Flooring Cost (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $1,000–$7,000
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Floor replacement costs vary depending on the room’s size, flooring material, and whether you decide to hire a professional or do-it-yourself (DIY). For a standard-sized living room, project costs range from $1,000 with cost-friendly materials to $7,000 for luxury installations.*
High-traffic areas may require high-quality materials to prevent wear, which adds to flooring installation costs. You may also choose higher-quality materials based on the subfloor’s condition. For some projects, you may need to hire a professional.
Read ahead to learn the best options for your flooring project while staying within your budget.
*Cost data via Home Advisor, Home Depot, and Remodeling Calculator.
Major Flooring Cost Factors
Replacing old flooring costs $12.50 per square foot according to national averages, but the cost varies depending on the material quality and the installation’s difficulty.
- Square footage: Materials are typically purchased by the square foot, and more flooring increases costs.
- Flooring type: Popular materials include laminate, hardwood flooring, vinyl, and tile. Each flooring material has a variety of options, with prices differing based on quality, thickness, and durability.
Square Footage
It will cost less to replace existing flooring in smaller rooms because you won’t spend as much on materials or flooring installation costs (if you choose to hire a professional).
Cost by Square Footage
| Square Footage | Materials Only | Materials and Installation |
|---|---|---|
|
100 |
$50–$1,400 |
$150–$2,900 |
|
200 |
$100–$2,800 |
$300–$5,800 |
|
300 |
$150–$4,200 |
$450–$8,700 |
|
400 |
$200–$5,600 |
$600–$11,600 |
|
500 |
$250–$7,000 |
$750–$14,500 |
|
600 |
$300–$8,400 |
$900–$17,400 |
|
700 |
$350–$9,800 |
$1,050–$20,300 |
|
800 |
$400–$11,200 |
$1,200–$23,200 |
|
900 |
$450–$12,600 |
$1,350–$26,100 |
|
1,000 |
$500–$14,000 |
$1,500–$29,000 |
Note that “high-end” applies to popular luxury flooring options for materials, such as rare hardwood flooring or marble.
Flooring Type
Flooring costs vary depending on the materials used. Popular flooring materials, from most to least expensive, include:
- Natural stone
- Designer tiles
- Solid hardwood
- Vinyl
- Laminate
Cost by Flooring Type
| Flooring Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Natural stone (marble) |
$3–$20 |
|
Ceramic tile |
$5–$10 |
|
Solid hardwood |
$3–$10 |
|
Vinyl |
$2–$7 |
|
Laminate |
$1–$4 |
How To Choose the Best Flooring for Your Project
Natural Stone
Natural stone is costly but comes with certain benefits. It is eco-friendly, scratch-resistant (when properly treated), and sophisticated. This makes it ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces.
Natural stone is often porous and susceptible to water damage unless treated with a sealing agent, such as polyurethane. Stone flooring also usually requires professional installation.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean, which is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They provide excellent insulation and sound dampening and are scratch-resistant and difficult to break when installed properly. This makes tile a low-maintenance flooring option for many kinds of rooms.
Ceramic is affordable but requires special tools and may require professional installation. See our comprehensive guide to tile flooring.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring can last decades with proper care, making it a long-term, cost-effective solution. Hardwood flooring is also easy to clean and maintain. It can be pricey, depending on the type of wood flooring, but there are more budget-friendly options, such as engineered wood flooring. See our comprehensive guide to hardwood flooring.
Hardwood is susceptible to water damage and not ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms with high moisture. Further, hardwood is at risk of termite infestation if not properly maintained and can be scratched.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage, making it a durable option for families with active children and pets and a viable alternative to other water-resistant options like tile. Vinyl can mimic the look of more expensive materials at a lower price, and comes in two varieties known as regular vinyl and luxury vinyl. Vinyl planks, tiles, and sheets often click into place, making them accessible for DIY installation. See our guide to DIY vinyl floor installation. Vinyl is not very eco-friendly to produce or recycle.
Laminate
Laminate is durable and low-cost and comes with different abrasion ratings (ACs), which means that some types are highly scratch-resistant. Laminate with a higher AC rating is better for high foot traffic. Laminate is popular among homeowners for its affordability, ability to mimic more expensive materials, and easy installation.
Laminate requires a level subfloor for proper installation, so subfloor issues may require the help of a professional flooring company. Laminate is less water-resistant than vinyl or ceramic tile, so it is not frequently used in bathrooms or kitchens. See our guide to laminate flooring.
DIY vs. Professional Flooring
Materials like vinyl and laminate often come in sheets or planks that snap into place, which makes them a popular choice for DIY installation. Some can even be installed on top of existing flooring without removing old materials. Other materials, such as solid hardwood, natural stone, or tile, are more labor-intensive and require professional installation.
Homeowners may find it more cost-effective to hire a flooring company if significant work is needed on the subfloor or underlayment. The time saved and peace of mind may offset the cost of paying a professional.
DIY Flooring
When starting a home improvement project, consider how long you’re willing to go without a floor if you encounter unexpected delays. This question is especially relevant for bathrooms, kitchens, and other central household hubs.
Flooring installation costs vary based on surface area and material type. Here are popular materials’ average costs (based on a 200-square-foot room):
- Hardwood: $600–$2,000
- Ceramic tile: $500–$2,000
- Vinyl: $400–$1,400
- Laminate: $200–$800
Another potential cost for DIY flooring is truck rental. Consider whether your current vehicle can transport flooring materials, which are often sold in lengthy planks. Renting flatbed or moving trucks often involves paying a flat rate plus a per mile rate. See our guide to renting moving trucks.
Think about whether you have the necessary tools and skill level to complete DIY installation. Materials such as ceramic tile require special tools for cutting and shaping. Materials such as laminate require level subfloors that may require professional repair before installation if they’re not in good condition.
For example: Installing 200 square feet of laminate flooring costs between $200 and $800 in materials and between $4 and $8 per square foot in labor. Therefore, the total cost of professional installation is between $1,600 and $2,400. Consider whether saving money is worth the risks, time, and labor of DIY.
Professional Flooring
Hiring a professional flooring contractor comes with many benefits:
- They have the expertise to get the job done correctly and efficiently.
- Professional flooring companies are licensed and may offer a warranty in the event that something goes wrong.
- They’re knowledgeable about local permits and codes.
- Professionals will likely be able to install flooring much faster than somebody without experience.
How To Save on Flooring
Flooring can be a considerable expense, but there are ways to make it more affordable.
- Consider materials: Options such as laminate are designed to mimic more luxury flooring materials such as hardwood and marble at a cheaper price. Vinyl is an affordable alternative for rooms with more moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Even among hardwood and tile, there’s a large price range.
- Buy materials online: This can help you save money with limited local supplies. On the other hand, if material cost is much lower than expected, the quality could also be lower. Consult online reviews to find companies that are rated highly for product quality, pricing, and customer service.
- Go in with a plan: Proper planning helps avoid common pitfalls, such as moisture damage and poor scheduling. Whether you go DIY or hire a pro, budgeting time, choosing the right materials, and performing adequate subfloor testing will minimize mismanagement costs.
Additional Flooring Cost Factors
Labor
Labor costs for flooring installation depend on materials and job complexity. For example, labor to install laminate may only cost $1 per square foot, while custom tile installations are more complex and can cost up to $15 per square foot. Factors like subfloor repair and baseboard replacement can add to labor costs, and the presence of asbestos or mold could require hiring other professionals to remove it before flooring installation can continue. Further, materials like marble may require additional costs to install.
Existing Floor Removal
Flooring removal and material disposal can increase labor costs, especially for materials that are difficult to remove such as hardwood or tile. You can expect to pay $1–$6 per square foot for floor removal and may have to pay extra to dispose of materials.
Underlayment
The average price for underlayment materials and installation is between $3.40 and $5.30 per square foot. Underlayment serves different purposes for different flooring materials. It acts as a moisture barrier protecting hardwood, helps with sound reduction on all floor types, and serves as additional insulation.
Finishes
Finishes extend the life of materials by insulating them and making them less susceptible to scratches, dents, and water damage. There are different finishes depending on how a space is used. For example, acrylic-infused finishes are used in high-traffic areas because they make hardwood extra durable, while polyurethane is low maintenance.
Extra Materials
Flooring materials such as tile require special tools to cut and lay. This can add to project costs. Rooms with uneven or unusual shapes may require custom installation, which increases labor costs for professional installation. Consider your chosen material and plan ahead for any extra materials or labor costs.
Cost of Living in Your Area
Flooring materials and labor costs vary depending on your area’s cost of living. Higher costs of living lead to higher costs for home remodeling, as market rates are higher. And sourcing materials, such as specific hardwoods, can be more expensive in some areas depending on availability. Research local flooring companies for an idea of material and labor costs in your area.
How To Hire a Pro
Here are some things to consider when hiring a professional flooring company:
- Licensing: Make sure any company you hire has the required licenses to conduct remodeling.
- Cost: Consult online reviews to find the right combination of work quality and affordability.
- Warranties: Discuss product warranties and quality assurance with potential companies to ensure protection if any accidents occur during installation.
- Preparation and cleanup: Ask the company if they assist with preparation and cleanup or if you’re expected to do it.
Our Conclusion
DIY floor installation is a viable option for straightforward projects involving accessible materials, such as laminate and vinyl. Hiring a flooring company is ideal for more complex jobs using expensive materials and oddly shaped rooms or if you don’t have home modeling experience. Since different flooring materials are meant for different purposes, DIY and professional installation both require planning. Be sure to research the most cost-effective and well-suited materials for the space being remodeled.
To learn more about how we research and recommend flooring companies, check out our detailed rating methodology.
FAQ About Flooring Cost
How much does it cost to put new flooring in a 2000 sq. ft. house?
The costs for putting in new flooring in a 2,000 sq. ft. house will vary depending on your local cost of living, the materials you choose, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional flooring company.
To put new laminate floors in a 2,000 sq. ft. house, you can expect to spend $2,000–$10,000 on materials, depending on the laminate type. Expect to pay $8,000–$16,000 on the additional cost of labor if you hire a pro. Materials such as hardwood, natural stone, or tile will cost more.
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring?
On average, it costs between $5,000 and $12,000 to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring, including materials and labor. Read our comprehensive guide to laminate flooring prices.
How much does it cost for mold remediation before new floor installation?
The cost of mold remediation depends on how much needs to be removed. Homeowners can expect to pay between $9 and $23 per square foot for mold removal. Removing 1,000 square feet of mold could cost between $9,000 and $23,000.
What is the cheapest type of flooring?
Laminate flooring and sheet vinyl are the least expensive types of flooring, costing an average of $1–$7 per square foot. Prices vary depending on your local cost of living and material availability. Both laminate and vinyl flooring are popular and affordable choices.
Find Local Flooring Experts in Your City
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