How much does laminate flooring installation cost?
How much does laminate flooring installation cost?
$4 – $14 cost per square foot installed
$2,000 – $7,000 average total cost (500 SF)
Average laminate flooring installation cost
The average cost to install laminate flooring is $4 to $14 per square foot or $2,000 to $7,000 total for 500 square feet. The labor cost to install laminate flooring is $3 to $8 per square foot. The cost of laminate flooring material depends on the style, thickness, texture, and finish.
| Floor size (square feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $800 – $2,800 |
| 500 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $14,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $16,800 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $21,000 |
| 1,700 | $6,800 – $23,800 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $28,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $42,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $49,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Laminate flooring cost per square foot by style
Laminate flooring costs $1 to $6 per square foot on average for the materials, depending on the style. The beauty of laminate flooring is that it resembles natural materials like wood planks, stone, and tile at a fraction of the cost. Wood-look laminate flooring is typically the most budget-friendly choice.
| Laminate floor style | Average material cost* | Total installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Wood look | $1.00 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $12.00 |
| Stone look | $2.00 – $5.50 | $5.00 – $13.50 |
| Tile look | $3.00 – $6.50 | $6.00 – $14.50 |
*Not including installation.
Stone-look and tile-look laminate flooring mimic the look of materials like marble, slate, and ceramic or porcelain tile, but laminate tiles are not sealed or waterproof unless they are explicitly marked as waterproof laminate tiles.
Wood-look laminate
Wood-look laminate costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average for the material, though some types cost as little as $0.60 per square foot. Wood-look laminate can resemble several different wood types. The table below shows the average cost for some of the most popular choices.
| Wood-look type | Average price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Acacia | $0.70 – $2.00 |
| Beech | $0.60 – $2.50 |
| Cherry | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Elm | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Hickory | $1.50 – $4.50 |
| Maple | $1.00 – $4.00 |
| Oak | $0.80 – $4.50 |
| Walnut | $0.90 – $2.50 |
*Material prices only. Not including installation
Laminate flooring installation cost factors
The table below shows the average labor and material costs for laminate flooring installation.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Material (flooring & underlayment) | $1 – $6 |
| Installation labor & supplies | $3 – $8 |
| Total installed cost | $4 – $14 |
Factors affecting the installation cost include:
Job size – Contractors may offer a reduced cost-per-square-foot rate when installing new flooring in more than one room.
Complexity – Installing flooring on stairs or in a uniquely shaped area takes longer, increasing labor costs.
Thickness – Thicker flooring costs more but typically lasts longer.
Abrasion rating – Abrasion Class (AC) ratings range from AC1 to AC5 and refer to the material's durability. Higher ratings are more durable and cost more.
Extras – Features like scratch resistance, noise resistance, extra water resistance, and radiant-floor-heating-approved increase the total cost.
Underlayment – Laminate flooring with an attached underlayment costs more but saves on additional materials and installation labor.
Season – Prices are higher in the fall before the holidays typically due to the higher demand.
Baseboards & trim – Interior trim costs $4 to 10 per linear foot installed, or $350 to $1,200 for an average room. Baseboard molding costs $6 to $9 per linear foot and is a common add-on for new laminate flooring installation.
Radiant floor heating – Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot. Consider adding this feature before installing new flooring, as it cannot be done once the flooring is in place.
Labor costs
The average labor cost to install laminate flooring is $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the job size, existing floor condition, and installation method. Click lock or "floating" laminate flooring is the quickest and easiest to install. Glue-down or nail-down flooring takes longer.
Other labor costs may include:
Furniture moving – Moving furniture adds $25 to $75 per room if the company does not include it in their installation price.
Old flooring removal – Old flooring removal cost varies depending on the material. Removing old carpet costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, or $140 to $320 per room on average.
Subfloor repair or replacement – Repairing or replacing a subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot. Laminate flooring requires a completely smooth and level subfloor.
Underlayment – Underlayment installation costs $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot and may be required if the laminate flooring doesn't come with one attached. Underlayment adds moisture protection, noise reduction, and extra cushioning.
Prices by thickness
Laminate flooring ranges from 6 to 12 millimeters in thickness. Thicker laminate costs more but feels better under the foot, absorbs more sound, and is often easier to install. Thin laminate flooring is cheaper but less forgiving during installation and wears quicker.
| Texture type | Average price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| 6 – 6.9 | $0.60 – $3.00 |
| 7 – 8.9 | $0.80 – $3.50 |
| 9 – 10.9 | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| 11+ | $2.00 – $5.00 |
*Material prices only. Not including installation.
Prices by texture
Laminate flooring may be smooth or textured. Smooth laminate looks more like polished wood or tile and feels more slippery under the foot. Textured options mimic the look of wood grain or stone for a more natural and realistic appearance. Textured laminate tends to accumulate dirt quicker.
| Texture type | Average price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Embossed | $1.80 – $3.80 |
| Embossed in register (EIR) | $1.90 – $4.00 |
| Hand scraped | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Smooth | $1.70 – $2.90 |
*Material prices only. Not including installation.
Embossed laminate provides a textured finish. Embossed in register (EIR) laminate has a textured finish that matches the grain pattern in the image, creating a more realistic look and feel.
Prices by finish
Laminate flooring comes with a matte, gloss, or semi-gloss finish. Glossy finishes go well with classic design styles but typically damage quicker. A matte finish adds a more rustic feel but also shows more dirt. Semi-matte offers a happy medium between the two and tends to be the most popular finish.
| Finish type | Average material cost* |
|---|---|
| Matte | $0.70 – $3.80 |
| Semi-matte | $0.80 – $4.00 |
| Gloss | $1.70 – $5.00 |
*Material prices only. Not including installation.
Laminate flooring pros and cons
Laminate flooring is durable, easy to clean and maintain, and offers a vast range of styles to complement almost any space. However, most laminate floors are susceptible to moisture damage and do not boost home value like natural wood or stone flooring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Laminate flooring cost vs. other materials
Flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot depending on the material, putting laminate flooring in the low to moderate price range when compared to other options. The table below shows the average cost of laminate flooring vs. hardwood and other flooring materials.
| Flooring type | Average cost per SF installed |
|---|---|
| Laminate floor cost | $4 – $14 |
| Bamboo floor cost | $7 – $17 |
| Carpet cost | $2 – $8 |
| Epoxy floor cost | $4 –$10 |
| Hardwood floor cost | $7 –$25 |
| Marble floor cost | $10 – $40 |
| Polished concrete cost | $3 – $15 |
| Tile floor cost | $10 –$50 |
Tips to save on laminate flooring installation
While laminate flooring can be DIY-friendly, not everyone has the time or ability to take on this kind of project. Here are some other ways you can save on new laminate flooring installation:
Prep the area yourself before the installers arrive. This may include moving furniture, removing the existing flooring, trim, and anything on the surface, like nails, glue, staples, and dirt.
Avoid scheduling the installation in the fall, as this is the busiest time of year for home improvement projects.
Choose a wood-look laminate with a moderate thickness and a budget-friendly texture and finish.
Offer to help with the cleanup after installation if installers are charging by the hour.
Laminate flooring FAQs
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a composite flooring made of multiple layers—a high-density fiberboard or plywood base layer, an image layer that looks like wood, stone, or tile, and a clear protective layer. Some types come with an underlayment attached, while some require a separate underlayment.
Laminate flooring comes in tiles or planks, in 6mm to 12mm+ thickness, and many colors, styles, and finishes.
All laminate flooring is water-resistant, but not all laminate flooring is waterproof.
How do I clean and maintain laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is easy to care for but requires a different approach than other flooring types. Follow these guidelines to keep laminate floors clean and well-maintained:
Vacuum—using the hard floor setting—or sweep with a soft broom regularly to prevent dirt buildup in the cracks and crevices.
Use a damp mop and laminate floor cleaner once a month, or more if needed for high-traffic areas. Dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth.
Use laminate floor cleaner sparingly and in the direction of the grain to prevent streaks or hazing.
Clean spills and stains right away to prevent damage. Buff scuffs away with a clean tennis ball.
Use protective pads under furniture and mats under pet dishes.
Take your shoes off before entering the space.
Things to avoid:
Vacuums with a beater bar
Too much moisture
Heat or steam
Floor wax or polish
Abrasive cleaners, brushes, and sponges
Oil- or ammonia-based cleaners
Is laminate flooring cheaper than carpet?
Installing carpet is $2 to $5 per square foot cheaper than installing laminate flooring. However, laminate flooring wins for the return on investment (ROI). Most laminate flooring lasts twice as long as carpet, is easy to clean, and doesn't trap allergens or dust.
Carpet installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and labor.
How long does it take to install laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring installation takes 4 to 5 days total on average. This includes the material acclimation time, site prep, and the actual installation, which typically takes a few hours to one day, depending on the laminate type, room size, and layout.
Site prep involves creating a smooth, level surface for the laminate flooring. This may involve removing the existing flooring, nails, staples, or glue, cleaning the surface, and laying an underlayment if the new laminate flooring doesn't come with one attached.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended acclimation time for the laminate flooring you choose. Most laminate flooring needs to acclimate in the space for 48 to 72 hours before installation to prevent the planks from buckling or separating once installed.
How long do laminate floors last?
Properly installed laminate flooring lasts 10 to 25 years, depending on the type, quality, thickness, and how well it is maintained. The manufacturer's warranty length is a general estimate of the flooring's lifespan with normal wear and tear. Consider using area or throw rugs to reduce wear and extend its life.
Can you install laminate flooring over other flooring?
You can install laminate flooring over other flooring in some cases. The other flooring must be completely smooth, level, in good condition, and free of debris. Some types of flooring, like carpet, Saltillo tile, and some natural stones are not smooth or level enough to use as the base for laminate flooring.
Getting estimates from laminate flooring installers
When researching laminate flooring installers near you, be sure to:
Look for flooring installers specializing in laminate flooring.
Get 3+ detailed estimates to compare that include the flooring, underlayment, and installation.
Select a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Browse laminate flooring installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a portfolio with photos of past installations.
Ask for references.
Have a written contract and warranty in hand before the work begins.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Asking the right questions can help you choose the best laminate flooring company near you:
How long have you been installing laminate flooring?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the installation take?
How should I prepare my home for the installation?
What specifically does the estimate include?
What additional costs tend to come up on a job like this?
Who is my point of contact during the installation?
Who should I contact if there are issues after the installation?
Do you offer a labor warranty?
Do you submit the manufacturer warranty registration for me?