Flooring Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$446 – $1,051
$3.10 – $7.30 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$158 – $475
Labor
$288 – $576
Material Needed
159 sq ft
Room Area
144 sq ft
Material Tip: Order 159 sq ft of laminate (10% waste included). Extra material accounts for cutting waste, pattern matching, and future repairs.
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 | $3.10 – $7.30 |
| Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $1.50 – $4.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 | $3.15 – $7.40 |
| Hardwood (Solid) | $5.00 – $10.00 | $3.00 – $8.00 | $8.50 – $19.00 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $3.00 – $8.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 | $6.30 – $14.80 |
| Tile (Ceramic/Porcelain) | $2.00 – $6.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.20 – $14.60 |
| Carpet | $1.00 – $4.00 | $1.00 – $2.50 | $2.10 – $6.90 |
* Total per sq ft includes 10% standard waste factor on materials.
Average Project Costs (10% Waste Factor)
| Room | Size | Flooring | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | Carpet | $302 – $994 |
| Kitchen | 14 × 12 ft (168 sq ft) | Tile | $1,042 – $2,453 |
| Living Room | 18 × 14 ft (252 sq ft) | Vinyl Plank | $794 – $1,865 |
| Whole Floor | 40 × 30 ft (1,200 sq ft) | Vinyl Plank | $3,780 – $8,880 |
How We Calculate
Our flooring cost calculator estimates project costs based on room dimensions, flooring type, and waste factor. Material cost is calculated on the total area including waste, while labor cost is based on the actual room area.
How the math works: Room area = length × width. Material needed = area × (1 + waste%). Material cost = material area × price per sq ft. Labor cost = room area × labor rate per sq ft. The waste factor only applies to materials — you buy extra material but don’t pay extra labor for waste cuts.
Flooring Type Comparison
Laminate ($1–$3/sq ft material, $2–$4/sq ft labor) is a budget-friendly option that mimics hardwood or tile. Click-lock installation makes it a top DIY choice. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Vinyl Plank / LVP ($1.50–$4/sq ft material, $1.50–$3/sq ft labor) is waterproof and works in every room. The most popular flooring in new construction. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Hardwood (Solid) ($5–$10/sq ft material, $3–$8/sq ft labor) is the premium choice for living areas. Can be sanded and refinished 3–5 times. Avoid in bathrooms and basements. Lifespan: 50–100+ years.
Engineered Hardwood ($3–$8/sq ft material, $3–$6/sq ft labor) has a real wood veneer over plywood core. More stable than solid hardwood in humidity. Can be refinished 1–2 times. Lifespan: 20–40 years.
Tile (Ceramic/Porcelain) ($2–$6/sq ft material, $4–$8/sq ft labor) is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Higher labor cost reflects thinset, grout, and skilled installation. Lifespan: 50–100+ years.
Carpet ($1–$4/sq ft material, $1–$2.50/sq ft labor) is the most affordable and comfortable underfoot. Best for bedrooms and living rooms. Includes standard padding. Lifespan: 8–15 years.
Waste Factor Guide
Waste factor accounts for cuts, breakage, and pattern matching. Standard 10% covers rectangular rooms with straight layouts. Use 15% for diagonal, herringbone, or offset patterns. Use 20% for irregular rooms, rooms with many doorways, or around kitchen islands.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover flooring material and installation labor but do not include 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), or underlayment ($0.25–$0.75/sq ft for laminate/LVP). Tile may require backer board ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft).
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 pricing data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does new flooring cost? +
New flooring costs $2–$19 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Carpet is the most affordable at $2–$6.50/sq ft, laminate runs $3–$7/sq ft, vinyl plank (LVP) $3–$7.50/sq ft, tile $6–$14.50/sq ft, engineered hardwood $6–$15/sq ft, and solid hardwood $8.50–$19/sq ft.
What is the cheapest flooring to install? +
Carpet is the cheapest flooring at $2–$6.50 per square foot installed. Laminate is the cheapest hard-surface option at $3–$7/sq ft. Vinyl plank (LVP) is slightly more at $3–$7.50/sq ft but offers better water resistance. All three are popular DIY options that can further reduce costs.
How much does hardwood flooring cost? +
Solid hardwood flooring costs $8.50–$19 per square foot installed, including $5–$10/sq ft for materials and $3–$8/sq ft for labor. Engineered hardwood is more affordable at $6–$15/sq ft installed. A 252 sq ft living room costs approximately $2,142–$4,788 for solid hardwood.
How much extra flooring should I order? +
Order 10% extra for standard rectangular rooms. Add 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and 20% for rooms with many cuts (L-shaped rooms, around islands). Extra material covers cutting waste, pattern matching, and allows for future repairs if needed.
Is vinyl plank (LVP) a good flooring choice? +
LVP is one of the most popular flooring choices for its combination of durability, water resistance, and affordability ($3–$7.50/sq ft installed). It works in every room including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Premium LVP is virtually indistinguishable from real hardwood.
Can I install flooring myself? +
Laminate and vinyl plank (LVP) are the easiest for DIY — click-lock systems require no glue or nails. Carpet requires a stretcher tool and experience. Tile requires thinset, grout, and a tile saw. Hardwood nailing and finishing is best left to professionals. DIY saves $1–$8/sq ft in labor costs.
How long does flooring installation take? +
A professional crew can install 200–400 sq ft per day for most flooring types. A standard 12×12 ft room (144 sq ft) takes about one day. Tile takes longer (100–200 sq ft/day) due to thinset drying time. Hardwood may need an extra day for finishing. Add 3–5 days for hardwood acclimation before install.
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