IQHab › United States › Flooring › Flooring Installation Cost (2026)
Flooring Installation Cost
Flooring cost depends heavily on material. Here's the range and comparison.
Per sq ft · USD
What changes the price
- Material (laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile)
- Subfloor and prep
- Labor and area
- Removal of old flooring
Regional notes
- Hardwood and stone cost the most per square foot.
- Vinyl and laminate are the most budget-friendly.
Cost by material
| Material | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $3 | $6 | sq ft |
| Vinyl | $4 | $7 | sq ft |
| Hardwood | $8 | $15 | sq ft |
| Tile | $7 | $14 | sq ft |
Calculate your cost
Cost by state
Costs vary by regional labor market. See local estimates for your state:
Browse all U.S. statesHow to get an accurate quote
- Get several quotes and compare, not just price.
- Be specific about size, materials and any existing issues.
- Ask whether the quote includes labor, materials, permits and cleanup.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured before you hire.
Cost by material
Material is the biggest driver of flooring cost. See the installed per-sq-ft ranges in the cost-by-material table above (low/high by material).
Subfloor repair, removal of old flooring and underlayment add a few dollars per square foot. Budget for them before you commit.
DIY vs. professional
Laminate and vinyl (especially click-lock) are DIY-friendly. Tile and hardwood are harder and usually best left to pros, where a mistake costs more than the saved labor.
Example
Installing vinyl plank over 1,200 sq ft typically runs around $6,000–$8,000, depending on removal of existing flooring and prep. The same area in hardwood would be closer to $14,000.
How to save on flooring
- Remove old flooring yourself if you can.
- Buy during sales or overstock.
- Do the installation DIY for click-lock flooring.
- Get per-square-foot quotes and compare.