How much does linoleum flooring cost?
How much does linoleum flooring cost?
$3 – $11 cost per square foot installed
$1,500 – $11,000 average total cost (500 – 1,000 SF)
Average linoleum flooring cost
Linoleum flooring costs $3 to $11 per square foot or $1,500 to $11,000 total on average. Linoleum flooring prices range from $2 to $7 per square foot for materials, the cheapest option being thin linoleum sheet flooring. The labor cost to lay a linoleum floor is $1 to $4 per square foot.
| Floor size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $150 – $550 |
| 100 | $300 – $1,100 |
| 200 | $600 – $2,200 |
| 300 | $900 – $3,300 |
| 400 | $1,200 – $4,400 |
| 500 | $1,500 – $5,500 |
| 1,000 | $3,000 – $11,000 |
| 1,200 | $3,600 – $13,200 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 – $16,500 |
| 1,700 | $5,100 – $18,700 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 – $22,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Linoleum flooring prices by type
Linoleum flooring costs vary depending on the quality and type. Thin flooring sheets are the cheapest option but the most difficult to install. Linoleum planks and tiles cost more but install easier and typically last longer.
| Linoleum type | Material price per square foot | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheets | $2 – $5 | $3 – $10 |
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| Planks | $3 – $6 | $5 – $10 |
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| Tiles | $3 – $7 | $4 – $11 |
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Install thicker linoleum in high-traffic areas and thinner, less expensive linoleum in other areas.
Tiles
Linoleum tiles cost $4 to $11 per square foot installed or $3 to $7 per square foot for materials only. Some linoleum tiles click together and do not need adhesives. These click-together linoleum tiles cost more but are much easier to install than glue-down tiles.
Sheets
Linoleum sheets cost $3 to $10 per square foot with installation or $2 to $5 per square foot for materials. Sheets are the cheapest linoleum option but require messy glues to install and are hard to line up perfectly. Linoleum sheets are best left to professional installers.
Planks
Linoleum planks cost $5 to $10 per square foot installed or $3 to $6 per square foot for materials only. This linoleum style often imitates the appearance of hardwood for a fraction of the cost. Installing linoleum planks or tiles is a relatively easy DIY project compared to sheets.
Linoleum flooring cost calculator
Linoleum flooring costs vary depending on the quality, type, and job complexity.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $2 – $7 |
| Labor | $1 – $4 |
| Total cost | $3– $11 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Area size – Installing floors in one room is cheaper than in the entire house. However, buying the materials in bulk may reduce costs.
Style & thickness – Thicker flooring costs more than thin flooring but lasts longer. Planks and tiles are typically thicker than sheets.
Old floor removal – The cost to remove old flooring depends on the material. Removing old carpet costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.
Stairs – Installing linoleum on stairs is more difficult and may increase labor costs.
Pattern – A basic pattern or solid color typically comes standard. Other designs or styles cost extra.
Labor
The labor cost to install linoleum flooring is $1 to $4 per square foot on average. The following optional installation costs may apply:
Moving furniture – Moving heavy furniture away from the job area raises labor costs. Some flooring installers will move some furniture for free.
Underlayment / subfloor – The cost to replace a subfloor is $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot. Some thicker floor types do not require underlayment, but thin sheet flooring does.
Trim – Installing interior trim costs $4 to $10 per square foot on average. Baseboards cost $6 to $9 per square foot and frame the space where the floor and wall meet.
Radiant floor heating – Installing radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot, not including the flooring. Radiant heating raises floor temperatures using hot water or electricity.
Linoleum flooring pros and cons
Linoleum is made of natural materials and lasts much longer than flooring made with synthetic materials. Linoleum is water-resistant but not naturally waterproof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Linoleum floor cost vs. other floor types
Flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Linoleum flooring has affordable options that are comparable to carpet or laminate.
| Flooring type | Average cost per SF installed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| Ceramic tile floor cost | $3 – $5 |
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| Laminate floor cost | $4 – $14 |
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| Hardwood floor cost | $10 – $18 |
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| Bamboo floor cost | $7 – $17 |
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| Marble floor cost | $10 – $40 |
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Linoleum flooring FAQs
What is linoleum flooring?
Linoleum is a flooring material made with linseed oil and natural ingredients such as cork, sawdust, or limestone dust. Linoleum is water-resistant, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
How long do linoleum floors last?
Linoleum floors last 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance. Thick planks or tiles tend to last longer than sheets.
Can you paint linoleum floors?
You can paint linoleum floors as long as you thoroughly clean, degloss, and prime them. Use heavy-duty floor paint or epoxy-based floor enamel for best results.
How do you clean linoleum flooring?
Use mild soap or pH-neutral cleaners to clean linoleum flooring. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach. Steam mops are typically safe for linoleum as long as you don't linger in one spot for too long.
Can you tile over linoleum?
Yes, you can tile over linoleum. However, damaged or soft linoleum could cause the tile and grout to shift and crack. You should remove flooring containing asbestos regardless of its condition.
Where can I buy linoleum flooring?
You can find linoleum flooring at local flooring shops, online, or at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.
Getting estimates from linoleum flooring installers
When looking for the best local linoleum flooring installers near you, remember to:
Look for flooring installers specializing in linoleum.
Compare at least three estimates for similar styles.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured flooring company with 5+ years of experience.
Read reviews of local flooring installers on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and contact information.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing.
Avoid large upfront payments. Follow a payment plan and don't make the final payment until the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Ask your linoleum flooring installer the following questions:
How much experience do you have with linoleum flooring?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Does this estimate include materials, delivery, installation, and cleanup?
Do you recommend linoleum sheets, tiles, or planks for my floor?
How long will the installation take?
Can you install over the current flooring, or will you have to remove it?
Do you offer a warranty for your work? What does it cover?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.