Laminate Flooring Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,040 – $2,079
$3.47 – $6.93 per sq ft
Laminate Material
$495 – $990
Underlayment
$50 – $99
Installation
$495 – $990
Boxes Needed
15 boxes
~22 sq ft/box
Total Sq Ft (with 10% waste)
330 sq ft
Cost Per Sq Ft
$3.47 – $6.93
Acclimation Tip: Let laminate planks sit in the room for 48–72 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity, preventing buckling or gaps after installation.
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.
Laminate Flooring Cost Breakdown
| Laminate Grade | Material / Sq Ft | AC Rating | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic / Builder | $0.50 – $1.50 | AC1 – AC2 | 10 – 15 years |
| Mid-Range | $1.50 – $3.00 | AC3 | 15 – 20 years |
| Premium | $3.00 – $5.00 | AC4 | 20 – 25 years |
| Luxury | $5.00 – $8.00 | AC5 | 25 – 30 years |
Underlayment Cost by Type
| Underlayment Type | Cost / Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| None (Pre-Attached) | $0.00 | Laminate with built-in pad |
| Basic Foam | $0.15 – $0.30 | Budget installs, wood subfloors |
| Premium Foam | $0.30 – $0.50 | Most rooms, moisture protection |
| Cork | $0.50 – $1.00 | Basements, condos, sound reduction |
Average Project Costs (Mid-Range, Professional Install)
| Room | Area | Boxes Needed | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 144 sq ft | 8 boxes | $500 – $998 |
| Living Room | 300 sq ft | 15 boxes | $1,040 – $2,079 |
| Basement | 600 sq ft | 30 boxes | $2,079 – $4,158 |
| Whole House | 1,500 sq ft | 75 boxes | $5,198 – $10,395 |
How We Calculate
Our laminate flooring calculator estimates project costs using room area, laminate grade, underlayment type, installation method, and install pattern to produce a comprehensive cost range.
How the math works: We take your room area in square feet, add a waste factor (10% for standard straight installation, 15% for diagonal patterns), then multiply by the per-square-foot cost for your selected laminate grade, underlayment, and installation type. Boxes needed are calculated by dividing total square footage (with waste) by 22 sq ft per box, rounded up.
Laminate Grade Comparison
Basic / Builder Grade ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft) is entry-level laminate with a thin wear layer (AC1–AC2). Suitable for low-traffic areas, rentals, or budget projects. Limited wood-grain realism. Lasts 10–15 years.
Mid-Range ($1.50–$3.00/sq ft) offers improved wear layer (AC3), better embossed texture, and more realistic wood patterns. The best value for most homes. Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Lasts 15–20 years.
Premium ($3.00–$5.00/sq ft) features high-density core, AC4 wear rating, registered embossing for realistic texture, and wider/longer planks. Water-resistant options available. Suitable for high-traffic areas. Lasts 20–25 years.
Luxury ($5.00–$8.00/sq ft) is top-tier laminate with AC5 commercial-grade wear rating, hand-scraped or wire-brushed texture, enhanced water resistance, and premium click-lock systems. Nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood. Lasts 25–30 years.
Underlayment Guide
None (Pre-Attached) — Some laminate planks include built-in underlayment. Do not add a second layer. Basic Foam ($0.15–$0.30/sq ft) provides minimal cushion and sound dampening. Premium Foam ($0.30–$0.50/sq ft) adds better sound insulation and a moisture barrier. Cork ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft) offers superior sound dampening, natural antimicrobial properties, and excellent moisture resistance — ideal for basements and condos with noise requirements.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Laminate’s click-lock system makes it a popular DIY project, saving $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft in labor. Professional installation is recommended for complex layouts (stairs, many transitions, diagonal patterns), large areas over 1,000 sq ft, or if you want warranty protection. Most manufacturer warranties require professional installation.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover laminate material, underlayment, and installation labor. They do not include old flooring removal ($1.00–$2.00/sq ft), subfloor leveling or repair ($2–$5/sq ft if needed), transition strips and molding ($2–$5/linear ft), baseboards ($1–$3/linear ft), furniture moving ($50–$100 per room), or disposal fees. Sales tax varies by state.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, major flooring retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Floor & Decor, LL Flooring), and verified installer estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does laminate flooring cost? +
Laminate flooring costs $0.50–$8.00 per square foot for material alone. Including professional installation ($1.50–$3.00/sq ft) and underlayment ($0.15–$1.00/sq ft), total installed cost ranges from $2.15–$12.00 per square foot. Most homeowners pay $3.00–$6.00/sq ft for mid-range laminate with professional installation.
How many boxes of laminate flooring do I need? +
Measure your room’s square footage (length × width), then add 10% for waste (15% for diagonal patterns). Divide the total by the coverage per box — most laminate boxes cover 20–25 sq ft. For example, a 300 sq ft room needs 330 sq ft with waste, which is about 15 boxes at 22 sq ft per box.
Is laminate flooring good for basements? +
Laminate can work in basements if you take proper moisture precautions. Use a quality vapor barrier or cork underlayment, choose laminate rated for below-grade installation, and ensure your basement is dry with no active water issues. Test moisture levels with a moisture meter — readings should be below 4.5% for concrete subfloors. Avoid laminate in basements prone to flooding.
Can I install laminate flooring myself? +
Yes, laminate flooring is one of the most DIY-friendly flooring types thanks to its click-lock installation system. No glue or nails are needed. Most homeowners can install 100–200 sq ft per day. You’ll need a tapping block, pull bar, spacers, measuring tape, and a circular or miter saw. DIY installation saves $1.50–$3.00 per square foot in labor costs.
How long does laminate flooring last? +
Basic laminate lasts 10–15 years, mid-range 15–20 years, and premium/luxury laminate 20–30 years with proper care. Lifespan depends on AC rating (abrasion class), traffic levels, and maintenance. Look for AC3 or higher for residential use. Unlike hardwood, laminate cannot be refinished — it must be replaced when worn.
Do I need underlayment for laminate flooring? +
In most cases, yes. Underlayment provides moisture protection, sound dampening, and a smoother surface for the laminate to float on. Some laminate planks come with pre-attached underlayment — do not add a second layer on top. For concrete subfloors, always use underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier. Cork underlayment is best for basements and noise reduction.
What is the cheapest way to install laminate flooring? +
The cheapest option is DIY installation with basic/builder-grade laminate ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft) and basic foam underlayment ($0.15–$0.30/sq ft). Total material cost can be as low as $0.65–$1.80/sq ft. For a 300 sq ft room, that’s $214–$594 in materials. Watch for sales at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Floor & Decor — clearance laminate can drop below $0.50/sq ft.
Laminate vs vinyl plank flooring: which is better? +
Laminate is harder and more scratch-resistant, making it better for high-traffic areas and homes with large dogs. Vinyl plank (LVP) is 100% waterproof and better for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements with moisture concerns. Laminate typically costs $0.50–$8.00/sq ft vs vinyl plank at $1.00–$7.00/sq ft. Both use click-lock installation and are DIY-friendly. Choose laminate for a more realistic wood look and feel; choose vinyl for moisture resistance.
Related Calculators
Related Guides
Plan Your Next Project
Explore more free calculators to estimate costs and materials for your home improvement projects.