How much does new flooring cost? A breakdown by material type, room, and project scope, backed by 374 real contractor quotes.
Across 374 real contractor quotes in our database, the average flooring installation runs $8,106 with a median of $5,000. The median reflects a typical one- or two-room job, while the average includes larger whole-house projects that push the number up.
Material choice is the single biggest factor in what you'll pay. Here's what each option costs installed:
| Flooring Type | Cost per Sq Ft (installed) | Typical Room (200 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $3 – $8 | $600 – $1,600 |
| Laminate | $3 – $10 | $600 – $2,000 |
| Carpet | $3 – $12 | $600 – $2,400 |
| Tile (ceramic/porcelain) | $7 – $18 | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $8 – $18 | $1,600 – $3,600 |
| Solid Hardwood | $10 – $25 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Based on 374 real contractor quotes in our database. Installed prices include both materials and labor. Actual costs vary by region, subfloor condition, and project complexity.
The per-square-foot number is a starting point. Several other factors move the final bill up or down:
New flooring needs a flat, solid surface underneath. If your subfloor has rot, unevenness, or moisture issues, fixing it adds $1–$3 per square foot. Concrete subfloors may need leveling compound. Plywood subfloors might need patches or replacement sections. This is the most common surprise cost on flooring jobs.
Pulling up old carpet is quick and cheap — $0.50–$1.50 per square foot. Removing old tile or glued-down hardwood is a different story: $2–$5 per square foot, and it can take longer than the new installation itself. Some flooring (like LVP) can go right over existing hard surfaces, which saves both the removal cost and the mess.
Straight-lay installation is the fastest and cheapest. Herringbone, chevron, or diagonal patterns require more cuts, more waste, and more time. Expect a 15–25% premium for patterned layouts. Tile with intricate mosaics or mixed sizes adds even more.
Every doorway, threshold, and change in flooring type needs a transition strip or careful edge work. If you're doing the whole house in one material, transitions are minimal. Mixing materials room to room? Budget $20–$75 per transition, plus extra labor for clean edges.
Most installers expect empty rooms. Some will move furniture for $100–$300 per room, but many won't touch it at all. If you can clear the rooms yourself, you save money and avoid any liability questions about damaged furniture.
Luxury vinyl plank has become the most popular flooring choice in our quote data, and it's easy to see why. At $3–$8 per square foot installed, it's the least expensive option that still looks and feels like real wood. It's waterproof, handles pets and kids well, and installs fast over most existing subfloors. The trade-off: it won't add the same resale value as real hardwood, and lower-quality LVP can look plasticky up close.
Not every flooring works everywhere. Here's the practical breakdown by room:
Water resistance matters here. Tile, LVP, and engineered hardwood all work well. Solid hardwood can handle a kitchen but needs immediate cleanup of spills, it's not ideal near the dishwasher or sink. Avoid laminate in kitchens; most laminate swells when water sits on seams.
Tile is still king in bathrooms for good reason, it handles standing water and humidity without flinching. Waterproof LVP is a solid budget alternative. Keep wood and laminate out of full bathrooms entirely.
This is where personal preference and budget take over. Hardwood is the gold standard for resale value. Engineered hardwood gives you the look with better stability. LVP works great if you have pets or want durability on a budget. Carpet in bedrooms is still popular for the warmth and comfort underfoot, especially upstairs where it also reduces noise.
Moisture is the main concern below grade. LVP and tile are your best bets, both handle humidity and the occasional water intrusion. Engineered hardwood can work in dry basements with a vapor barrier. Never install solid hardwood in a basement; it will cup and buckle.
Flooring installation averages $8,106 with a median of $5,000. A typical 200 sq ft room costs $600 to $5,000 depending on material. Vinyl plank runs $3 to $8 per sq ft installed, while solid hardwood costs $10 to $25 per sq ft.
Vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate are the cheapest options at $3 to $8 and $3 to $10 per square foot installed, respectively. For a 200 sq ft room, that's $600 to $2,000. LVP is waterproof and can often be installed over existing hard surfaces, saving on removal costs.
Solid hardwood costs $10 to $25 per square foot installed, or $2,000 to $5,000 for a 200 sq ft room. Engineered hardwood is a bit less at $8 to $18 per sq ft. Hardwood adds the most resale value of any flooring material.
It depends on the material. Some flooring like LVP can go over existing hard surfaces, saving the removal cost. Removing old carpet costs $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft, while removing tile or glued-down hardwood runs $2 to $5 per sq ft.
Tile and waterproof LVP are the best choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they handle water and humidity. Tile is the gold standard in bathrooms. Avoid laminate in kitchens, as it swells when water sits on seams, and keep wood out of full bathrooms.
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