New flooring is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make -- and one of the more approachable in terms of cost versus visual impact. Here's what different flooring materials cost installed, and what drives the price.
Flooring cost per square foot installed
These are all-in installed costs (materials + labor), excluding furniture moving:
- ✓Laminate flooring: $3--$7/sq ft
- ✓Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): $4--$8/sq ft
- ✓Engineered hardwood: $6--$12/sq ft
- ✓Solid hardwood (install only, no refinishing): $8--$15/sq ft
- ✓Ceramic tile: $5--$10/sq ft
- ✓Porcelain tile: $7--$15/sq ft
- ✓Natural stone: $10--$25/sq ft
- ✓Carpet: $3--$8/sq ft
- ✓Hardwood refinishing (existing floors): $3--$6/sq ft
What affects flooring installation cost
Beyond material choice, these factors drive cost:
- ✓Subfloor condition -- leveling, patching, or replacing subfloor adds $1--$3/sq ft
- ✓Removal of existing flooring: $1--$3/sq ft
- ✓Room complexity -- more cuts around obstacles, unusual angles
- ✓Stair installation runs significantly higher per square foot
- ✓Material waste factor -- typically 10--15% overage for cuts
LVP vs. hardwood: the practical comparison
Luxury vinyl plank has taken significant market share from hardwood in recent years, and for good reason: it's waterproof (hardwood and water don't mix well in kitchens and bathrooms), dimensionally stable, durable under pets and kids, and costs roughly half as much. Quality LVP at $5--$6/sq ft installed looks nearly identical to hardwood from standing height. Hardwood's advantages are tactile quality, longevity (it can be refinished 2--3 times), and resale perception with certain buyers.
Bottom line
LVP at $4--$8/sq ft installed offers the best value for most homeowners. Solid hardwood makes sense in living and dining rooms where resale perception and longevity justify the cost premium.
Need flooring work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.