The type of flooring you choose and where you install it can make or break your budget. Check out this guide to learn how about fair pricing to install flooring.
Whatever type of flooring you currently have in your home will eventually show its age. Hardwood will show scratches and wear from foot traffic, whereas carpet will fray. There are numerous options for changing the floors in your home, regardless of the reason. Expect to pay between $1,491 and $4,553 for flooring installation if you want new flooring installed in your home. The national average for 500 square feet of coverage is around $2,985, which includes materials and labor. However, costs can rise due to a variety of factors. Keep reading this guide to learn about a fair price for flooring installation.
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Flooring Installation Cost Per Square Feet
Let’s take a closer look at some factors influencing flooring installation costs. When it comes to flooring installation cost per square foot, hardwood flooring is generally the most expensive material. Prices range from less than $1 per square foot for laminate flooring to more than $10 per square foot for premium, hand-scraped hardwood brands.
Tile is next, with prices starting around $2 per square foot and rising to hundreds of dollars per square foot for high-end tile. However, these prices are uncommon, and most tile flooring installations will be significantly less expensive than hardwood. That is one of the reasons why many customers nowadays prefer wood-look tiles.
Around the same price as tile is luxury vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof and scratch and dent resistant, making it a desirable choice for homeowners with children and pets. Plus, it comes in many different styles, textures, colors and brands. This flooring ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot.
Next on the list is laminate flooring. This flooring is a great alternative if you want floors that look like hardwood but are more affordable and easier to maintain. Laminate is about $0.68 to $2.59 per square foot, depending on the brand, style and design. For more inspiration or to find flooring right away, check out our laminate product catalog.
Finally, if you’re on a tight budget for your flooring project, you may want to stick with carpet. The cost of a basic indoor carpet starts at $0.65 per square foot, while a super plush, premium carpet made from 100% New Zealand wool can cost $10 or more per square foot.
Flooring Cost to Consider
Although most flooring jobs average $2,985 for 500 square feet of space, this amount can vary greatly depending on how much space you need to cover. This may also vary depending on where you live in the country, as urban areas have a higher cost of living and, as a result, higher labor costs. Furthermore, if you decide on higher-end flooring, the costs may rise. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider when looking at fair installation prices:
- Floor Material: The primary factor influencing the cost of a flooring installation project is the type of floor material chosen.
- Floor Size: The size of the area to be re-floored will also influence labor costs. While one person can install tile in a small area of the house, like the foyer, it may take more than one person to install tile in a large kitchen.
- Labor: The labor cost to install flooring per square foot can range from $0.60 to $4.00. If labor is required to remove flooring, this may incur an additional charge, and the difficulty of the removal will also be considered.
- Home Location and Travel Distance: Travel fees may apply if you live a long distance away from your preferred installer or resides in a remote area.
- Moving Furniture: Moving your furniture is something that a floor installation team may charge you for. You can avoid this cost if you are capable of moving the furniture. In addition, because most installation teams do not move small or fragile items, you must remove them.
- Stairs and Other Features: Another expense you may face is the cost of installing flooring on your home’s stairs or other features.
- New Subfloor and Baseboard: Moisture problems and sinking are two examples of subfloor issues. Repairing or replacing specific areas of the subfloor will incur additional costs. A new subfloor will typically cost between $2 and $2.50 per square foot. Furthermore, if the baseboards are damaged, additional charges for removal and reinstallation may apply.
- Underlayment: The primary function of underlayment is to act as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the flooring. However, it can also aid in adhesion by dampening the sound of footsteps and providing a smooth, comfortable surface. If the underlayment is required, expect to pay an additional $3.41 to $5.32 per square foot.
- Existing Floor Removal: Some flooring may be able to be installed over existing flooring. Most flooring manufacturers, however, recommend removing the old floors first. This is a good idea because there could be a hidden issue with the subfloor. Furthermore, the new flooring may raise the floor, causing issues with opening and closing doors. The cost of removing existing floors depends on the type of existing floor.
- Floor Finish: For natural stone, wood, or concrete floors, a floor finish is recommended to keep floors in good condition, even in high-traffic areas. The cost of sealing these floor types ranges from $0.84 to $1.75 per square foot.
- Additional Materials: Aside from floorboards that may need to be replaced, you may be charged for additional materials such as transition strips. These decorative accents not only improve the appearance of your floor but also help to prevent cracking, fraying or chipping between flooring types in your home.
Tips to Remember When Trying to Stay in Budget
We understand wanting and needing to stay within your budget but also finding the right floors that match your home and your personality. Too often, homeowners go over the amount they want to spend, causing stress and depleted funds for other projects. That is why we have some times you need to follow to stay on budget and find the right contractor.
- Call around to different contractors and get many quotes.
- Know the right questions to ask your flooring installer.
- Shop around for deals and savings.
- Ask your contractor for an itemized receipt. For example, if they charge for flooring or furniture removal, save money by doing it yourself (only if you are capable).
- Shop around for the best flooring for your needs. Nothing wrong with browsing around your favorite flooring stores.
- Refinish existing hardwood before replacing them.
- Find a contractor with set estimates and does not work by the hour.
We know that installing floors or finding the right contractor at a fair price can be difficult, but not if you live in Edwardsville, Belleville, O’Fallon or the surrounding areas. Why? Because Valor Home Services has your best interests in mind! We are a stress-free home improvement company that has been working on and installing floors for over 25 years. We know the ins and outs of every flooring type. For more information or to book an appointment, contact our skilled team of experts today.
