How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost?
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The type of flooring and where you install it can make all the difference in how much you pay. Flooring installation cost ranges from $1,518 to $4,706, with the national average around $3,067 to cover 500 square feet.
Highlights
- Flooring installation costs run between $1,518 and $4,706, with a national average cost of $3,067.
- The exact cost of flooring installation depends on the flooring material, the size of the room, and the local cost of labor.
- There are several benefits to installing new flooring, including improved aesthetics, better energy efficiency, and increased home value.
- While some homeowners may be able to install flooring themselves, hiring a professional can ensure the job is done properly and on time.
No matter what type of flooring is currently in a home, it will eventually show its age. Hardwood will reveal scratches and wear from foot traffic patterns, while carpet will fray. Whatever a homeowner’s reason for changing their home’s floors, there are many options available. In addition, knowing all the factors involved in the installation process will help homeowners understand how much the flooring will cost.
If a homeowner wants to get new flooring installed in their home, they can expect to pay between $1,518 and $4,706 for flooring installation costs. The national average is around $3,067 for 500 square feet of coverage, and this average cost includes materials and labor. However, the costs can increase based on various factors, including whether the existing floor needs to be removed, damaged subfloor needs to be replaced, or hazardous materials need to be remediated.
Carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring.
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Factors in Calculating Flooring Installation Cost
Although most flooring jobs average $3,067 for 500 square feet of space, this amount may be dramatically higher or lower depending on how many square feet of space the homeowner needs to cover. This may also vary based on what part of the country the home is located in, as urban areas have a higher cost of living and, therefore, higher labor costs. Also, if the homeowner decides that they want higher-end flooring, this could drive up the costs. Another critical factor that may drive up the price is how much the installation team may charge to remove the existing floor.
Floor Material
The type of floor material chosen is the main component that will affect a flooring installation project’s bottom line. For example, the cost of installing carpet averages $3.50 to $11 per square foot, while the cost of hardwood averages $6 to $22. Natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles are also pricier options, coming in anywhere from $6 to $20 per square foot.
According to Tyler Morelan, founder of Midwest Flooring Company, “In general, hardwood or tile flooring is more expensive to install than carpet, luxury vinyl or laminate flooring, and typically takes longer to install. Conversely, carpet is generally cheaper to install than hardwood flooring but requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance. Laminate flooring is typically less expensive than both carpet and hardwood flooring but does not have as long a lifespan as either option.”
Floor Size
The size of the floor is another significant cost factor; it will be cheaper to install 200 square feet of flooring than 2,000 square feet of flooring. The size of the area being re-floored will also dictate how much labor costs. While one person may install tile in a tiny area of the home such as the foyer, installing tile in a large kitchen may require more than one person.
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Labor
Floor material and floor size make up a substantial amount of the costs involved in flooring installation. However, labor is another critical cost that factors into the bottom line. The cost of labor to install flooring per square foot can run between $1 to $15. Easier installations, like floating hardwood floors on an existing floor, are cheaper than more intensive jobs like gluing down planks or laying heavy tiles. If labor is required to remove flooring, this may be an additional charge, and the difficulty of the removal will also factor into labor costs. Removing a 12-foot by 12-foot carpet that’s stapled down takes about 3 hours to complete at $60 per hour. But a carpet that’s glued down is more difficult to remove and will take more time.
According to Morelan, “[R]ooms with complex layouts or difficult access (i.e those with lots of tight corners or that are located on multiple levels) may incur additional labor costs, which can drive up the overall price tag for installation as well as accessibility to plumbing fixtures or the need to remove appliances.”
“The best way to get an accurate estimate for your specific project is to contact a few reputable contractors in your area,” he advises.
Home Location and Travel Distance
If a home is located far away from the homeowner’s chosen installer or is located in a remote area, travel fees may come into play. Before booking a flooring installation pro, homeowners will want to ask if they are in their service area and find out if there are any additional costs for travel outside of their service area.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Like with any home project, there are possible additional costs that could cause the bill to be higher. For instance, an installation company may charge a homeowner to move their furniture before they install the flooring. If the subfloor is in poor condition and needs repair or replacement, this will be an additional fee. However, in some cases, a homeowner may not need these services.
Moving Furniture
One thing a floor installation team may charge a homeowner for is moving furniture. If the homeowner is capable of moving the furniture, they can eliminate this cost. Also, homeowners must remove small items and items that may shatter because most installation teams don’t move such items.
Stairs and Other Features
Another cost a homeowner may incur is the cost of installing flooring on stairs or other features in their home. For example, if the homeowner wants carpet installed on their stairs, they can expect to pay between $3.50 and $11 per square foot and $11 to $160 to carpet each step. Hardwood installation on stairs will run you about $160 per step.
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New Subfloor and Baseboard
The subfloor is located underneath the flooring, and therefore, it’s difficult to know if anything is wrong with it until the flooring is removed, though, according to Morelan, “There are a few key signs to look for that indicate a subfloor will need to be repaired before installing a new floor.” The first sign has to do with water damage. “If the subfloor has been wet in the past, it’s likely that it will need to be replaced or repaired,” explains Morelan. “Another sign is if the floor is noticeably uneven or if there are soft spots under foot. This can be a sign of rotting wood and/or moisture damage,” he adds. “If you see any of these signs, it’s best to have a professional inspect the subfloor to determine whether it needs repair or replacement.”
Fixing certain areas of the subfloor or replacing them entirely will tack on additional costs. On average, a new subfloor will cost $2 to $2.50 per square foot. In addition, if the baseboards are damaged, additional charges may be incurred for removal and reinstalling new ones.
Underlayment
Underlayment is typically not required for hardwood, vinyl, or tile. However, it is generally necessary for carpet and laminate. Underlayment is primarily used as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the flooring. But it can also help with adhesion, minimizing the sound of footsteps and providing a smooth, comfortable surface. If underlayment is needed, homeowners can expect to pay an additional $3.40 to $5.30 per square foot of underlayment.
Removing the Existing Floor
It’s possible that some flooring can be installed over old flooring. However, most flooring manufacturers recommend that the old floor be removed first. This is a prudent idea because there may be a hidden problem with the subfloor. Also, the new flooring may make the floor too high, which can cause problems with opening and closing doors. The cost to remove existing floors varies according to the type of existing floor but ranges between $1 and $6 per square foot on average.
Hazardous Material Testing and Remediation
If a floor installation team suspects or discovers hazardous materials during the removal process, they can’t proceed with the installation until the harmful material has been removed. When it comes to mold or asbestos, a homeowner will have to pay a special team to remove the material before the flooring installation can continue. Mold remediation costs between $10 and $25 per square foot, while asbestos removal costs $5 to $20 per square foot.
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Finish
A floor finish is recommended for natural stone, wood, or concrete and will keep floors in good condition, even in high-traffic areas. Costs to seal these floor types range between $0.85 to $7 per square foot.
Additional Materials
Aside from floorboards that may need to be replaced, additional material a homeowner might be charged for could include transition strips. These decorative accents not only make the floor look better but also prevent cracking, fraying, or chipping between flooring types in the home. A floor installer may fit a Z-bar or hardwood trim between two floor sections to hide the join.
Types of Floors
While the national average cost to install flooring is $3,067, this cost may fluctuate based on the type of floor a homeowner decides to have installed. Hardwood is one of the pricier options, starting around $4,000 for installation. For a more affordable wood option, homeowners can choose between engineered wood or laminate. Or they can choose an entirely different flooring type, like carpet or tile. Below are the most popular types of floors that homeowners have installed in their homes.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are one of the most popular choices for flooring. Wood flooring costs run between $4,000 and $29,000 for 1,000 square feet. However, the type of hardwood and the grade may drive these costs up or down. Pine is one of the more affordable options, while more exotic woods like Brazilian walnut and cypress top the price bracket.
Laminate
Laminate is a type of synthetic flooring made to resemble hardwood. It is essentially wood particles attached to an image of wood with a transparent layer on top. Laminate wood flooring delivers the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Installing laminate flooring costs about $9,350 for 1,000 square feet.
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Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is very similar to laminate wood. The difference is that it is bound to a thin veneer of natural wood instead of an image. As a result, engineered wood is more durable and may come in various widths that aren’t available with solid wood. It is also more affordable than hardwood. However, the number of times engineered wood can be refinished is limited because of how thin the veneer is. Engineered wood costs between $4 and $16 per square foot.
Tile
Tile flooring is a popular option, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and foyers. The common types of tile flooring are ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and granite. When it comes to tile flooring installation costs, homeowners can expect to pay between $6 to $20 for natural stone and between $15 and $20 for porcelain or ceramic.
Carpeting
Another popular flooring option is carpeting. It became trendy after World War II but has dwindled in popularity in recent years due to increased interest in hardwood floors, which have become more chic, affordable, and durable. Carpet installation costs&n