How much does flooring installation cost?
How much does flooring installation cost?
$4 – $15 cost per square foot installed
$2,000 – $7,500 average total cost (500 SF)
Average floor installation cost
New flooring costs $4 to $15 per square foot total on average to install or replace. The cost of flooring depends greatly on the flooring type and the condition of the space. Flooring material prices range from $1 to $50 per square foot. Flooring labor costs $2 to $8 per square foot.
| Floor size (square feet) | Average total cost installed |
|---|---|
| 200 | $800 – $3,000 |
| 500 | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $18,000 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $22,500 |
| 1,700 | $6,800 – $25,500 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $37,500 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $45,000 |
Flooring cost per square foot by type
Flooring prices vary greatly depending on the material. The table below shows a breakdown of material and total installation costs for several types of flooring.
| Material | Material cost per square foot |
Total installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | $3 – $8 | $7 – $17 |
| Carpet | $1 – $5 | $2 – $8 |
| Concrete | $3 – $7 | $6 – $12 |
| Cork | $4 – $8 | $5 – $15 |
| Engineered wood | $2 – $9 | $7 – $20 |
| Epoxy flooring | $1 – $5 | $4 – $10 |
| Hardwood | $4 – $15 | $11 – $25 |
| Laminate | $1 – $6 | $4 – $14 |
| Linoleum | $2 – $7 | $3 – $11 |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $2 – $10 | $4 – $16 |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | $2 – $10 | $4 – $16 |
| Marble | $5 – $20 | $10 – $40 |
| Standard vinyl plank | $2 – $7 | $3 – $10 |
| Standard vinyl sheet | $1 – $4 | $2 – $7 |
| Standard vinyl tile | $1 – $5 | $2 – $10 |
| Terrazzo (tile) | $7 – $15 | $15 – $35 |
| Terrazzo (poured) | $10 – $50 | $20 – $70 |
| Tile | $2 – $30 | $10 – $50 |
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring costs $11 to $25 per square foot with installation, depending on wood species and thickness. Pine, maple, and bamboo are the most affordable, while high-end mahogany, cypress, and teak cost the most. Solid hardwood is among the pricier flooring types but can last for generations with proper care.
Engineered wood flooring costs $7 to $20 per square foot installed and is made of a composite core topped with a thin layer of solid wood veneer. Engineered wood is more affordable than solid hardwood but the number of times it can be refinished is limited due to the thin top layer.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed, depending on the type, quality, and installation method. Bamboo is a durable, low-maintenance, sustainable, and eco-friendly flooring choice. However, bamboo's porous surface is not ideal for wet-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Laminate
Laminate flooring installation costs $4 to $14 per square foot and offers a stone, tile, or wood look at a much lower price point. Laminate flooring is easy to install, low maintenance, and scratch and stain resistant, but it's also difficult to repair and not suitable for humid spaces.
Vinyl & linoleum
Vinyl flooring installation costs $2 to $10+ per square foot for materials and labor. Vinyl sheets are the cheapest but also the least durable. Vinyl planks and tiles cost more but typically look better and last longer.
Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring cost $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Also called LVT or LVP flooring, these options are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl flooring.
Linoleum flooring costs $3 to $11 per square foot with installation, depending on the quality and type. Linoleum sheets fall at the low end of the range and are the most difficult to install. Linoleum planks and tiles cost more but are easier to install and longer lasting.
Tile
The cost to install a tile floor ranges from $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the tile material, local labor rates, and the installation complexity. Popular budget-friendly choices include ceramic and porcelain. High-end options like glass and stone are also common.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo flooring costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed and is made by mixing chips of materials like glass, marble, and quartz into an epoxy or cement base. This unique, seamless, customizable flooring is among the priciest flooring types, but also outlasts most other flooring materials.
Marble
Marble flooring costs $10 to $40 per square foot with installation. Marble tiles alone average $5 to $20 per square foot but some higher-grade tiles reach $40+ per square foot. However, marble grading is based more on color than quality, so some lower grade options offer good quality at a better price.
Carpet
Including materials and labor, carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot. The carpet material, style, quality, and installation difficulty impact the total price. Though not as popular in recent years, carpeting is comfortable under foot and still a common choice for bedrooms, finished basements, and offices.
For semi-enclosed areas like a deck, patio, or porch, indoor-outdoor carpet costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot installed.
Concrete & epoxy
Pouring a concrete slab costs $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and materials, depending on the grade and thickness. Concrete slabs are typically used for patios, sheds, and garage floors and can have several different looks and finishes.
Stamped concrete costs $8 to $19 per square foot with installation, including pouring the slab.
Polished concrete floors cost $3 to $15 per square foot total, not including the slab.
Sealing concrete costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Epoxy flooring costs $4 to $10 per square foot for materials and labor. Epoxy is a type of resin that coats an existing concrete floor for a smooth, glossy finish that is durable and easy to clean. However, epoxy floors takes a while to cure and are not suitable for extreme temperatures.
Cork
Cork flooring costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed. This naturally mold-resistant insulating flooring is soft but firm under the foot and quiet to walk on. Cork flooring may be glued down or floating and lasts 15 to 40+ years, depending on the quality and care.
Cost to replace flooring by room
Whether you refloor your whole house at once or tackle it one room at a time, the cost to replace flooring varies from room to room, depending on the size of the space and the flooring type you choose. The table below shows the average flooring replacement cost for each room.
| Room | Typical size (square feet) | Average replacement cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 100 – 240 | $400 – $3,600 |
| Bathroom | 40 – 50 | $200 – $800 |
| Basement | 300 – 2,000 | $1,200 – $30,000 |
| Kitchen | 64 – 200 | $300 – $3,000 |
| Living room / family room | 200 – 320 | $800 – $4,800 |
| Laundry room | 35 – 100 | $140 – $1,500 |
| Entryway / foyer | 36 – 120 | $150 – $1,800 |
*Many contractors have a $200 to $500+ minimum project fee.
Bedroom
The cost to install flooring in a bedroom depends on the room size and the flooring type. Carpeting is a common choice for bedrooms as it's cost-effective and comfortable underfoot. Still, some people prefer to carry hard flooring throughout the home.
| Flooring type | Total cost – average bedroom (100 – 144 SF) | Total cost – primary suite (192 – 240 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $200 – $1,200 | $400 – $1,900 |
| Engineered wood | $700 – $2,900 | $1,300 – $4,800 |
| Hardwood | $1,100 – $3,600 | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Laminate | $400 – $2,000 | $800 – $3,400 |
| Luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT) | $400 – $2,300 | $800 – $3,900 |
| Standard vinyl | $200 – $1,700 | $400 – $2,900 |
Bathroom
Bathroom flooring cost ranges from $200 to $800+, depending on the flooring type and the bathroom square footage. Porcelain tile is the most common bathroom flooring choice. Vinyl is a popular low-cost and DIY-friendly option.
The average cost to retile a bathroom is $800 to $3,800, or $7 to $25 per square foot.
A complete bathroom remodel costs $120 to $275 per square foot for materials and labor.
To save on the labor, a DIY bathroom remodel costs $70 to $100 per square foot.
If you are installing flooring in a small bathroom, consider combining this job with other projects as most contractors have minimum project fees.
Kitchen
Kitchen flooring costs $300 to $3,000. The total cost depends on the size of your kitchen and the flooring type you choose. Kitchen flooring should be durable, comfortable, waterproof or water resistant, and easy to clean.
The table below shows the average price ranges for some of the most popular flooring choices for kitchens.
| Flooring type | Average installed cost (64 – 200 SF) |
|---|---|
| Cork | $320 – $3,000 |
| Engineered wood | $450 – $4,000 |
| Hardwood | $700 – $5,000 |
| Luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT) | $260 – $3,200 |
| Tile | $640 – $10,000 |
A full kitchen remodel costs $150 to $250 per square foot, including updating the floors.
Living room
Replacing the flooring in a living room or family room costs $800 to $4,800 on average, depending on the size and flooring type. Carpet is a common living room flooring choice since it's warm and comfortable, but hard flooring like wood, laminate, and vinyl are on trend and easy to maintain.
| Flooring type | Average installed cost (200 – 320 SF) |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $400 – $2,600 |
| Engineered wood | $1,400 – $6,400 |
| Hardwood | $2,200 – $8,000 |
| Laminate | $800 – $4,500 |
| Luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT) | $800 – $5,100 |
Basement
As with every room, basement flooring cost varies widely depending on the type of flooring and the size of the space. For storage-only basements, vinyl sheet flooring is a budget-friendly choice. Choose something more comfortable and durable if you're converting the basement to a living space.
| Flooring type | Average installed cost (500 – 1,500 SF) |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1,000 – $12,000 |
| Polished concrete | $1,500 – $22,500 |
| Epoxy floor coating | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Hardwood | $5,500 – $37,500 |
| Laminate | $2,000 – $21,000 |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $2,000 – $24,000 |
| Standard vinyl sheet | $1,000 – $10,500 |
| Tile | $5,000 – $75,000 |
Basement flooring should be waterproof or water-resistant unless the space is finished and sealed.
Basement waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000.
The average cost to finish a basement is $15,000 to $75,000.
The cost to remodel a basement is $12,500 to $37,500.
New flooring cost estimator
The biggest factors affecting the cost of new flooring are the type of flooring and the size of the project. The table below shows a breakdown of average labor and material costs, but these ranges vary depending on the flooring you choose and the complexity of the job.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $7 |
| Labor | $2 – $8 |
| Total installed cost | $4 – $15 |
Other factors that influence the cost include:
Material quality – Higher quality flooring costs more but typically lasts longer than lower cost materials.
Stairs – Installing flooring on stairs is challenging and adds to the cost. Carpeting a staircase costs $150 to $600 on average but ranges from $10 to $45 per step, depending on the style and difficulty.
Hazardous materials:
Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot.
Asbestos removal costs $4 to $15 per square foot.
Sealant or finish – Floors like concrete, natural stone, and wood typically require sealing to complete the installation. Some companies include this in the flooring estimate.
DIY vs. professional installation – Installing a floor yourself saves on labor cost, but keep in mind most flooring installation requires a skilled hand to ensure things are done safely and correctly. You'll also need to factor in extra tools and supplies if you go the DIY route.
Labor
Flooring labor costs $2 to $8 per square foot on average, but the cost can go as low as $0.50 per square foot for carpet installation to as high as $20 per square foot to install heavy tile or poured terrazzo that take much more time and skill.
Additional labor costs may include:
Relocating furniture – Some installers include moving furniture in their initial estimate. Otherwise, plan to pay $25 to $75 per room extra if you don't move the furniture before the installation.
Removing the existing floor – The cost to remove and dispose of old flooring depends on the material type and the amount to be disposed.
Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, or $140 to $320 per room.
Tile removal costs $2 to $7 per square foot, or $200 to $1,400 per room.
Installing an underlayment
An underlayment costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed and is typically needed under linoleum, laminate, vinyl, and hardwood.
Carpet padding costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot installed and serves to insulate, protect the subfloor, and make the carpet more comfortable to walk on.
Repairs
The cost to replace a subfloor is $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot for materials and labor. Repairing or replacing the subfloor may be necessary to provide a solid, level surface for the new flooring.
Hardwood floor repair costs $2 to $20+ per square foot, depending on the material and damage.
Additional costs & upgrades
When you install new flooring, the finishing details can make a significant difference in the look and feel of the end result. Consider these additional projects when planning your new floors.
Baseboards & trim – Interior trim costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed or $350 to $1,200 per room.
Heated floors – Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot with installation and offers a quiet, efficient, heating source that increases comfort, home value, and lasts 30 to 50 years.
If you are installing new flooring in part of your home and leaving hardwood in others, consider refinishing to carry the like-new feel throughout the house. The cost to refinish hardwood floors is $1.50 to $7.00 per square foot.
Benefits of new flooring
There are many benefits to new flooring installation, especially if your existing flooring is old and worn. Installing new flooring can:
Improve the home's overall appearance
Increase the property value
Improve your comfort level and mood
Reduce allergens (when replacing old carpet)
Increase the home's efficiency
Carpet can help keep the home warm during cold months. Stone, tile, or wood can help the home feel cooler in warmer climates.
Tips to save on new flooring installation
New flooring installation can be a costly but rewarding venture. Follow these tips to help reduce the project cost:
DIY wherever possible.
Move your own furniture and clear the space before the installers arrive.
Speak with your contractor to see if there are ways to help with the installation and bring the cost down, like removing the old flooring yourself.
Split up the project. If the cost of reflooring your whole house is not feasible, split the installation up into smaller, room-by-room projects over time. Note, however, the installation cost per square foot may be higher on small projects as most contractors have minimum fees.
Shop around.
Check pricing and options locally and online and be on the lookout for sales.
Compare the cost to purchase materials yourself vs. your contractor's material pricing.
Choose simpler patterns and readily available, good quality options rather than rare materials or complex designs.
Flooring installation FAQs
Does new flooring increase home value?
New flooring can increase home value, especially if your existing flooring is old, outdated, or shows significant wear. While the amount of added value depends on the floor type, quality, and the local market, new hardwood floors tend to have the biggest return on investment.
How do I know when I need new flooring?
Signs your existing flooring may need replacement include:
You notice soft or spongy spots when walking on the floor.
The floor feels uneven, has loose tiles, gaps, or cracks.
The floor has permanent stains or deep scuffs and scratches.
The flooring feels very old and outdated.
How long does it take to install flooring?
Flooring installation takes 1 to 3 days on average. The new flooring type and the condition of the existing space impact the installation time. Removing old flooring and unexpected repairs may increase the timeline.
Some new flooring materials need to sit in the room for a day or more before installation to acclimate to the temperature and humidity. This step is vital to prevent future warping once installed.
Do you tip floor installers?
Tipping floor installers is not expected, but a general guideline for high-quality service is $10 to $20 per person per day. Since flooring installation is an all-day, very physical job, consider offering snacks and making sure the installers have fresh water while they work rather than tipping them cash afterward.
Getting estimates from flooring installers
Follow these guidelines when researching flooring installers near you:
Compare at least 3 estimates include the flooring, underlayment, and installation.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured flooring company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Read flooring installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and photos of past similar flooring installations.
Require a written contract and warranty before the work begins.
Avoid paying cash or making large upfront payments. Follow a payment plan for work completed instead.
Questions to ask your flooring installer
Asking the right questions helps ensure you choose the best flooring companies near you for your project:
How long have you been installing flooring in this area?
Is your company licensed and bonded?
Do you have workman's comp and liability insurance?
Do you use formaldehyde-free glue during the installation process?
How long should the installation take?
What issues and additional costs might come up during installation?
What type of training do the installers have?
How will the flooring be finished at the edges where it meets other flooring?
How should I prepare my home for installers?
What exactly does the estimate include?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation, and who should I contact if there are problems after the installation?
What type of maintenance will this flooring require?
What does your warranty cover?
Do you submit the manufacturer warranty registration for me?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.