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See full bioFloor replacement costs vary depending on the room’s size, flooring material, and whether you decide to hire a professional or do-it-yourself (DIY). For a standard-sized living room, project costs range from $1,000 with cost-friendly materials to $7,000 for luxury installations.*
High-traffic areas may require high-quality materials to prevent wear, which adds to flooring installation costs. You may also choose higher-quality materials based on the subfloor’s condition. For some projects, you may need to hire a professional.
Read ahead to learn the best options for your flooring project while staying within your budget.
*Cost data via Home Advisor, Home Depot, and Remodeling Calculator.
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Hardwood Floor Installation
The average cost of hardwood floor installation is $6–$18 per square foot.
GET QUOTECarpet Installation
New carpet costs an average of $2–$8 per square foot.
GET QUOTELaminate Floor Installation
The average cost of laminate flooring is $1–$4 per square foot.
GET QUOTEReplacing old flooring costs $12.50 per square foot according to national averages, but the cost varies depending on the material quality and the installation’s difficulty.
Materials are typically purchased by the square foot, and more flooring increases costs.
Popular materials include laminate, hardwood flooring, vinyl, and tile. Each flooring material has a variety of options, with prices differing based on quality, thickness, and durability.
It will cost less to replace existing flooring in smaller rooms because you won’t spend as much on materials or flooring installation costs (if you choose to hire a professional).
Square FootageMaterials OnlyMaterials and Installation100
$50–$1,400
$150–$2,900
200
$100–$2,800
$300–$5,800
300
$150–$4,200
$450–$8,700
400
$200–$5,600
$600–$11,600
500
$250–$7,000
$750–$14,500
600
$300–$8,400
$900–$17,400
700
$350–$9,800
$1,050–$20,300
800
$400–$11,200
$1,200–$23,200
900
$450–$12,600
$1,350–$26,100
1,000
$500–$14,000
$1,500–$29,000
Note that “high-end” applies to popular luxury flooring options for materials, such as rare hardwood flooring or marble.
Flooring costs vary depending on the materials used. Popular flooring materials, from most to least expensive, include:
Natural stone
Designer tiles
Solid hardwood
Vinyl
Laminate
Natural stone (marble)
$3–$20
Ceramic tile
$5–$10
Solid hardwood
$3–$10
Vinyl
$2–$7
Laminate
$1–$4
Natural stone is costly but comes with certain benefits. It is eco-friendly, scratch-resistant (when properly treated), and sophisticated. This makes it ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces.
Natural stone is often porous and susceptible to water damage unless treated with a sealing agent, such as polyurethane. Stone flooring also usually requires professional installation.
Ceramic tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean, which is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They provide excellent insulation and sound dampening and are scratch-resistant and difficult to break when installed properly. This makes tile a low-maintenance flooring option for many kinds of rooms.
Ceramic is affordable but requires special tools and may require professional installation. See our comprehensive guide to tile flooring.
Hardwood flooring can last decades with proper care, making it a long-term, cost-effective solution. Hardwood flooring is also easy to clean and maintain. It can be pricey, depending on the type of wood flooring, but there are more budget-friendly options, such as engineered wood flooring. See our comprehensive guide to hardwood flooring.
Hardwood is susceptible to water damage and not ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms with high moisture. Further, hardwood is at risk of termite infestation if not properly maintained and can be scratched.
Vinyl flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage, making it a durable option for families with active children and pets and a viable alternative to other water-resistant options like tile. Vinyl can mimic the look of more expensive materials at a lower price, and comes in two varieties known as regular vinyl and luxury vinyl. Vinyl planks, tiles, and sheets often click into place, making them accessible for DIY installation. See our guide to DIY vinyl floor installation. Vinyl is not very eco-friendly to produce or recycle.
Laminate is durable and low-cost and comes with different abrasion ratings (ACs), which means that some types are highly scratch-resistant. Laminate with a higher AC rating is better for high foot traffic. Laminate is popular among homeowners for its affordability, ability to mimic more expensive materials, and easy installation.
Laminate requires a level subfloor for proper installation, so subfloor issues may require the help of a professional flooring company. Laminate is less water-resistant than vinyl or ceramic tile, so it is not frequently used in bathrooms or kitchens. See our guide to laminate flooring.
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Materials like vinyl and laminate often come in sheets or planks that snap into place, which makes them a popular choice for DIY installation. Some can even be installed on top of existing flooring without removing old materials. Other materials, such as solid hardwood, natural stone, or tile, are more labor-intensive and require professional installation.
Homeowners may find it more cost-effective to hire a flooring company if significant work is needed on the subfloor or underlayment. The time saved and peace of mind may offset the cost of paying a professional.
When starting a home improvement project, consider how long you’re willing to go without a floor if you encounter unexpected delays. This question is especially relevant for bathrooms, kitchens, and other central household hubs.
Flooring installation costs vary based on surface area and material type. Here are popular materials’ average costs (based on a 200-square-foot room):
$600–$2,000
$500–$2,000
$400–$1,400
$200–$800
Another potential cost for DIY flooring is truck rental. Consider whether your current vehicle can transport flooring materials, which are often sold in lengthy planks. Renting flatbed or moving trucks often involves paying a flat rate plus a per mile rate. See our guide to renting moving trucks.
Think about whether you have the necessary tools and skill level to complete DIY installation. Materials such as ceramic tile require special tools for cutting and shaping. Materials such as laminate require level subfloors that may require professional repair before installation if they’re not in good condition.
For example: Installing 200 square feet of laminate flooring costs between $200 and $800 in materials and between $4 and $8 per square foot in labor. Therefore, the total cost of professional installation is between $1,600 and $2,400. Consider whether saving money is worth the risks, time, and labor of DIY.
Hiring a professional flooring contractor comes with many benefits:
They have the expertise to get the job done correctly and efficiently.
Professional flooring companies are licensed and may offer a warranty in the event that something goes wrong.
They’re knowledgeable about local permits and codes.
Professionals will likely be able to install flooring much faster than somebody without experience.
Flooring can be a considerable expense, but there are ways to make it more affordable.
Options such as laminate are designed to mimic more luxury flooring materials such as hardwood and marble at a cheaper price. Vinyl is an affordable alternative for rooms with more moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Even among hardwood and tile, there’s a large price range.
This can help you save money with limited local supplies. On the other hand, if material cost is much lower than expected, the quality could also be lower. Consult online reviews to find companies that are rated highly for product quality, pricing, and customer service.
Proper planning helps avoid common pitfalls, such as moisture damage and poor scheduling. Whether you go DIY or hire a pro, budgeting time, choosing the right materials, and performing adequate subfloor testing will minimize mismanagement costs.
Labor costs for flooring installation depend on materials and job complexity. For example, labor to install laminate may only cost $1 per square foot, while custom tile installations are more complex and can cost up to $15 per square foot. Factors like subfloor repair and baseboard replacement can add to labor costs, and the presence of asbestos or mold could require hiring other professionals to remove it before flooring installation can continue. Further, materials like marble may require additional costs to install.
Flooring removal and material disposal can increase labor costs, especially for materials that are difficult to remove such as hardwood or tile. You can expect to pay $1–$6 per square foot for floor removal and may have to pay extra to dispose of materials.
The average price for underlayment materials and installation is between $3.40 and $5.30 per square foot. Underlayment serves different purposes for different flooring materials. It acts as a moisture barrier protecting hardwood, helps with sound reduction on all floor types, and serves as additional insulation.
Finishes extend the life of materials by insulating them and making them less susceptible to scratches, dents, and water damage. There are different finishes depending on how a space is used. For example, acrylic-infused finishes are used in high-traffic areas because they make hardwood extra durable, while polyurethane is low maintenance.
Flooring materials such as tile require special tools to cut and lay. This can add to project costs. Rooms with uneven or unusual shapes may require custom installation, which increases labor costs for professional installation. Consider your chosen material and plan ahead for any extra materials or labor costs.
Flooring materials and labor costs vary depending on your area’s cost of living. Higher costs of living lead to higher costs for home remodeling, as market rates are higher. And sourcing materials, such as specific hardwoods, can be more expensive in some areas depending on availability. Research local flooring companies for an idea of material and labor costs in your area.
Here are some things to consider when hiring a professional flooring company:
Make sure any company you hire has the required licenses to conduct remodeling.
Consult online reviews to find the right combination of work quality and affordability.
Discuss product warranties and quality assurance with potential companies to ensure protection if any accidents occur during installation.
Ask the company if they assist with preparation and cleanup or if you’re expected to do it.
DIY floor installation is a viable option for straightforward projects involving accessible materials, such as laminate and vinyl. Hiring a flooring company is ideal for more complex jobs using expensive materials and oddly shaped rooms or if you don’t have home modeling experience. Since different flooring materials are meant for different purposes, DIY and professional installation both require planning. Be sure to research the most cost-effective and well-suited materials for the space being remodeled.
To learn more about how we research and recommend flooring companies, check out our detailed rating methodology.
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The costs for putting in new flooring in a 2,000 sq. ft. house will vary depending on your local cost of living, the materials you choose, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional flooring company.
To put new laminate floors in a 2,000 sq. ft. house, you can expect to spend $2,000–$10,000 on materials, depending on the laminate type. Expect to pay $8,000–$16,000 on the additional cost of labor if you hire a pro. Materials such as hardwood, natural stone, or tile will cost more.
On average, it costs between $5,000 and $12,000 to install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring, including materials and labor. Read our comprehensive guide to laminate flooring prices.
The cost of mold remediation depends on how much needs to be removed. Homeowners can expect to pay between $9 and $23 per square foot for mold removal. Removing 1,000 square feet of mold could cost between $9,000 and $23,000.
Laminate flooring and sheet vinyl are the least expensive types of flooring, costing an average of $1–$7 per square foot. Prices vary depending on your local cost of living and material availability. Both laminate and vinyl flooring are popular and affordable choices.
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So, you’re thinking about putting in new floors. Maybe you’ve always hated your dingy tile or scratched floorboards. Maybe a few decades of kids, pets and parties have finished off that once-nice finish. Or maybe all of the TikTok DIYers have given you some inspo. In any case, you should know that replacing flooring is no easy undertaking.
Nor a cheap one, though the final price of floor installation depends on quite a few factors, from the floors’ size and layout to their current condition to the materials you choose. “Most flooring types will range between $5 and $25 a square foot,” Charlotte Granville, home remodeling specialist at Fixr, says. Overall, it typically works out to anywhere between $1,500 to $8,000 to refloor a house, according to the contractor-search site — with a national average cost of $3,500.
That’s a big range, so let’s get into where your specific project might land. The more you understand what goes into flooring installation, the less likely you are to be floored.
As with most home renovation projects, materials and labor are the Big Two influencers on a floor installation, but you need to go beyond them when you’re trying to budget. Here are a few factors that factor into your overall flooring installation cost.
What are you walking on now? You might have the option to simply put your new floor on top of your old one. David Steckel, Home Expert at Thumbtack, explains: “Your most basic floor is a floating floor.” This sort of floor floats or rests atop your existing surface, often with some kind of underlayment in between the two. Floating floors can be an option with certain material types, including laminate, vinyl and engineered wood.
Otherwise, you’ll have to get rid of what you’ve got. “When replacing the floors, removal costs are usually included in the replacement and reflect the type of material chosen,” Granville says. This can start fairly inexpensive ($.35 for carpet removal) but scale up as more labor is required. Demo-ing tile or stone requires intensive labor, while ripping out carpet can be fairly easy.
Since you pay for flooring material by the square foot, it should be no surprise that the number and size of the room(s) impacts your total new flooring cost. The bigger the space, the more material you’ll need, driving your overall project cost up. “A new bathroom floor can cost as little as $250 whereas the costs can reach up to $25,000 for the basement” running the length of the home, Granville notes.
Laying the floor anywhere other than a flat surface will drive up cost. If your installer will have to lay flooring on stairs or around columns, navigate a sunken living room, or deal with unusual shapes or dimensions, expect to pay more — both because it’s a more intricate job and because you might need extra or specially cut materials.
The surface square footage isn’t the only thing that matters. You also need to consider what’s going on under the floor you plan to lay. Specifically, is the subfloor — the support structure beneath your flooring, which is layered over the joists— level? And is it adequate to support whatever your new floors will be?
“If you want to put down carpet, it doesn’t matter,” Steckel says. But for any other sort of floor, “the material you choose dictates the levelness requirements. Larger-format flooring requires less deflection. A 5-inch hardwood plank requires the floor to be much more level than a 1.25-inch plank.”
So, as you’re budgeting for your flooring installation cost, factor your subfloor in. “If the existing floors are sunken, creaking or cracked, the subfloor may need replacing, which costs around $3.50 to $12 per square foot,” Granville says.
Even if you’re doing a floating floor, you might still want or need something between your old floor and your new one. This underlayment or underpad helps to dampen sound, provide cushion and protect your floors.
It might not just be a nice-to-have, either. “If you’re in a condo or an HOA, you might have an underpad requirement,” Steckel says.
“The type of flooring material significantly impacts the overall installation costs,” Granville explains. “Installing vinyl flooring doesn’t usually exceed $18 per square foot, but expect to pay up to $60 a square foot for high-end marble flooring.”
Plus, whether you’re looking at laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet or any other material, you’ll have options within the category. “There’s always a scale from super cost-effective to premium,” Steckel says.
Where your house is located matters, and not just because things cost more in different parts of the country. Your climate might preclude you from certain materials. In tropical areas, like Florida, “hardwood floor is not ideal because of humidity,” Steckel offers as an example.
Every house settles and shifts over time, but certain terrains are more uneven and unstable than others. You’d want to avoid material that cracks easily, like marble, in these regions.
If you talk to flooring pros in your area, they can guide you toward materials that are suitable for your local climate and weather patterns.
The installation itself plays a big role in your overall project price tag, often as much as half the cost. While the floor size and layout affect the difficulty of the install, much depends on the materials: With some substances, like carpet and vinyl click-lock floorboards, labor should be relatively cheap. If you choose a large-format tile (any side larger than 15 inches) that require a high level of precision and strength, or a wood pattern with a lot of intricacy (like currently “in” herringbone or chevron), the extra effort will drive your new flooring cost up.
Usually, flooring installers will give you an estimate for your project. They consider the square footage of the room, the hours they expect the project to take, the type of material — some being more labor-intensive than others — and other factors, like leveling your subfloor or repairing the floor joists, when they give you a quote.
While several factors affect the overall price of replacing a floor, it mainly comes down to the material — both for its own sake and because it influences the time-intensiveness and difficulty of the install. So here’s a baseline estimate by types of material.
These cost estimates, based on figures from Fixr, include the new flooring cost in its entirety (i.e., materials and labor). Figure on prices for the material alone running about one-half to two thirds less, unless it’s a luxe substance (think marble or an exotic wood).
A snazzy synthetic, laminate mimics the look of natural materials (usually wood, but also stone or tile) without the higher price point. Installing these floors usually costs somewhere between $6–$14 per square foot.
Hardwood remains king of the floors — the universal symbol of taste and class that goes with every decor (except maybe the industrial-chic look). Solid wood floors usually cost $14–$32 per square foot, admittedly on the high end. But they are an investment: They can last for decades with a little refinishing periodically, are easy to maintain — and actually can be a selling point (see How much does a new floor add to the value of your home?, below).
Engineered wood consists of a plywood core covered with the veneer of a particular, pricier wood. This hybrid of the natural and the manufactured costs much less than the traditional solid variety, but looks almost as good. You can expect to pay $8–$14 per square foot for your material and flooring installation with engineered hardwood.
Vinyl and linoleum flooring has come a long way. You can still get sheets of linoleum or vinyl flooring for an extremely low price point, but if you have a little bit more budget, click-lock vinyl flooring can look a lot like other materials (e.g., wood). Even then, it’s relatively cheap. “Vinyl flooring is probably the most affordable option on the market right now, costing between $2–$18 per square foot installed,” Granville says.
A perennial favorite for bathrooms, tile costs can range widely depending on where and how the tile was made, what it is made of and how complicated it is to install. Generally, though, you should budget $8–$14 per square foot of tile you want to install.
Natural stone comes in on the pricier side: Remember that $60 per square foot that Granville mentioned for marble? For more modest options — limestone, slate, granite — you can expect to pay somewhere around $10–$15 per square foot.
With the exception of vinyl and linoleum, carpet takes the cake when it comes to keeping new flooring cost to a minimum (not needing a subfloor is a big savings). Installed, it rings in at $7–$12 per square foot. “It might not be suitable for certain areas of the home, but wall-to-wall carpet is a great option for those on a tighter budget,” Granville says.
Not surprisingly, most flooring pros recommend you hire a pro. But seriously, replacing a floor can be a complicated job — especially if sub-floors and joists need work — that requires strength and skill. “The odds are that if you don’t have the tools today and you don’t know exactly how to do the installation without looking online, you shouldn’t be DIY-ing this project,” Steckel says. “Inevitably, it will cost you more in time and money if you don’t hire a pro.”
The main exception might be if you want to go with laminate or another sort of floating floor that clicks and locks into place, as opposed to being glued or nailed to your subfloor, Granville advises. If you do have some skill, tile flooring might not be too tough to install, especially if it’s a simple, small job (like a bathroom). “Most other flooring materials require a professional if you’re looking for long-lasting results,” she says.
The flooring experts we talked to have some tips to keep it to a minimum:
Of course, new flooring improves the living and looks of your home, but will you see more practical gains — specifically, a return on investment (ROI) — at resale time? “The value new flooring can bring to a home completely depends on the material,” Granville says. “Hardwood usually results in the best return, but there’s no guarantee of a good ROI.”
Indeed, installing new wood flooring recoups 118 percent of its costs, the National Association of Realtors’ “2022 Remodeling Impact Report” found, and simply refinishing an existing hardwood floor can deliver a notable 147 percent. But most flooring types (like home renovations in general) don’t see an ROI nearly that strong.
Material Average ROI Source: Realtor.com Wood (engineered and solid) 70–80% Ceramic tile 70% Stone 55–70% Porcelain tile Marble 50% Carpet 25–40%Of course, figures aren’t everything. While spending $25,000 on new floors might not literally add $25,000 to your asking price, it’ll certainly enhance the home’s appearance and add to that intangible wow factor. At the very least, since flooring is a fundamental part of a residence, it’ll give buyers a sense the place is in good shape. “It can ultimately influence the perceived quality of the property,” as Renee Marvin, real estate associate with Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage, noted in a recent post by the brokerage. “The flooring may affect a future buyer’s decision about the sale price or even the purchase.”
How much does flooring cost? By now, you know that it depends. If you’re considering putting in new floors, the best way to get an idea of your specific flooring installation cost is to talk to a few local flooring installers. For starters, they can tell you what materials and labor is likely to cost in your area. Beyond that, they can also advise you on substances that work well in your geography and your options based on your current floor and its condition.
Initial outlay is important, but do think long-term. The more durable floors are often more expensive upfront, but the cost is amortized over the years — and they can stay looking new with minimal refreshment or refinishing, as opposed to a cheaper material that needs a complete replacement a few years down the road.