How much does vinyl flooring installation cost?
How much does vinyl flooring installation cost?
$2 – $12 cost per square foot installed
$1,000 – $12,000 average total cost (500 – 1,000 SF)
Vinyl flooring installation cost
The average cost of vinyl flooring is $2 to $12 per square foot installed or $1,000 to $12,000 total. Vinyl material prices alone are $1 to $7 per square foot for vinyl. Labor costs to install vinyl floors is $1 to $5 per square foot on average.
| Floor size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $100 – $600 |
| 100 | $200 – $1,200 |
| 200 | $400 – $2,400 |
| 300 | $600 – $3,600 |
| 400 | $800 – $4,800 |
| 500 | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,200 | $2,400 – $14,400 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 – $18,000 |
| 1,700 | $3,400 – $20,400 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 – $24,000 |
Vinyl flooring cost per square foot
Vinyl flooring costs vary depending on the type and category. Sheets of flooring are the cheapest option, while luxury vinyl planks and tiles are the most expensive.
| Flooring type | Material cost per square foot | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl tile | $1 – $5 | $2 – $10 |
|
| Vinyl plank | $2 – $7 | $3 – $10 |
|
| Luxury plank / tile | $2 – $10 | $4 – $16 |
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| Stone-polymer composite (SPC) | $3 – $9 | $4 – $13 |
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| Sheet vinyl | $1 – $4 | $2 – $7 |
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Luxury vinyl plank / LVP flooring cost
Luxury vinyl flooring costs $4 to $16 per square foot installed. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are the same in all aspects but shape and style. Both are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl flooring, making them better for high-traffic areas.
SPC flooring cost
Stone-polymer composite (SPC) flooring costs $4 to $13 per square foot with installation. SPC is made with a limestone core that makes it more durable and stable than other vinyl flooring types. Like luxury vinyl flooring, SPC is suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, foyers, and kitchens.
Cost to install vinyl sheet flooring
Vinyl sheet flooring costs $2 to $7 per square foot installed and comes in pre-cut sheets or rolls. This vinyl type is typically glued down and requires a smooth, level subfloor to avoid noticeable imperfections after installation.
Vinyl tile installation cost
Vinyl composite tile (VCT) costs $2 to $10 per square foot with installation. Vinyl tile floors come in click-together or peel-and-stick styles. VCT is thinner and costs less than luxury vinyl tile.
Consider installing thicker vinyl in high-traffic areas and thinner, less expensive flooring in other areas.
Vinyl flooring installation cost calculator
The table below shows the material and labor costs for linoleum and vinyl flooring installation. Costs vary widely depending on quality and job complexity.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $1 – $7 |
| Installation labor & supplies | $1 – $5 |
| Total installed cost | $2 – $12 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Area size – Installing flooring in one room is cheaper than reflooring an entire house. However, buying flooring in bulk may reduce material costs.
Thickness – The thicker the flooring, the more costly it will be. Luxury vinyl planks or tiles only differ from standard vinyl planks in thickness.
Core construction – Flexible core flooring is typically cheaper than rigid core flooring but not as durable.
Old floor removal – The cost of removing old flooring varies depending on the material. Removing old carpet costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.
Stairs – Installing flooring on stairs is more difficult and may increase labor costs.
Pattern – A basic, straight-set pattern is typically free. Other patterns or designs cost extra and include marble, stone, wood, slate, mosaic, or herringbone.
Labor cost to install vinyl flooring
The labor cost to install vinyl flooring is $1 to $5 per square foot on average. Click-together tiles and planks are easier to install than gluing but cost slightly more. Vinyl flooring typically has more click-together options than linoleum.
Additional costs
The following optional installation costs may apply:
Moving furniture – The cost of moving furniture away from the job area is $25 to $75 per room. Some flooring installers will move some furniture at no extra cost.
Underlayment / subfloor – The cost to replace a subfloor is $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot. Some floor types, like luxury vinyl, do not require underlayment, while thin sheet flooring does.
Baseboards – Installing baseboards costs $5.50 to $11.00 per piece. Baseboards are thin pieces of decorative wood on the bottom of a wall.
Radiant floor heating – Installing radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot, not including flooring. Radiant heating uses water or electricity to raise floor temperatures.
Vinyl flooring pros and cons
The table below shows the benefits and disadvantages of vinyl flooring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Vinyl floor cost vs. other floor types
Vinyl flooring has affordable options that are comparable to carpet or laminate, as well as low-maintenance luxury options. The average flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot.
| Flooring type | Average cost per SF installed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linoleum floor cost | $3 – $11 |
|
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| Epoxy floor cost | $3 – $7 |
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| Carpet cost | $2 – $8 |
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| Polished concrete cost | $3 – $15 |
|
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| Tile floor cost | $7 – $24 |
|
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| Laminate floor cost |
$3 – $8 |
|
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| Hardwood floor cost | $6 – $15 |
|
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| Bamboo floor cost | $5 – $10 |
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| Marble floor cost | $10 – $60 |
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Vinyl vs. linoleum flooring
Linoleum flooring costs $3 to $11 per square foot installed, depending on the type. Linoleum sheets are the cheapest but need professional installation. Planks and tiles cost slightly more but are easier to DIY. Linoleum is made from natural materials and typically lasts longer than vinyl, but it requires sealing.
The cost of vinyl flooring is comparable to linoleum, at $2 to $12 per square foot installed. Vinyl flooring is DIY friendly and waterproof, but it is not made from natural materials and may emit harmful toxins for a short time after installation.
Vinyl flooring FAQs
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material made with PVC. This material can mimic hardwood floors with the added bonus of being waterproof. Vinyl sometimes emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a short time after being installed. Make sure to buy phthalate-free flooring and ventilate the area after installation.
Is vinyl flooring expensive?
Vinyl flooring has affordable and expensive options. Thin planks and sheets cost less, while thick luxury planks or tiles cost more. Good-quality vinyl can potentially increase home value, especially if it's installed just before the home is listed.
Can you paint vinyl flooring?
Painting vinyl floors is not usually recommended because it doesn't bond well. If you decide to paint vinyl, be sure to clean, sand, and degloss the floor first.
Can you put vinyl flooring over tile?
Yes, you can install vinyl flooring over tile, as long as the surface is level. This will save the time and money it would take to remove the old flooring.
How long do vinyl floors last?
With proper maintenance, vinyl flooring only lasts 10 to 25 years, while linoleum floors last 20 to 50 years. Thick planks or tiles tend to last longer than sheets.
How do you clean vinyl flooring?
Use mild soap or pH-neutral cleaners when cleaning vinyl and linoleum flooring. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia. Steam mops are generally safe for linoleum but not vinyl.
Where can I buy vinyl flooring?
You can find vinyl flooring at local flooring shops, online, or at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.
Getting estimates from vinyl flooring installers
When looking for the best local vinyl flooring installers near you, remember to:
Look for installers specializing in vinyl or linoleum.
Compare at least three estimates for similar materials.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Review their portfolio of past installations if possible.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before work starts.
Work out a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask your flooring installer the following questions:
How much experience do you have with vinyl flooring?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Does your estimate include delivery, installation, and cleanup?
Which materials are best for my budget?
Do you recommend vinyl or linoleum for my floor?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty for your work?