years, while flooring types like tile, wood and laminate can last as long as 25-30 years. It all depends on how much damage they face over the years.
What is the cheapest flooring to have installed? ›- Vinyl. Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles, and planks and is predominately manufactured with PVC, resulting in durable, waterproof flooring that can be installed anywhere in your home. ...
- Sheet Vinyl. ...
- Plank Vinyl. ...
- Laminate. ...
- Cork. ...
- Carpet. ...
- Tile. ...
- Refinish Your Floors.
The average cost of installing hardwood floors is $3–$10 per square foot for materials and $3–$8 per square foot for labor, totaling $6–$18 per square foot.
How much does it cost to install 900 square feet of flooring? ›Flooring installation can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 per square foot of flooring installed, or $1,000 to $10,000 for 500 square feet of flooring. The national average flooring installation cost is around $7 per square foot or $3,500 per 500 square feet, which includes the cost of both materials and labor.
How much does it cost to install 1200 sq ft of hardwood flooring? ›| Amount of Flooring | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $7,200 – $14,400 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $12,000 – $24,000 |
Expect to pay $4 to $8 a square foot for labor to install a solid hardwood floor and $3 to $10 a square foot to install engineered wood, according to HomeAdvisor. Labor costs are higher for floors with vents and irregular shapes. Other costs: Some costs might be unknown until the contractor starts the work.
Is it cheaper to install carpet or hardwood floors? ›
When comparing the cost of installing hardwood floors over carpet, quality hardwood flooring will almost always be a larger investment compared to carpet. Installing hardwood floors can cost between $12 and $20 per square foot installed, while carpet often cost about $6 to $12 per square foot installed.
How long does it take to install 500 square feet of hardwood floors? ›The Hardwood Floor Installation Process
On average, a two-person crew can lay 800 to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day. Depending on the size of the planks and size of the room, the project can take one to three days to complete. However, you need to account for removal as well as any prep work that may be needed.
Many homeowners spend between $5 and $14 per square foot to remove and install new carpet. Remove carpet and install hardwood. The labor cost to remove carpet and install hardwood ranges from $4.25 to $9.25 per square foot.
What is cheaper hardwood or engineered hardwood? ›On average, you can find hardwood flooring going for prices between $8 and $15 per square foot. On the other hand, engineered wood flooring is a more budget-friendly flooring option. Engineered wood floors range between $2.50 and $10 per square foot.
Is it worth installing hardwood floors yourself? ›If you consider that hiring a professional to install your floors could cost upward of several thousand dollars, doing it yourself may be worth the extra time. When installing your own floors, you only have to pay the cost of materials and tools or tool rental.
How long does it take to install hardwood floors? ›Hardwood Flooring Installation
On average it takes 1-3 days to install hardwood floor. Typically, a 2-person crew of installers can lay 750 to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day, with the average size of a job being 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
How Much Does It Cost to Install 1,500 Square Feet of Hardwood Flooring? Perhaps you're considering replacing all your floors with hardwood. Expect to pay between $4,500 and $30,000 for 1,500 square feet of solid wood flooring.