Installing laminate flooring costs $1–$4 per square foot for materials and $4–$8 per square foot for professional installation. This means that laminating a floor in a 200-square-foot space can range from $1,000–$2,400 total. Laminate flooring offers a durable, low-maintenance surface that mimics the look of hardwood at a much lower price, making it a practical option for budget-conscious homeowners.
This guide breaks down laminate floor installation costs, shares tips to help you save on your project, and features expert insights from This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva.
Key Takeaways
- Laminate flooring materials cost an average of $1–$4 per square foot, with professional installation adding another $4–$8 per square foot, bringing the total for a 200-square-foot space to $1,000–$2,400.
- Material thickness is a key cost and performance factor. Laminate ranges from 6–12 millimeters (mm), with thicker options offering better noise insulation and durability in high-traffic areas.
- Style significantly affects price, with budget-friendly options like acacia and beech starting at $1 per square foot, while premium hand-scraped or oiled finishes can reach $5.60–$6 per square foot.
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What Affects the Cost of Laminate Flooring Installation?
The average cost of laminate flooring material alone is $2.50 per square foot. Your selected laminate’s style and thickness plays a large role in cost, as does the square footage needed, and whether you install the flooring yourself.
- Style: Laminate can be finished to look like stone, tile, or wood, which all come at different costs.
- Thickness: Laminate is typically available in 6–12 millimeters (mm) thicknesses, with thicker materials costing more.
- Square footage: The more space requiring coverage, the more money you’ll spend.
- Labor: Professional installation will obviously cost more.
Read more: Laminate Flooring Guide
Pro Tip
- While laminate is an affordable alternative to traditional wood flooring, Silva notes that once the material shows significant wear, you can’t refinish it. Standard wood flooring, on the other hand, can get refinished.
Cost by Style
Most homeowners install laminate because it mimics the appearance of more costly flooring material at a much lower price. Some laminate looks like stone or tile flooring, but the most popular laminate types are made to look like natural wood flooring.
Laminate planks have a rigid fiberboard core, an overlaid image that determines the planks’ look, and a top layer that’s highly resistant to scratches and dents. High-end varieties of wood like hickory and elm are more difficult to replicate because the image layer requires more detailed graining and shades of color. Thus, these types of laminate are more expensive.
| Laminate Floor Appearance | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Acacia | $1.00–$2.20 |
| Beech | $1.00–$2.90 |
| Cherry | $1.70–$2.80 |
| Elm | $1.40–$3.70 |
| Hickory | $1.50–$4.50 |
| Maple | $1.50–$3.80 |
| Oak | $1.00–$3.70 |
| Stone | $3.50–$4.00 |
| Tile | $3.50–$5.00 |
| Walnut | $2.00–$2.80 |
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Fixr and HomeAdvisor.
Here’s a more detailed overview of popular laminate flooring styles:
- Acacia: This wood has unique grain patterns with distinctive knots and swirls, ranging from light brown to deep reddish-brown.
- Beech: This wood comes in light cream or tan colors with very consistent grain patterns for a more uniform look.
- Cherry: Cherry has a recognizable rich, deep reddish-brown appearance with darker streaks throughout the wood.
- Elm: This wood has a more rustic appearance, with light to medium brown colors and very knotty grain patterns.
- Hickory: This style has a distinctive variation of light and darker brown tones, giving it a striking appearance.
- Maple: This wood has a uniform look with lighter cream coloring and little grain variance.
- Oak: This wood style is very popular thanks to its tan to medium brown coloring and distinctive grain patterns.
- Stone: This flooring style resembles real stone tiles, offering a unique accent to any room.
- Tile: These planks take on the appearance of real ceramic or porcelain.
- Walnut: This wood style offers chocolate brown hues and intricate, swirling wood grain patterns.
Cost by Thickness
Most laminate flooring is between 8 and 10 mm thick. Thinner laminate is still resistant to scratching and denting, but it’s more prone to bending and is noisier to walk on, so it’s only recommended for areas of the home with low foot traffic. Thick, 12-millimeter laminate is best for high-traffic areas and offers better noise insulation and stability. You’ll pay more for thicker laminate, but you could save on the underlayment since you could use a thinner and potentially less expensive option.
| Flooring Thickness | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 6 mm | $0.70–$1.00 |
| 7 mm | $0.90–$1.00 |
| 8 mm | $1.00–$1.80 |
| 10 mm | $2.00–$4.00 |
| 12 mm | $2.30–$6.00 |
Cost by Square Footage
The larger your floor space, the more laminate you’ll need. Assuming an average price range of $1–$4 per square foot in material costs, here’s how much you can expect to pay for areas of various sizes.
| Floor Size | Material Costs | Material and Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100 square feet | $100–$400 | $500–$1,200 |
| 200 square feet | $200–$800 | $1,000–$2,400 |
| 300 square feet | $300–$1,200 | $1,500–$3,600 |
| 500 square feet | $500–$2,000 | $2,500–$6,000 |
| 1,000 square feet | $1,000–$4,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| 1,500 square feet | $1,500–$6,000 | $7,500–$18,000 |
| 2,000 square feet | $2,000–$8,000 | $10,000–$24,000 |
Labor Costs
Labor to install laminate flooring costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, depending on the project’s difficulty. Thinner laminate is more expensive because it’s more difficult to apply and usually requires leveling the subfloor and putting down underlayment. Laminate will also cost more if it needs to be glued or nailed down, installed in an oddly shaped area, or installed on stairs. Anything that makes the job more complex will increase labor costs.
Additional Laminate Flooring Cost Considerations
The following cost factors should be considered when planning your laminate floor installation. While not the main cost factors, they can impact your total project budget.
Durability Rating
Laminate flooring’s abrasion coefficient or AC rating measures its relative durability. Laminate with an AC rating of 1 is the least durable, and 5 is the most durable. Typically, 5 AC laminate is only used in high-traffic commercial areas. Still, you may want a 3 or 4 AC laminate in heavy-traffic areas of your home, such as entryways or corridors. Laminate with an AC rating of 1 or 2 is only appropriate for low- to moderately low-traffic areas such as bedrooms or dining rooms. The higher the rating, the more the laminate costs.
| AC Rating | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Least durable | Low-traffic areas like bedrooms |
| 2 | Moderate durability | General traffic areas like dining rooms and living rooms |
| 3 | durable | Heavy traffic areas like hallways and kitchens |
| 4 | Highly durable | Moderately trafficked commercial areas |
| 5 | Most durable | High-traffic commercial areas |
Plank Finish
The plank’s finish can be matte, semi-matte, or glossy. Matte finishes create a more rustic look but show scratches and dirt more easily. Glossy finishes do more to hide small scratches and dents, but large scrapes will affect the finish. Satin or semi-matte finishes are the most popular and cost-effective. Here’s a list of typical price ranges:
- Matte: $1–$4.40
- Semi-matte: $1–$3.80
- Glossy: $1.70–$5.60
Plank Style
Different plank styles can impact your total project cost. Laminate flooring that looks like hardwood usually comes in click-together planks that are 2.25–3 inches wide. Traditional planks offer the widest variety of finishes and textures at moderate prices. You can also opt for narrower planks, which cost less than traditional ones and are suitable for small spaces. On the other hand, wide planks, which are 5 inches or more, closely resemble real wood planks but are the most expensive. In addition to plank width, choosing a pattern such as herringbone or parquet will increase project costs.
Plank Texture
High-end laminate planks are embossed to better recreate real hardwood’s look and feel. Highly textured floors usually look more realistic and offer more resistance to slipping, but they can be harder to keep clean. Smoother laminate is cheaper than deeply textured options.
- Smooth: $1.70–$2.60
- Embossed: $1.80–$3
- Embossed-in-register: $1.90–$4
- Brushed: $2–$4
- Oiled: $2.60–$5.60
- Hand-scraped: $3–$6
Removing Old Flooring
Many types of laminate flooring click together rather than being glued or nailed, creating a floating floor. Thus, you can install this laminate on top of old materials. If you wish to replace carpet, real wood flooring, or other adhered materials, you’ll first need to remove the old flooring. Professionals typically charge $50–$70 per hour for this service.
Subfloor Repair or Replacement
Subfloor provides the foundation for most flooring installations. Its main functions are to: provide an even flooring surface, support the weight and foot traffic it will endure, and enhance the finished flooring’s longevity. A properly installed subfloor creates a level, sturdy base that ensures the flooring above performs as intended and maintains its quality.
If the subfloor has water damage or is uneven, it must be repaired or replaced before the new flooring is installed. This can cost anywhere from $1.50–$7.00 per square foot.
Underlay
Thinner laminate needs a layer of underlayment to reduce noise and cushion the walking surface. Different underlayment types and thicknesses are available, but options usually range from $30–$50 per 100-square-foot roll. To make the floor more water-resistant in bathrooms and basements, you may need a separate moisture barrier for approximately $35 per roll. Installing underlayment increases your overall labor costs.
Pro Tip
- Silva recommends installing a vapor barrier underneath laminate flooring if you’re placing it over concrete. “Concrete is porous, and the moisture will come up and get into the [laminate] floor, causing it to swell,” he adds.
DIY vs. Professional Laminate Flooring Installation
You can install some types of laminate flooring on your own, but professional installation is always an option.
DIY Laminate Flooring Installation
You’ll need to purchase click-and-lock laminate flooring to make installation a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. You’ll also need to gather the right tools and materials and know how to use a saw to cut the flooring to shape. You can save money on labor by completing the job yourself, but make sure you understand all the steps of DIY laminate flooring installation before starting. Most homeowners can install a room’s worth of laminate flooring in a weekend.
Pros
- Work at your own pace and schedule
- Require few tools for installation
- Save money by eliminating labor costs.
Cons
- Higher chance for a faulty installation
- May void your product warranty
- Requires considerable physical labor
Pro Tip
- Silva recommends leaving a 1/4 inch gap around the perimeter of the laminate flooring you install to allow for expansion and contraction of the material.
Professional Laminate Flooring Installation
Flooring contractors will happily install laminate, and this is the recommended option if you choose laminate that needs to be glued or nailed down. You should also consider hiring a pro if your subfloor needs leveling or repair. A professional contractor will be able to finish the job quicker than you, especially if you’re applying laminate flooring over stairs or in oddly shaped spaces. You’ll pay for labor but will ultimately deal with less mess and disruption to your daily life.
Pros
- Receive a high-quality installation
- Backed by workmanship and labor guarantees
- More efficient flooring installation
Cons
- Increased installation costs
- Varied product option between installers
- Restricted to installer’s availability and schedule
How To Hire a Professional Contractor for Your Floors
Here’s a list of tips for finding the right flooring contractor to install laminate in your home.
- Check licensing requirements: Some states require flooring contractors to maintain a specific license. Find out if your state is one of them and ensure your contractor has the proper licensing.
- Get insurance details: All flooring contractors should be bonded and insured.
- Get detailed estimates: Make sure you know what your price estimate covers, such as the removal of existing flooring or post-project cleanup.
- Read customer reviews: Ask for references and check online review sites to see what previous customers have to say.
- Research each company: Check the company’s Better Business Bureau page to see its rating and accreditation status and any customer complaints.
- Verify project details: Ask about project timelines and workmanship warranties.
How To Save on Laminate Flooring Installation
Here’s how to save on new laminate floors, even if you opt for professional installation.
- Choose cost-effective options: Balance the budget against durability and pick a laminate style and thickness that’s appropriate for the area’s foot traffic.
- Complete prep work: Do as much prep work as possible, including removing the existing flooring, thresholds, baseboards, and any glue or nails.
- Don’t install in fall: Schedule your project for a time besides fall, when flooring contractors tend to be busiest.
- Review warranty coverage: Look for retailers and installers that provide the best product warranty.
- Request several quotes: Get cost estimates from at least three installers to find the best deal.
Our Conclusion
Laminate is one of the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly home flooring options. When budgeting for laminate flooring, expect to pay around $1–$4 per square foot, with professional installation adding $4–$8 per square foot. Make sure you understand the different styles, thicknesses, textures, and finishes when choosing your new laminate flooring. You can keep project costs low by installing the laminate yourself, but look for click-together planks and gather the tools you need before starting. If you’d rather pay for professional installation, do your research to find a trustworthy local contractor.
FAQs About Laminate Flooring Installation
What is the abrasion rating in relation to laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring’s abrasion coefficient, or AC rating, measures how well the materials will stand up to everyday wear. The ratings go from 1 (least abrasion-resistant) to 5 (most abrasion-resistant). Most residential laminate flooring has an AC of 3.
Can I install laminate flooring over other types of flooring?
You can install laminate over some flat flooring types, such as concrete, linoleum, and sheet vinyl. You must remove carpet or level out materials, such as brick and natural stone, before installing laminate.
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring costs an average of $1–$4 per square foot, so purchasing 1,000 square feet would cost $1,000–$4,000. If you include professional installation, that’s an overall cost of $5,000–$12,000.
Is it less expensive to install carpet or laminate flooring?
Carpet and laminate flooring cost about the same amount. Carpet costs $5–$11 per square foot for both materials and labor, while laminate flooring costs $5–$12 per square foot.
How We Determined Laminate Flooring Costs
To provide accurate and current pricing for laminate flooring installation, we collected project estimates from HomeAdvisor and Fixr. This allows for cost averages that reflect the diverse needs of homeowners across both local and nationwide markets. The pricing shared in this guide represents cost ranges and averages based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as your location, chosen contractor, material choices, installation method, and overall project scope.
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