How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost? (2023 Guide)
Typical Cost Range: $1–$4 per square foot
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Laminate is an inexpensive, scratch-resistant material that can be made to look like wood flooring at a much lower cost. Good-quality laminate is durable and easy to maintain, making it a popular flooring choice. The average cost of laminate flooring is $1–$4* for the laminate itself and another $4–$8 for professional installation. That means the total cost of laying down laminate flooring in a 200-square-foot space is between $1,000 and $2,400. We’ll go over various cost considerations and details below.
*All cost data sourced from Fixr.com and HomeAdvisor.com.
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Average Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
The style and thickness of the laminate you select 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 thicknesses, with thicker materials costing more.
- Square footage: The more space requiring coverage, the more money you’ll spend.
- Labor: Opting for professional installation costs more.
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.
| 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 |
Cost by Thickness
Most laminate flooring is between 8 and 10 millimeters 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. You’ll pay more for thicker laminate, but you may not need underlayment or a perfectly even floor substrate.
| Thickness in Millimeters | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
6 |
$0.70–$1.00 |
|
7 |
$0.90–$1.00 |
|
8 |
$1.00–$1.80 |
|
10 |
$2.00–$4.00 |
|
12 |
$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 (with or without installation).
| Square Footage | Materials Only | Materials and Installation |
|---|---|---|
|
100 |
$100–$400 |
$500–$1,200 |
|
200 |
$200–$800 |
$1,000–$2,400 |
|
300 |
$300–$1,200 |
$1,500–$3,600 |
|
500 |
$500–$2,000 |
$2,500–$6,000 |
|
1,000 |
$1,000–$4,000 |
$5,000–$12,000 |
|
1,500 |
$1,500–$6,000 |
$7,500–$18,000 |
|
2,000 |
$2,000–$8,000 |
$10,000–$24,000 |
Cost by Labor
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 Cost Considerations
The following cost factors may also influence laminate flooring prices.
AC 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, but you may want a 3 or 4 AC laminate in common areas of your home, such as entryways, corridors, and living rooms. Laminate with an AC rating of 1 or 2 is only appropriate for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms. The higher the rating, the more the laminate will cost.
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 are some typical price ranges.
- Matte: $1.00–$4.40
- Semi-matte: $1.00–$3.80
- Glossy: $1.70–$5.60
Plank Style
Laminate that mimics hardwood flooring typically comes in click-together planks that are between 2.25 and 3 inches wide. Traditional planks have the broadest choice of finishes and textures, but you can also find wider or narrower planks if that better suits your decor. Some planks are even cut to create a herringbone pattern, though these will likely cost more to install.
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–$3.00
- Embossed-in-register: $1.90–$4.00
- Brushed: $2.00–$4.00
- Oiled: $2.60–$5.60
- Hand-scraped: $3.00–$6.00
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
If the subfloor has water damage or is uneven, it will need to 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. There are different underlayment types and thicknesses, but all options usually cost between $30 and $50 per 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.
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.
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.
How To Save on Laminate Flooring Installation
Here’s how to save on new laminate floors, even if you opt for professional installation.
- Do as much prep work as you can, including removing the existing flooring, thresholds, baseboards, and any glue or nails.
- Balance the budget against durability and pick a laminate style and thickness that’s appropriate for the amount of foot traffic in the area.
- Schedule your project for a time besides fall, when flooring contractors tend to be busiest.
- Look for retailers and installers that provide the best product warranty.
- Get cost estimates from at least three installers to find the best deal.
How To Hire a Pro
Here are some tips for finding the right flooring contractor to install laminate in your home.
- Some states require flooring contractors to maintain a specific license. Check to see whether your state is one of them and ensure your contractor has the proper licensing.
- All flooring contractors should be bonded and insured.
- Make sure you know what your price estimate covers, such as removal of existing flooring or post-project cleanup.
- Ask for references and check online review sites to see what previous customers have to say.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau page to see its rating and accreditation status as well as any customer complaints.
- Ask about project timelines and workmanship warranties.
Our Conclusion
Laminate is one of the most inexpensive and DIY-friendly home flooring options. 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 make sure to look for click-together planks and gather the tools you need before starting. If you’d rather pay for professional installation, do research to find a trustworthy local contractor.
FAQ 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.
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