Flooring installation can make a significant difference in a property’s aesthetic appeal and value, but it comes with a cost. Understanding the installation cost of various types of flooring, labor cost, and other factors that affect overall flooring cost can help homeowners make informed decisions about their installations. Here’s everything you need to know about flooring installation costs.

The cost of installing a variety of flooring materials depends on a number of factors.
The cost of installing a variety of flooring materials depends on a number of factors.

Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot

The price for installing flooring will vary based on the type of flooring you use, labor costs in your area, and any subflooring or floor removal fees you might incur. The flooring installation cost per square foot varies depending on the flooring purchased and installed. The costs can range from less than $1 square foot for laminate flooring to more than $10 a square foot for higher-end brands. That’s why the average floor installation varies from $1,000 to $10,000 for a 500-square-foot room.

Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot.
Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Foot.

Cost by Flooring Type

The material you choose for your flooring project affects the final price. Vinyl is the most affordable, while hardwood and concrete are the most expensive. Some rare hardwoods and high-end tiles cost more than $70 a square foot.
 
What you choose will depend on the area of your home you are putting the flooring in, the amount of traffic it gets, whether you have kids or pets running around, your local weather and climate, and, of course, your home design

Vinyl is the most affordable, while hardwood and concrete are the most expensive.
Vinyl is the most affordable, while hardwood and concrete are the most expensive.

Vinyl

Vinyl plank flooring can typically range anywhere from $1 – $5 per square foot. It’s a standard option for basement or kitchen floors because it’s easy to maintain and clean. It also comes in various colors and patterns, though it may need replacing faster than other materials. 

Tile

Tile is a great flooring option for high-traffic areas and can completely change the look of your room. However, the price can be high, with the average cost ranging anywhere between $5 – $30 per square foot. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are more expensive than tiles made from other materials. Customized options will also increase the price.

Ceramic

Generally, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain. The average cost of ceramic tile can range between $.50 per square foot to $35 per square foot. 

Porcelain

Porcelain tile is a harder substance and wears better than ceramic tile but is also more susceptible to cracking. Porcelain tiles can be priced anywhere from $3 to $35 per square foot.

Laminate

If you want a floor that’s durable and easy to maintain, laminate is an excellent choice. You’ll get the appearance of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost, typically around $3 to $10 per square foot. 

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are built to last and generally cost between $7 to $23 per square foot.
However, they are worth the investment. Even if they are damaged by water or humidity, they can be refinished and last many years.

Stone

Stone flooring costs between $7 to as much as $20 per square foot, and you may need to factor in additional costs for finishing and regular sealing every few years. Stone is durable, low-maintenance and can be an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.

LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile SWEET FERN Denali Collection
LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile SWEET FERN Denali Collection

Concrete

Depending on the desired finish, concrete flooring costs range from $2 to $12 per square foot. Polished concrete is not only affordable, but it is also tough – a perfect solution for high-traffic areas. It will last for decades and requires little-to-no maintenance.

Labor Cost for Floor Installation

Another key component in the pricing of new flooring is labor costs. Labor costs vary depending on location. For example, urban areas usually have a higher cost of living and, therefore, higher labor costs. If you live in a remote area, you may incur travel fees by the installer because you are outside of their service area.
 
Generally, hardwood, ceramic tiling, and stone require professional installation and can cost about $5 per square foot, while vinyl and laminate installation can cost around $1 to $2 per square foot. But these rates often don’t include materials or extra work like removing old flooring or moving furniture before starting. It will also vary dramatically based on how many square feet of space you need to cover.

Labor costs for flooring vary depending on the area or residential style.
Labor costs for flooring vary depending on the area or residential style.

Factors that Affect Flooring Costs

Every flooring project is unique, and cost varies based on several factors. Here are six main factors that affect flooring costs:

Flooring Materials

As discussed, the cost of your new floors will vary based on the flooring you select for your project.

Labor

Installation is a significant cost of the project and can add up quickly.

Underlayment

Proper underlayment is essential for successful flooring installation. For tile flooring, it is crucial to prevent surface cracks and unevenness while ensuring long-term durability. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, relies on underlayment to produce a smooth, polished finish and minimize the noise from walking on it. Moreover, underlayment introduces additional benefits, such as noise reduction, moisture protection, insulation properties, and cushioning for optimal comfort.

For tile flooring, it is crucial to prevent surface cracks and unevenness while ensuring long-term durability.
For tile flooring, it is crucial to prevent surface cracks and unevenness while ensuring long-term durability.

Removal

While some contractors offer a removal service for your old flooring at no charge, others do not. Still, others may expect you to do it yourself or hire a different company to handle it. Disposal and removal costs for your existing flooring can add up when trying to keep to a budget.
 
During removal, you may also find out that your subfloors or slab need additional work. If you have mold or asbestos, it can make for an expensive fix. Mold remediation cost can range between $10 to $25 per square foot, while asbestos removal can range from $75 to $200 an hour.

Flooring size

Flooring is usually one of the most expensive home improvement projects. The larger the project, the bigger the cost. Larger projects often qualify for a discounted rate per square foot, while some companies may charge a higher rate per square foot for smaller jobs, as they have minimum project cost requirements to meet. 

Function of the area

When searching for flooring options, it is essential to consider how you want the space to function. While the size and layout of your home will influence your choice of flooring, you also need to factor in cost and durability when selecting the material for your room.
 
For areas with high foot traffic, opting for more durable flooring materials like tile, ceramic or stone may be a more cost-effective option in the long run despite higher material costs.

How much does it cost to install flooring by yourself?

Installing flooring yourself can save a significant amount of money. Installing flooring yourself can cost between $0.50 to as much as $15 per square foot for materials, not including your prep and labor time. But remember, if the work doesn’t look good, you won’t get the same resale value you would with a professional install. Plus, if you have to replace the flooring again, that will also negate what you saved by installing it yourself. Installing flooring may be a simple process in a small space or a square room, but if you’ve got a lot of space to fill and that space isn’t a standard size and shape, you may want to consider letting a professional installer handle it. 

Installing flooring yourself can save a significant amount of money.
Installing flooring yourself can save a significant amount of money.

Benefits of installing new flooring

New flooring offers several benefits, such as increased durability, aesthetic appeal, and home value.

Increase in home value

New flooring can add value to your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, new flooring increases a home’s worth. And if resale is your end goal, look at what’s trending in your area. For example, installing tile might be better than laminate in your area depending on the current trends and what buyers are looking for.

Aesthetic effect

New flooring can make an entire home feel fresh. Flooring serves as the foundation of a home and sets the stage for the rest of your interior design. Stylish flooring can make all the difference in a space’s final look and feel. 

Increased durability

Floors take a beating, especially if you have children and pets. One of the main benefits of installing a new floor is the ability to upgrade to a more durable option that can meet your family’s and your lifestyle’s needs.

How to save on flooring installation costs

If you’re looking to save some money while installing new flooring, here are three ways to save money on flooring installations and not break the bank:

1. Remove old flooring by yourself

By manually removing old flooring, homeowners can save money and potentially cut costs. Additionally, performing some of the necessary preparation work before hiring a contractor can result in financial savings. 

2. Move furniture yourself

Moving the furniture yourself before or after installation can save homeowners additional costs that professionals often charge. You and a friend can move furniture out of your room and clear the area for new flooring installation instead of paying a professional crew money to do the same thing.

3. Balance price and quality of materials

Choosing higher-quality materials may be more expensive upfront, but they can be financially responsible in the long term. For instance, the least costly floors could be the most appealing at the time, but their low quality could cause you to replace them within a few years. Buying good quality but less expensive materials can save money on flooring installation and maintenance costs over time.

LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile RELAX Savana Colection
LX Hausys HFLOR Luxury Vinyl Tile RELAX Savana Colection

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Flooring installation costs can vary widely depending on the type of flooring and other factors like labor and materials. If you need help determining flooring installation costs, the experts at LX Hausys can help. Contact us from the contact form on our website and one of our experts will be happy to help you determine what flooring would work best and any of the potential costs associated. 

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