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Commercial and residential floors suit vital practical and appearance purposes, taking the brunt of the daily traffic. The signs of deterioration showing up on the floors can impair the overall appearance of your home or office, making a negative impression on guests and visitors. If you want to make your premise look great again, consider installing a new floor. It's the simplest and the most rewarding way to revamp the interior and boost the home's resale value.

However, if you've never dealt with flooring replacement before, you may wonder where to start to avoid costly mistakes. As with other home improvement projects, we recommend you pay special attention to the preparatory stage. Approach your upcoming flooring renovation project seriously by picking a robust material, finding skilled flooring installers, and estimating the total job cost.

As there are no two identical roofing projects, you will need to consider a number of variabilities to come up with a more or less precise budget plan. Factors that may create a huge difference in the estimation include flooring type, size of the area to be covered, and the extent of the project. An ultimate estimate would be the total cost of processes, materials, and labor that are crucial for the completion of work.

MyHomeQuote made this detailed flooring prices guide to help every homeowner estimate their projects precisely and smartly. Read on to learn more about the distinctive features of flooring materials as well as the labor component of the cost and ways to save on new floor installation without compromising the quality.

Top-selected types of flooring and their costs

The market is brimming with flooring options of various colors, styles, and durability. They require different installation approaches and meet different purposes. The cost of flooring installation varies greatly based on its sturdiness, quality, and pattern. Intricate flooring designs that require more materials and time cost higher to be installed, while those laid in one approach are more affordable. The cost of new flooring can depend on the season, along with the average contractors' rates which are also addressed in this guide.

Consider the available budget when searching for the best flooring option for your home. This way, you will know what you can afford without going over the allocated sum. To better guide you in your search, we made up a list of the sought-after types of flooring and their costs.

Hardwood floors - The average cost and distinctive features

Hardwood is one of the best flooring options with a decent investment return. This material is highly durable and resistant to moisture. It looks classic, giving both traditional and contemporary exteriors a feeling of warmth and coziness. Hardwood varies by type and thickness and comes in a bazillion of hues and patterns. Hardwood is your ultimate solution if you are in the market for a versatile material that blends with all decor styles. The upfront installation cost of this flooring type is tangibly high.

Hardwood flooring costs depend on the material's type and thickness. See the basic hardwood variabilities and their average costs below to make an informed decision.

Hardwood type

Description

Material cost

Installation cost

Parquet

This flooring type is made up of tiny pieces of natural wood that blend together, creating a geometric design. It's the most complicated and expensive to install.

$3.80–$18.40

$11–$22

Solid hardwood

Traditional solid hardwood flooring is made of planks made of natural wood installed end-to-end. This material is a golden mean in terms of quality and price.

$3.50 - $21

$3.50 - $9

Engineered wood

This type of wood flooring features an authentic wood veneer attached to a plywood base. It's far less expensive than solid hardwood and true parquet.

$3–$15

$3–$8.50

Parquet-style tiles

Prefabricated wooden tiles create a look of an authentic parquet yet cost much cheaper per material and labor.

$3.20–$5.50

$7–$9

The national cost of installing hardwood flooring goes from $7 to $18.50 per square foot, including material and labor. The cost of flooring a 2.000 sq. ft. house can reach $35.000, depending on the selected hardwood type and other project specialties like installation of subflooring and plinth.

Here is when hardwood flooring may cost higher than average:

Wood quality.

The cost of high-end flooring options starts at $25 per square foot for the material only. The less common the wood species, the higher the flooring cost.

Wood thickness.

Boards of thick wood are sturdy and better withstand wear and tear. Besides, they can be refinished multiple times.

Flooring type.

Parquet and solid hardwood flooring are costly to install compared to other flooring options. And when one needs to cover an extensive area with new flooring, the price may come up exorbitant.

You may wonder why to pay for luxury hardwood flooring when there are multiple affordable alternatives that look identical. Traditional flooring solutions like laminate and linoleum are inferior in quality and durability. They will fall into despair 5-7 years after installation when hardwood flooring will last you for more than a lifetime.

Carpet floors - The average cost and distinctive features

This affordable flooring option is prevalent in the US. You can find carpet floors in family houses, flats, hotel rooms, and hospitals. Carpets make a space feel cozier and warmer, hiding floor unevenness and absorbing noises. They come in thousands of styles and patterns, making it simple to customize and jazz up the interior. Nevertheless, this flooring option has a reduced service life, showing signs of wear and tear after the first few years of active usage. That's one of the reasons it's not recommended to install in high-traffic areas.

The carpeting material is the key factor affecting its cost per square foot. That is why you should know your options before heading to flooring installation contractors.

Carpeting type

Description

Cost per sq. ft.

Polyester

This synthetic material is the least expensive of all carpeting options. It comes in multiple variations but often has a short service life and requires particular maintenance.

$1.50–$6.50

Nylon

This carpeting option is rightfully considered the most widespread in the US. It's relatively affordable yet durable and resistant to mold and mildew.

$2.70–$8

Acrylic

This flooring material is less popular than nylon and polyester but is also rated cheap. Acrylic is not durable and quickly comes into despair, forming pills on its surface.

$3–$7

Triexta

Being partially made from green materials, this flooring is more eco-friendly than other synthetic carpeting variations. It's lasting and resistant to stains and mold.

$3–$7.50

Wool

This natural carpeting variation costs a pretty penny yet offers enhanced comfort, softness, and durability. Wool carpets require special upkeep as they're prone to mold and mildew.

$6–$20

Sisal

This is another natural carpeting option that costs higher than synthetic alternatives. Sisal is made of agave plant fibers that make it rough to the touch.

$5–$16

It's essential to know the national average cost of the material when choosing new floors. Carpeting installation is not a challenging procedure and is rated as low as $1.10 per square foot. The carpet itself costs around $4.50 per square foot. If you need to carpet a 200 sq. ft. room, you can expect to spend $1.450.

Factors that affect the carpet installation cost include:

Carpet material.

As stated before, carpeting options vary by quality and durability, which results in cost variabilities.

Room space.

The size and shape of the room to be flooring are crucial cost-determining factors. Installing carpeting in hard-to-reach areas or floors is costlier than on an even surface.

Padding.

Some carpeting options require laying down an additional layer of carpet padding to ensure proper insulation and softness. Padding is an extra service that raises the overall installation cost by $150-200.

Tile floors - The average cost and distinctive features

This flooring offers a timeless classic look that fits most interiors and rooms. Tile is a durable, moisture-resistant material that serves for decades without any special maintenance. It's commonly installed to increase a property's resale value and can bring decent rewards on investment. Tile flooring variabilities as ceramic and porcelain can handle high foot traffic without showing wear and tear. That is why tile flooring might become a dependable option even if you choose new floors for commercial premises like an office or beauty salon. While your bedroom might not be the best place for tiles as this flooring surface quickly gets cold and might not be comfortable for walking barefoot.

The national average tile flooring installation costs between $900 and $2.850, with most homeowners paying around $1.850 per project or $16.80 per square foot. Depending on the size and complexity of the flooring project, the labor cost per hour can range from $5 to $17.

Here are the factors contributing to the cost of tile installation floors:

Project size and complexity.

This cost-affecting parameter is pretty straightforward. The larger the area to be tiled, the lower the cost per square foot. However, if the task is to tile an uneven surface or subfloor issues, a flooring contractor will most likely charge you extra. Flooring that needs to be removed and replaced will also raise the project's overall price.

Type and rating of the tile.

Tile flooring varies by type and durability. A specific rating shows where the tile is meant to be installed. Some tiles with lower strength and deterioration resistance are not appropriate for flooring and can be used for backsplashes only. Consider getting Class IV and V tiles, as they're proven to serve well in high-traffic areas.

See the table below showing widespread types of flooring made of tile and their costs per square foot:

Tile type

Description

Cost per sq. ft.

Ceramic tile

Floors made of ceramic are affordable yet durable and versatile. They fit virtually any room in the house, from kitchens and bathrooms to laundry rooms and front entrances. Being moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean, ceramic tiles are recommended for installation in homes prone to dampness. Besides, glazed ceramic tile ensures better protection against stains than other flooring types.

$2 - $7

Porcelain tile

The main component of porcelain tile is clay baked under high-fire temperatures (up to 2.400 degrees Fahrenheit). Porcelain is more robust than ceramic and is more commonly used for flooring than backsplashes and walls. Thanks to its waterproof properties and unmatched durability, this material can also be used for outdoor flooring. If you want to install porcelain tiles in a high-traffic area of your home, select those of Class V.

$3 - $8

Natural stone tile

This flooring is produced from sturdy natural-originated, recyclable materials like marble, granite, and slate. Natural stones are quarried, slabbed, and then finished and cut to the required size. Due to its origin, stone tile is among the best flooring options able to withstand intensive traffic in any area of the house and outside it.

Granite - $6.00 - $15.00
Marble - $11 - $22
Slate - $8 - $19

Laminate floors - The average cost and distinctive features

Often used as a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring, laminate can offer almost the same visual appeal and feel of coziness. It's made of four layers of wood composite glued together that prevents it from deterring indentations and premature wear and tear. Laminate comes in a variety of designs and finishes, mimicking high-end floors. It's stain- and indentation-resistant but may absorb moisture and be swollen. Higher-grade laminate floors, though, can be water-resistant.

The cost of laminate flooring ranges from $2.70 to $4.60 per sq.ft., depending on the quality of the top wear layer and core construction. Those laminate flooring variabilities with low thickness and no moisture resistance can cost from $2.50 to $3.00 per sq. ft. Thicker laminate options (from 10 mm and higher) possess better durability and cost $3.00 - $3.75 per sq. ft. And, finally, high-end laminate floors with about 14 mm thickness costs $3.75 - $4.60 per sq. ft. and feature pretty much the same properties as run-of-the-mill hardwood. As installing laminate does not require special skills, contractors charge around $3 per sq. ft.

Vinyl floors - The average cost and distinctive features

Vinyl is one of the most sought-after resilient flooring materials distinguished by its durability and cost efficiency. It possesses the ideal balance of firmness and "give," providing a comfortable feel underfoot. Vinyl flooring is made from thick synthetic materials like plastic, PVC, and fiberglass that are moisture-resistant and can withstand the average foot traffic. Versatility is another great advantage of vinyl flooring. It comes in multiple shades and finishes and can mimic other flooring types like stone and hardwood. Vinyl can last for decades without little maintenance, and once it starts showing signs of wear and tear, it can be painted over with waterproof paint.

Vinyl is one of the most affordable flooring materials on the market. The national average cost you can expect to spend for its installation ranges from $1.20 to $3.60 per sq. ft., depending on the material type and thickness. Professional flooring replacement contractors charge $2.00 per sq. ft. for installing this flooring type on an even surface.

See the table below to learn the average costs of vinyl flooring depending on its type and quality:

Vinyl type

Description

Cost per sq. ft.

Vinyl sheet flooring

This flooring type blends appeal and reasonable cost. It can serve for more than ten years and require almost no special skills and effort to be installed. However, this material is difficult to replace. Even if a minor section of the vinyl floor is affected, you'll need to replace the entire sheet.

$1.30 - $2.30

Vinyl planks

This type of vinyl flooring is middle-range by quality and price, yet it offers an abundance of designs, mimicking high-end floors made of wood and natural stone. It comes in planks and tiles that can be configured in multiple patterns to create an authentic look. Vinyl planks are easy to install - you just need to glue them down to the underlayment and give them some time to dry.

$2 - $3

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP)

Luxury or high-end vinyl flooring is the most durable of the three types. It is made of a few layers, including a textile backing that ensures maximum sturdiness and prevents the premature appearance of tears and rips. High-end vinyl flooring has a realistic texture and can conceal subfloor imperfections.

$4 - $6

Linoleum floors - The average cost and distinctive features

Linoleum has been around for 100 years and is now back in trend thanks to its versatility, eco-friendliness, and affordability. The main components of this flooring material are wood flour, cork dust, ground limestone, linseed oil, and rosin. This 100% natural composition ensures the material's better antibacterial and aesthetic qualities. The service life of vinyl floors ranges from 15 to 35 years with minimum maintenance. However, the longevity depends on the area where this flooring is installed. Linoleum is not a waterproof material and should not be installed in hallways, bathrooms, and laundries. Besides, it's not the best option for commercial properties.

Linoleum flooring is fairly inexpensive for material and labor. However, the cost is correlated to the type of material. Linoleum sheets have the lowest cost per sq. ft. ($2 -$4) but require a professional installation, while tiles and planks need a higher initial investment (around $5.30 per sq. ft.)but can be "clicked together" without assistance.

Concrete flooring - The average cost and distinctive features

If you think about concrete as a utilitarian surface for commercial buildings, think again. This material is surprising by its versatility and design richness. You can stain concrete in virtually any color, giving it a variety of finishes and textures. This flooring option with a smooth, polished look serves as a way more sturdy alternative to linoleum, vinyl, and wood flooring. Concrete can preserve its initial look for a lifetime, requiring a little maintenance. It's pet-friendly, moisture and stain-resistant. However, you should also consider that concrete is hard and cold underfoot. You might need to install a radiant system or use rugs to increase your home's comfort.

However, the installation of concrete flooring is recommended to discuss with general contractors and designers as this material is not always the best fit for every home. If your building features a slab-on-grade foundation or a concrete slab, you can safely install this durable flooring option.

The cost of concrete flooring mainly depends on its finish. The higher the level of floor artistic rendering, the higher its price. Concrete floors with high-end design (mixed color scheme, geometric patterns, stamping technique) might cost you as high as $25 per sq. ft. Basic and mid-range ones cost from $4 to $15 per sq. ft. and most often involve pouring the overlay, basic polishing and colorizing treatment.

Bamboo floors - The average cost and distinctive features

Bamboo is a natural, eco-friendly material with much the same properties as hardwood. It fits a variety of home styles, giving it a modern look and rising resale value. You can install bamboo flooring in rooms with different foot traffic intensiveness and moisture exposure, as it's sturdy and resistant to stains. A bamboo floor can last as long as 35 years if properly laid and finished. However, it's not entirely waterproof and prone to scratching. That means its service life can be reduced if you install it in the entrance hall or laundry room.

This flooring type has the same level of cost as the hardwood one. Depending on the type and manufacturing approach, bamboo products range from $4 to $12 per sq. ft. Professional installation costs another $4 - $6 per sq. ft.

Here are the types of bamboo flooring and their distinctive features:

Bamboo type

Description

Cost per sq. ft.

Stranded bamboo

This premium type of bamboo flooring is manufactured by milling the bamboo stalks into tiny strands that are further compressed into sheets and cut into planks. Stranded bamboo floors can either come as tongue-and-groove planks or planks that float over the underlayment.

$6 - $8

Horizontal bamboo flooring

This mid-range flooring is made by cutting the bamboo strands into thin strips that are further glued together to form planks. Horizontal bamboo flooring features visible fibers and is not as strong as its stranded counterpart.

$3.60 - $5.00

Engineered bamboo flooring

This low-grade flooring is manufactured by bonding a thin layer of bamboo on an MDF core or plywood. It's the most affordable and least durable of all three types of bamboo flooring and is not subject to refinishing.

$2 - $3.20

Cork flooring - The average cost and distinctive features

Cork is a 100% natural and biodegradable material made of the bark of the cork oak tree. This material is grounded up, compressed, and formed into sheets to be used as a flooring product. Cork is a good insulator that helps to keep a house warm in harsh climates. Thanks to its soft, silky surface, cork flooring is comfortable to walk on barefoot.

This flooring is suitable for installation almost everywhere in the home. However, there're some points to consider. First, if you have pets, it makes sense to select something more sturdy and stain-resistant as hardwood or concrete. Secondly, cork is susceptible to damage and can be cracked under heavy furniture or appliances. And finally, if not properly sealed, cork can become a victim of regular moisture exposure.

The national average cost of cork flooring runs from $3 to $12 per sq. ft., depending on the type and quality of the material as well as the installation approach and finish. The labor cost for floating floor installation ranges from $3 - $4 per sq. ft. You can expect to be charged $6 - $10 for the glue-down floor.

Factors affecting the cost of installing new flooring

Estimating the cost of a flooring project is not a breeze, especially for non-specialists. However, by knowing the cost-formation factors, a homeowner can predict the budget required for their project. Below we collected the critical points that affect the flooring process.

The nature of the flooring project.

The ultimate project cost will naturally depend on its extent. It might be more affordable to install floors in the house under construction than replace the existing floors, especially if the subfloor and underlayment are in poor condition. Contractors also charge around $1.50 per sq. ft. for removing and utilizing the old flooring.

The flooring material.

Different types of flooring options require different approaches to installation. For instance, hardwood and tile flooring require a professional installation approach. Contractors must undergo special training and improve their qualifications to have the necessary skills and knowledge to work with these flooring products. This factor will affect the labor cost component of the project.

Extra expenses.

The scope and cost of the project can go up due to some extra features like installing additional layers of underflooring or heat insulation. These add-ons will extend the time of the project completion and increase its labor intensiveness. That is why they're crucial to discuss at the early stage of project estimating.

Tips for skimping on flooring installation

The major expenses of every flooring project are materials and labor. You can find a way to save your hard earned money on both of these cost components, and below, we explain how.

Pick materials that offer an adequate price-quality ratio.

With so many flooring products available on the market, you won't have trouble finding the one that has a distinct look but cost reasonably. For example, vinyl and laminate floors can give you the look of hardwood flooring for half of the cost. Besides, they're cheaper to install.

Shop around for the best deal.

Once you decide on the flooring option that fits your needs and budget, consider visiting multiple online and offline retail stores to catch the best price. Please note that even a minor difference in flooring pattern can significantly affect its price.

Give your old floors a second life.

Some floors, like hardwood, are meant to serve for decades but can lose their initial look earlier. If you want to skimp on flooring replacement, consider repairing and refinishing the existing floors. The extent of damage plays a critical role here. If the issues are major or you see indications of rotten underlayment, complete replacement is the only way.

Compare contractor quotes.

Most flooring materials do not suit DIY projects. That is why you will need to allocate part of your budget to installation. Fortunately, the installation costs are also negotiable. The best way to pick the most lucrative offer is to compare at least 4-5 price quotes from flooring contractors near you. Scan the details of each offer to ensure it covers all aspects you're interested in. The lowest cost does not always mean the best offer, as it may cover less work.

How much does flooring cost in your area?

All home improvement services are priced differently depending on the location and local labor costs. The national average cost of new flooring installation may not coincide with the rates of contractors operating in your city. That is why analyzing the costs relevant to the local market is essential before budgeting your flooring project. Your most straightforward way to do that is through the MyHomeQuote contractor-matching service. We determine your request, analyze its details and find the best offers on the local flooring market. Once the researching and matching part of the job is finished, we will provide you with its results through written and verbal price quotes. You can compare the offers through the interface of our platform and request additional details if needed. The flooring quotes we provide are free and non-binding. That is why there is nothing to hesitate about when it comes to searching for local flooring pros with MyHomeQuote.

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A wide range of sources contribute to the information provided in our cost guides, from real-time contractor estimates to published cost studies and specialized websites.

Refer to our Methodology and Sources for more in-depth information.