If you’re building or renovating a home but don’t want to blow your budget on the floors, we have one word for you: laminates.
Laminate flooring is a snazzy synthetic, usually designed to look like wood, though it can mimic stone or tile too. Easy to install and maintain, it costs far less than floors made of natural materials.
The average tab to lay down laminate flooring runs between $1,500 and $3,500 or $6 and $14 per sq.ft., including both labor and material costs, according to Adam Graham, an industry analyst at Fixr.com. Genuine hardwood floors cost virtually double that.
However, your exact laminate flooring cost will vary depending on a few factors, including the type you choose and the condition of your existing floors. Here’s what to know before deciding to install laminate floors in your house.
Key takeaways
Bankrate insights
- Laminate flooring is designed to look like hardwood (or other traditional flooring materials) but is more affordable and easier to install.
- Installing laminate floors usually costs between $1,500 and $3,500.
- Laminate floor costs depend on the laminate type, the complexity of the project and any additional tasks required, like carpentry or subfloor repairs.
- Depending on your existing flooring and your appetite for DIY projects, you might be able to install laminate floors yourself.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate floors are composed of a series of tiles or planks. Each one is made of several layers that are fused together. There’s a particle board base at the bottom and above it, an image layer: a high-definition printed photograph of wood, tile or whatever material you’d like. On top, there’s a clear layer of plastic, which seals in and protects the layers below it.
Some laminate floors come with their own underlayment, others need a separate one — usually made of cork — installed beneath them, to provide cushioning.
Laminate floors come in different degrees of thickness — between 6 and 12 millimeters (generally, the thicker, the better quality). They can be textured in various ways, from perfectly smooth to high scraped, and finished to look glossy, matte or something in between.
Laminate vs hardwood floors: What’s the difference?
One of the biggest differences homeowners will notice between hardwood floors and laminate flooring is the cost to install them,” says Fixr.com’s Adam Graham. This cost difference can be significant, with hardwood floors costing nearly twice as much as laminate flooring, according to Fixr data — around $2,800 to $6,400, vs $1,500 to $3,500 for a laminate lookalike.
The disparity reflects the composition of the two floors, and the fact that one is manufactured, while the other is natural. “Laminate flooring is made of synthetic layers to give the appearance of wood, whereas hardwood is the real deal, consisting of solid planks,” says Graham.
Since they’re designed differently and made from different materials, laminate floors don’t look exactly like hardwood floors. Though the better-quality models can come close, “hardwood flooring is unmistakable in its classic and authentic appearance,” says Graham. “Laminate flooring, while having many positive qualities, does not match up in aesthetics.”
Calculating the cost to install laminate flooring
From the size of your home to local labor costs, several variables will affect how much you pay for laminate flooring.
Floor type
Laminate doesn’t just imitate wood, it imitates different varieties of wood. Interestingly, the more expensive natural woods are also the more expensive laminates, because the nuances of their graining and color make them harder to duplicate. If you’re trying to achieve a certain kind of look, you may need to pay more.
According to Fixr.com, the cheapest styles of laminate include acacia, beech and oak, each of which begins at around $1 per square foot (not including installation costs). Elm, maple and hickory are mid-range styles, starting at around $1.50 per square foot. Walnut is the most expensive, starting at $2 per square foot. These “wood” prices in general max out around $4 – $4.50 per square foot.
While wood laminate flooring is the most common (and affordable), there are also other types to consider. The more unusual stone variety, which imitates a repeating pattern of tumbled or antiqued stones, costs a bit more. Tile laminate floors are the most expensive of the bunch.
Cost to install by laminate types
| Laminate style | Cost range per sq. ft. (material only) |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.50-$3 |
| Stone | $3.50-$4 |
| Tile | $3.50-$5 |
Source: Fixr.com
Flooring area and shape
As you might expect, the size and shape of your floors also impact your project cost. In general, the larger your space, the more you’ll pay for flooring and installation. For instance, it would cost an average of $600 to $1,400 to add laminate floors to a 100-square-foot room, $3,000 to $7,000 for a 500-square-foot room, and $6,000 to $14,000 for a 1,000-square-foot room.
Also, if you have a uniquely-shaped room, your installer may need to spend more time custom-fitting the laminate flooring to your space – which can increase your costs for labor and possibly materials as well.
Labor
Labor accounts for a substantial portion of the overall cost to install laminate flooring, which runs $4 to $8 per square foot. For a typical 200-square-foot project, which costs between $1,500 and $3,500, you could expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 for the installers.
Geographic location
Finally, you’ll need to consider your location when calculating laminate flooring costs. “Where you live will also affect the final price, as material costs vary from state to state,” says Graham — as of course do workers’ wages. Before beginning your project, reach out to several installers to see how much their prices vary.
Additional costs and considerations
Depending on the condition of your floors and the aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve, you might also need to think about these additional costs.
Removing old flooring
It’s possible to add new laminate flooring over some kinds of existing floors, but if you have carpet or hardwoods, you’ll need to remove them first. Flooring professionals typically charge about $70 per hour to remove old floors, for a total cost of $400 to $600, according to Angi.
Subfloor repair or replacement
Before installing laminate floors, you’ll need to ensure that your subfloor is level and in good condition. If it’s not, a repair or replacement could add an extra $400 per 200 square feet, according to Angi.
Warranty
The length of your laminate flooring warranty will depend on your manufacturer, but most have at least a five-year warranty, with some even including a lifetime warranty. Just be sure to check your manufacturer’s policies so that you don’t mistakenly void your warranty, which could happen if you install or clean your floors incorrectly.
AC rating
Laminate floors have an abrasion class (AC) rating, which measures their durability on a scale of one to five. According to HomeGuide, lower-rated laminate is intended for light residential usage (like in closets and bedrooms), while higher-rated laminate is suitable for more heavily trafficked rooms or areas.
Pad and underlay
You’ll likely need underlayment between your subfloor and laminate flooring as a way to protect the flooring and reduce noise. Every 100 square feet of underlayment costs between $30 and $60, in addition to labor costs of $70 per hour, according to Angi. Some types of laminate flooring already have underlayment attached, but your installer may recommend a separate layer.
Texture
In addition to the plethora of styles, there are also different textures of laminate flooring, ranging from smooth (on the cheaper side) to handscraped (on the pricier end). Costs range from $1.69 per square foot to $5.99 per square foot, depending on the aesthetic you’re going for.
Thickness
When picking out laminate flooring, you can choose from several thickness levels. In general, thicker planks are more likely to resist bending and warping – but they’re also more expensive. You can find 6mm laminate floorboards around $0.69 to $0.99 per square foot, while 12mm will cost roughly $2.29 to $5.99, per Fixr.com.
Finish
Like texture and thickness, you’ll also have the option to choose the finish on your laminate flooring. Semi-matte finishes are the most affordable, starting at around $1 per square foot. If you’re aiming for a more polished look, you can opt for a gloss finish, which starts at $1.69 per square foot.
Pros and cons of laminate flooring
Like any other renovation project, there are positives and negatives to installing laminate flooring.
Pros
- Easy to install, clean and maintain
- Cheaper than natural-material floors
- Available in countless styles and designs
- Some types are scratch-resistant
- Can be installed over existing floor
Cons
- Less durable than a wood or stone floors
- Your subfloor must be in perfect condition
- Can’t be refinished
- Adds little to home value
- Not recommended for humid/wet/below-grade areas or rooms
What are floating floors?
You may hear laminate floors referred to as “floating floors.” This means that they click and lock into place — they don’t need to be glued or nailed to your subfloor. That’s one reason they’re so easy and cheap to install. Most contemporary laminate floors float, though they can be nailed or glued if that’s better for the subfloor.
Should you DIY installing laminate floors or hire a professional?
Laminate flooring is very DIY-friendly, thanks to its floating design and ability to be installed over certain kinds of existing flooring. According to Fixr.com, amateurs can laminate an entire floor within a day. Of course, professionals would probably be even quicker. You might also prefer to go pro for some reason you can’t click and lock the floor, but need it to be glued or nailed, or if your subfloor needs repair. You might also want a carpenter to install baseboards (laminates can’t be installed up to the wall edge — an expansion space must be left for them to swell a bit).
How to save money on the cost to install laminate flooring
Since labor accounts for so much of the cost to install laminate flooring, you can save quite a bit by installing it yourself. At the least, you can do a lot of prep (removing carpeting and existing baseboards) and clean-up, if workers are charging by the hour. Other ways to save include opting for more budget-friendly wood-floor types (like oak) and less flashy textures and finishes.
Questions to ask about the cost to install laminate flooring
Before hiring an installer, it’s important to vet them thoroughly. Here are a few questions to ask during the interview process.
- Are you insured?
- Do you have customer references?
- Can you show me pictures of similar projects you’ve completed in the past?
- What’s the timeline for this project?
- What’s included in the estimate, exactly?
- What are my payment options?
The bottom line on installing laminate floors
For those looking to replace floors fast fast or save money, laminate flooring can be an innovative alternative.
On the plus side, a laminate floating floor is cheaper and easier to maintain than genuine hardwood – especially if you have kids or pets. You may be able to install it yourself. And, as imitations go, it can look amazingly good.
However, it won’t ever appear as high-end as the real thing. It’s not an investment in your home, it won’t improve the resale value and it certainly won’t be a selling point. On top of that, laminate floors usually don’t last as long as hardwood, and you can’t restore or refinish them, so you might have to replace them earlier than you would with authentic wood. They also need to be in dry, above-grade spaces or you risk warping and buckling.
In short, it’s a quality quick fix. So, ultimately, deciding whether or not laminate floors are right for you is a matter of budget, lifestyle and personal preference.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Install Laminate Flooring? | Bankrate? ›
In general, the larger your space, the more you'll pay for flooring and installation. For instance, it would cost an average of $600 to $1,400 to add laminate floors to a 100-square-foot room, $3,000 to $7,000 for a 500-square-foot room, and $6,000 to $14,000 for a 1,000-square-foot room.
How much should I charge for labor to install laminate flooring? ›Cost by Labor
Labor to install laminate flooring costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, depending on the project's difficulty.
Laminate flooring costs anywhere from $2.70 per square foot on the low end, to $11 per square foot on the high end. A homeowner could install 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring and pay under $3,000 for the flooring.
What is the average cost per sq ft to install laminate flooring? ›The square footage of your room largely determines how much you'll pay for laminate flooring and installation because it's priced by the square foot. The material generally costs between $0.70 and $2 per square foot, and the installation typically costs between $0.60 and $4 per square foot.
How much does it take to install laminate flooring? ›Cost Per Square Foot
Installing a laminate floor costs $3 to $8 (CAD 4 to CAD 10) per square foot for labor and material. For the flooring alone, expect to pay between 70 cents and $2.60 (CAD 0.90 and 3.30) per square foot. Laminate floors can mimic the look of stone or tile, but most have a wood appearance.
Labor Cost for Floor Installation
Typically, professional flooring installation rates vary from $0.60 to $4 per square foot. However, this rate does not include materials or extra work like removing old flooring or moving furniture before starting.
Lowes Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
On average, Lowe's charges between $1 and $3 per square foot to install the flooring. Hence, the total costs of laminate flooring range between $1.99 and $9. If you have a 500-square-foot area that needs new laminate floors, you'll pay $995-$4,500.
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
How much does it cost to install 250 square feet of laminate flooring? ›The range is narrower, $4.50 to $7.50 per square foot, for the most popular brands and styles of laminate flooring, or $4,500 to $7,500 for 1,000 total. Total average cost for: 250 square feet installed: $1,300 to $1,900. 500 square feet installed: $2,250 – $3,750.
How long does it take to install laminate flooring? ›Laminate installation is much like putting together a large puzzle and should take no more than one day for almost any room.
How many square feet is a 12x12 room? ›
How many square feet is a 12x12 room? The square footage of a room 12 feet wide by 12 feet long is 144 square feet. Find the square footage by multiplying the width (12 ft) by the length (12 ft).
Is it cheaper to install laminate flooring yourself? ›DIY installation is significantly cheaper, but remember that it's not free. In addition to the personal time and effort you'll spend on the project, you'll have to invest in materials to prep the subfloor and supplies such as grout, nails, screws, sealer, adhesives, stain, or baseboards.
How many ft is a sq ft? ›A square foot is a measurement of area. It's defined as the area inside a square that measures one foot per side. Area is equal to length multiplied by width. So, one square foot is equal to an area that's one foot long by one foot wide.
How much extra should you buy for laminate flooring? ›Generally, a higher quality of flooring will need only 5% extra overage, while a more affordable option might be better with 15%. Because laminate is engineered, it usually has a consistent coloring, pattern, grain, and is free of inclusions. Only a 5% overage is usually recommended.
Which is cheaper carpet or laminate? ›The cost of carpet is generally much cheaper than the cost of laminate flooring, but laminate flooring has the advantage of being longer-lasting, easier to clean, and less likely to suffer weather damage.
Do you need underlay for laminate? ›Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.
How do I estimate flooring installation? ›To do so, use a tape measure to determine the room's length and width. Then multiply the length by the width to get your square footage. For instance, if the room is 12 feet wide and 12 feet long, you will need enough flooring for 144 square feet (12×12=144).
How much does it cost to install 500 square feet of vinyl flooring? ›| Square Footage | Standard Vinyl Plank | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | $600–$2,100 | $900–$3,000 |
| 500 | $1,000–$3,500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$7,000 | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$14,000 | $6,000–$20,000 |
To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Meanwhile, laminate is preferable if you want a more stylish appearance, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.
Does Lowes move furniture when installing flooring? ›Please advise the Independent Contractor and Lowe's of any previous floor issues such as water leaks or damage. information. Furniture Moving: If you have paid for this service, the Independent Contractor will move normal household furniture (on the day the installation begins).
What is needed to install laminate flooring? ›
- flooring.
- underlayer.
- barrier sheeting.
- laminate glue.
- adhesive.
- polyethylene tape.
- quarter-round molding, baseboard or wall base.
- end molding, threshold and other transitions.
Haggle for a Lower Price
Just ask an employee, who may have to reach out to a manager. Some floor models are marked for discount to make room for newer lines. Other floor models aren't marked for discount, but you may still get one.
Vinyl flooring installation typically takes between 1-2 days to complete. Some types of vinyl flooring, such as plank and tile, need a few days to acclimate to the temperature and humidity in your home prior to the installation.
Is installing laminate flooring easy? ›It is very DIY friendly and won't need any training or experience. Laminate flooring just clicks together without the need for any type of adhesive. Different floors will click in varying ways to ensure you are familiar with how the floor clicks together before beginning.
What is the cheapest type of flooring? ›1. Sheet Vinyl. Sheet vinyl costs, on average, between $0.50 to $4.50 per square foot, making it a great affordable option. Sheet vinyl is a popular flooring choice among homeowners because it's comfortable, durable and cost-effective.
How do you calculate the cost of laminate flooring? ›To estimate the flooring cost to cover a 48-square-foot floor, you need to know the flooring cost per square foot. The vinyl flooring cost ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, laminate flooring is $2 to $6 per square foot, and hardwood flooring costs $3 to $7.
How much does it cost to install 300 square feet of flooring? ›| Room Size | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| 100 sq.ft. | $600 - $1,400 |
| 200 sq.ft. | $1,200 - $2,800 |
| 300 sq.ft. | $1,800 - $4,200 |
| 500 sq.ft. | $3,000 - $7,000 |
Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years. In many cases, it won't last ten.
How much flooring can you lay in a day? ›On average, a two-person crew can lay 800 to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day. Depending on the size of the planks and size of the room, the project can take one to three days to complete. However, you need to account for removal as well as any prep work that may be needed.
What time of year is best to install laminate flooring? ›The fall months are the ideal time! Some new flooring materials such as laminates, hardwoods, and luxury vinyl tiles will need to acclimate a day or two inside the home before being laid.
How soon can you walk on laminate flooring? ›
Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.
How many square feet is a 10x10 room? ›Measuring 10 feet wide and 10 feet long, these units offer 100 square feet of packing room.
How many square feet is a 15x15 room? ›For example, the size of a 10 ft by 10 ft room (10x10 room) is 100 sq ft (102). Likewise, a 15x15 room is 225 sq ft (152), while a 20x20 room is 400 sq ft (202).
Does laminate flooring increase home value? ›If the laminate replaces old, worn carpet or sheet vinyl, you could see a value boost. But if the home already has old hardwood, you should refinish the natural wood rather than replace it with lower-quality laminate.
Are laminate floors worth it? ›Laminate flooring is a great choice if you want a high-end hardwood look but need something more durable for pets and kids. Laminate is a much better choice against scratches and dents. It is also much more affordable than hardwood.
Which is cheaper to install laminate or vinyl? ›Laminate flooring is much cheaper than vinyl, even though it has a higher ROI when it comes to home value. Laminate flooring costs about $0.70 to $2 per square foot, with installation costing about the same as vinyl flooring.
How many square feet is 8ft by 5ft? ›Next, multiply the length by the width to get the total sqft (8 x 5 = 40 square feet).
How many square feet is 7ft by 7ft? ›7 x 7 - Medium ( 36-101 sq. ft.)
How many square feet is 100 feet? ›Length (in feet) x width (in feet) = area in sq. ft. If the length of my room is 100 ft and the width is 100 ft. Then the area will be 100 X 100 = 10000 sqft.
Is thicker laminate flooring better? ›Thicker laminate will definitely offer more stability and strength, so if a little extra cost is not an issue, thicker laminate is definitely worth it. It's also the better option if your subfloor isn't as sturdy, such as an old creaking wood subfloor.
Why buy thicker laminate flooring? ›
Advantages Of A Thicker Flooring
Thicker laminate flooring is easier to install. It also can provide you with wonderful acoustics. Impact resistances or resistances to drops are also much better with a thicker flooring material. The thicker your laminate flooring, the higher your cost will be.
If you have a subfloor that is in any way uneven, it pays off to choose a thicker laminate. It is also advisable that if you live in an apartment or are flooring an upstairs room and want to reduce noise in the rooms below, then a thicker laminate of 12mm or 15mm thick is advised.
What is the easiest type of flooring to install? ›Hardwood Flooring
The easiest flooring to install is hardwood flooring. This type of flooring can be installed by just about anyone because it's a DIY project that requires little more than simple hand tools and some elbow grease.
Because of its longevity and durability, laminate flooring is also more economical than carpet. You need to replace a carpet frequently to keep it looking good. With less surface damage and greater resistance to bacteria and stains, laminate will look good for decades.
Which is healthier carpet or laminate? ›Laminate flooring is considered more hygienic and hypoallergenic than carpet, as it is easily cleaned, and dirt won't go unnoticed. Carpet tends to retain dust and pollen, stain more easily, and build up mold and mildew when exposed to moisture, making it a less desirable option for those who struggle with allergies.
What happens if you don't put foam under laminate flooring? ›Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Do you need a gap around laminate flooring? ›Expansion gaps are essential in all laminate floor installations. Temperature and humidity will change in all rooms. This result is the laminate flooring will expanding and contract as the temperature and humidity change. It's the same with solid and engineered wood floors.
Do I need a moisture barrier for laminate flooring? ›No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
How much is labor to remove carpet and install laminate flooring? ›Labor. On average, carpet removal companies charge around $1 to $1.50 per square foot, including labor, waste removal, and cleanup. Labor costs to install laminate flooring are typically about $2 to $8 per square foot. You can contact a flooring installation company near you for a more detailed project quote.
How much does labor cost to install vinyl plank flooring? ›Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
Which is cheaper to install laminate or carpet? ›
When it comes to the cost of these two types of flooring, laminate flooring is more expensive than carpeting. For example, the average cost of installing laminate flooring in a 500-square-foot home is around $2,000, while the average cost of installing carpeting is about $1,500.
How do you calculate labor cost for flooring? ›On top of materials, the cost of labor for flooring installation can run between $0.60 to $4 per square foot. It will depend on the type of flooring you choose and the difficulty and time it takes to install it.
How many square feet does 1 box of laminate flooring cover? ›Laminate. Laminate flooring is sold by the carton. Each carton generally contains 20 square feet, but this can vary by style.