Flooring installation can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 per square foot of flooring installed, or $1,000 to $10,000 for 500 square feet of flooring. The national average flooring installation cost is around $7 per square foot or $3,500 per 500 square feet, which includes the cost of both materials and labor.
Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring
This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.
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.
Hiring a flooring installer costs about $0.60 to $4 per square foot. Keep in mind that the pro's hourly rate doesn't include materials or extra work, like replacing subfloors, removing old flooring, or moving furniture before starting the job.
Measure the longest width from one wall to another, then round up to the nearest foot. Measure the longest length between the other two walls, then round up to the nearest foot. Multiply the two numbers to get the rough estimate. Example: Width 20 ft; Length 10 ft; 20 x 10 = 200 sq ft.
As a rule of thumb, the most expensive floors have the better locking systems which make them easier to fit and they also have the thicker, longer lasting wear layer - please keep reading to get more detail!
The more expensive flooring upgrades yield the highest returns and appeal most to homebuyers. And hardwood is the clear winner, followed by engineered hardwood and tile. Carpet and luxury vinyl tiles add comparable value, though vinyl is the cheapest option.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Flooring Cost Formula
To calculate the flooring cost, multiply the flooring area by the cost per square foot of floor.
Budget: If you have a low budget, installation adds several dollars to your final square foot costs. So, in theory, you can save quite a bit by doing the installation yourself.
One of the leading & most affordable flooring options is vinyl flooring. This flooring is crowned just for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It saves you even more money due to the peel-and-stick options available.
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Buy the amount of flooring needed, plus another 20-percent. This number is comprised of the 100-percent of flooring needed to cover the area, plus as much as 15-percent to account for installation wastage and 5-percent to account for defective materials.
To do so, use a tape measure to determine the room's length and width. Then multiply the length by the width to get your square footage. For instance, if the room is 12 feet wide and 12 feet long, you will need enough flooring for 144 square feet (12×12=144).
Put a mark on the board at the 3 feet point. Now, measure the adjacent board from the same corner to 4 feet and put a mark there. Then, measure the distance between the two marks. If it is 5 feet, then you have a perfectly square corner.
Polyvinyl chloride is a known carcinogen and contains health and environmental toxins such as dioxin and phthalates. While dioxin is generally only released when exposed to heat, such as during the manufacturing process, it poses a lesser threat to you and your family's health.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Conclusion: What Flooring is Best Value for Money
For the best balance of affordability, durability, and looks, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Laminate flooring tends to cost $2 to $11 per square foot depending on the quality of the flooring. Also be sure to budget $4 to $8 for labor and installation per square foot installed, depending on labor costs in your area. Labor costs should also include underlayment for the flooring.
Flooring installation can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 per square foot of flooring installed, or $1,000 to $10,000 for 500 square feet of flooring. The national average flooring installation cost is around $7 per square foot or $3,500 per 500 square feet, which includes the cost of both materials and labor.
“Buyers like carpet in bedrooms, especially in basement bedrooms, for comfort and warmth.” Carpet is also much quieter to walk on than other types of flooring and can help absorb noise. It can mask sounds, such as footsteps and squeaky floors, Fisher adds.
Vinyl Flooring Sheets
Sheet vinyl is probably the cheapest flooring option available. It comes as one large sheet, often 6' or 12' wide, that is simply rolled out to install. Unfortunately, this makes it very heavy and difficult to handle, so it may be best to hire a professional when it comes to installation.