Flooring Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,200 – $2,700
$4.00 – $9.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$600 – $1,500
Labor
$600 – $1,200
Floor Area
300 sq ft
Flooring Type
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed flooring installers. Order 10% extra material for cuts, waste, and future repairs — most retailers allow returns on unopened boxes.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Flooring Cost Breakdown
| Flooring Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $1.00 – $3.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | $2.00 – $5.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $9.00 |
| Hardwood | $3.00 – $8.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 | $6.00 – $14.00 |
| Tile | $2.00 – $6.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $14.00 |
| Carpet | $1.00 – $4.00 | $1.00 – $3.00 | $2.00 – $7.00 |
* Costs shown for standard room (1.0× labor). Basement adds 15% to labor.
Average Project Costs (Luxury Vinyl Plank, Standard Room)
| Room | Area | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 200 sq ft | $800 – $1,800 |
| Living Room | 350 sq ft | $1,400 – $3,150 |
| Kitchen | 200 sq ft | $800 – $1,800 |
| Basement | 500 sq ft | $2,150 – $4,800 |
How We Calculate
Our flooring calculator estimates project costs based on room area, flooring type, and room type. The formula is: total cost = area × per-square-foot cost × room type multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = area × material rate per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft × room type multiplier. Total = material + labor. The room type multiplier adjusts labor: standard rooms (bedrooms, living rooms) are 1.0×, kitchens are 1.0× (same baseline), and basements add 15% (1.15×) for subfloor preparation and moisture mitigation.
Flooring Type Comparison
Laminate ($1.00–$3.00/sq ft material, $2.00–$4.00/sq ft labor) is a budget-friendly option that mimics hardwood or stone. Click-lock installation makes it the most popular DIY flooring. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) ($2.00–$5.00/sq ft material, $2.00–$4.00/sq ft labor) is 100% waterproof and works in every room. The most versatile flooring available today. Available in realistic wood and stone looks. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Hardwood ($3.00–$8.00/sq ft material, $3.00–$6.00/sq ft labor) is the premium choice for living spaces. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Adds significant home value. Avoid in wet areas and basements. Lifespan: 50–100+ years.
Tile ($2.00–$6.00/sq ft material, $4.00–$8.00/sq ft labor) includes ceramic and porcelain options. Extremely durable and water-resistant. Higher labor cost reflects thinset, grout, and skilled installation. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Lifespan: 50–100+ years.
Carpet ($1.00–$4.00/sq ft material, $1.00–$3.00/sq ft labor) is the most affordable and comfortable option. Best for bedrooms and living rooms. Includes standard padding. Not suitable for wet areas. Lifespan: 8–15 years.
Room Type Adjustments
Standard rooms (1.0×) include bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways with standard subfloor conditions. Kitchens (1.0×) are baseline but may require additional cuts around cabinets and islands. Basements (1.15×) add 15% to labor for concrete subfloor prep, moisture testing, vapor barriers, and potential leveling work.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover flooring material and installation labor. Not included: old flooring removal ($1–$3/sq ft), subfloor repair ($2–$5/sq ft if needed), baseboards and trim ($1–$4/linear ft), furniture moving ($50–$200), underlayment ($0.25–$0.75/sq ft for laminate/LVP), and transitions/thresholds ($5–$20 each).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, home improvement retailers, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does new flooring cost? +
New flooring costs $2–$14 per square foot installed depending on the material. Carpet is $2–$7/sq ft, laminate $3–$7/sq ft, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) $4–$9/sq ft, tile $6–$14/sq ft, and hardwood $6–$14/sq ft. A 200 sq ft bedroom with LVP costs $800–$1,800.
What is the cheapest flooring option? +
Carpet is the cheapest at $2–$7 per square foot installed. Laminate is the cheapest hard-surface option at $3–$7/sq ft. Both are also popular DIY options, which can save an additional $1–$4/sq ft in labor costs. Sheet vinyl (not plank) is even cheaper but less durable.
What is the best flooring for kitchens? +
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile are the best kitchen flooring options. LVP ($4–$9/sq ft) is waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and easy to install. Tile ($6–$14/sq ft) is extremely durable and heat-resistant. Avoid solid hardwood in kitchens due to moisture and spill risk.
Is hardwood or LVP better? +
LVP ($4–$9/sq ft) is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and works in every room including basements and bathrooms. Hardwood ($6–$14/sq ft) is a premium material that can be refinished multiple times and lasts 50–100+ years. LVP is better for high-moisture areas; hardwood is better for long-term value and resale appeal.
How much extra flooring should I order? +
Order 10% extra for standard rectangular rooms with straight-lay patterns. Add 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns. Add 20% for irregular rooms, rooms with many doorways, or areas around kitchen islands. Extra material covers cutting waste, breakage, and allows for future repairs.
What is the best flooring for basements? +
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the top choice for basements — it’s 100% waterproof and handles moisture from concrete slabs. Tile also works well. Basement installations add about 15% to labor costs for subfloor prep and moisture mitigation. Avoid solid hardwood and laminate in basements due to moisture risk.
How much can I save with DIY flooring? +
DIY saves $1–$8 per square foot in labor depending on the material. Laminate and LVP click-lock systems are the easiest DIY — no glue or nails required. A 350 sq ft LVP project saves $700–$1,400 in labor. Tile and hardwood require specialized tools and experience, so professional installation is recommended.
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