Flooring Installation Costs and Considerations

The cost of flooring material is the price that you pay for the materials to install your floor. Some people may have difficulty understanding installation costs, so it's essential to know what they include. The installation cost is the price that you pay for the labor to install your floor. Flooring installation costs can include other expenses such as additional materials needed for the job (transition strips, base shoe, adhesive, etc.), moving furniture or appliances, removal and disposal of your existing flooring, and cleanup. In addition, there may be additional charges for stairs, prep work, replacing subflooring if needed, etc.

Carpet

Carpet installation costs vary for each person. It's not just the price of the carpet but also the installation cost and new pad. The price per square foot for carpet only can range from $2 to $15, and it could be even more if you want to install carpeting on your stairs. The price per square foot is about $4 to $7 for most carpets with installation and a new pad, but you can find lower quality carpets for less money and higher quality carpets for more.

Hardwood Floors

The hardwood installation cost will depend on the wood chosen, the plank's size, and the space's size. The cost of hardwood, including installation, can range from $8 to $26 per square foot. The installation process is dusty and time-consuming and involves removing old flooring, installing the new prefinished hardwood, and any transition strips or trim work needed. Sanding and refinishing hardwood can range from $3.00sf for a basic refinish on existing solid hardwood and go all the way up to $13-$15sf if you need new, unfinished hardwood laid with basic sand and refinish. Hardwood flooring installation is not a DIY project you can do at home without the proper tools and know-how.

Laminate Floors

The cost of installing laminate floors depends on the space size and any subfloor prep needed. Floating floors need a reasonably even subfloor to lay correctly. The average cost for a professional installation and material is $5-10 per square foot. This price can increase depending on the chosen product and any additional materials needed to complete the installation.

Tile Floors

The tile installation cost can vary depending on the tile you are installing. For example, porcelain tile tends to be more expensive than ceramic tile, and natural stones tend to run more expensive than porcelain or ceramic. Other factors can affect the cost of installation, such as:

• Type of subfloor you are installing over (wood, concrete, etc.)
• Size and shape of the room or space you are installing in
• Size of the tile as well as the design chosen. A basic straight lay or 1/3 stagger will be less expensive to install than a diagonal or herringbone installation.

Installing tile can be a difficult task. Costs also vary based on the type of material being installed, the size of the tile, and the pattern the tile will be laid in. You can expect to spend approximately $10.50 to $20.00 per square foot for standard materials and installation. 

Luxury Vinyl Floors

Luxury vinyl tile is the future of flooring. This flooring is easy to care for, making it a viable option for any household. Luxury vinyl is economical and comes in various colors, patterns, and textures to match any décor style.

There are a variety of factors that factor into the installation cost of LVT. The most significant factor is whether the LVT flooring is floating or glued down. Glue down installations are typically preferred on concrete substrates but can also be installed over a plywood substrate using a 1/4" plywood to glue do in this instance. Floating luxury vinyl tile also needs a reasonably even substrate to float over, similar to a laminate floor. Quality LVT materials and installation costs range from $4.50 to $10 per square foot. These flooring installation costs can vary depending on the type of materials being removed and if any subfloor build-up is needed to match door casing heights as well as the size of the space.

These are ballpark flooring installation costs. Visit us at Creative Carpet & Flooring. We will measure your rooms for free, help you pick the right flooring for your living situation, and write a proposal for flooring materials and installation with everything broken down. Our Flooring Consultants will make this process more straightforward than it seems and help you beautify your home. Schedule a free flooring consultation or stop in one of our flooring stores near you in Mokena, Illinois, or Highland, Indiana, today!