Guides & advice · Flooring
Flooring: costs, choices and hiring advice
Easier cleaning, a fresh look and a better resale value. Here is what to know before you get quotes.
What it costs
$1,528–$4,850
Flooring is priced per square foot installed. Labor is often around 60% of the total.
- 10×10 ft. roomAbout $1,250 average
- 12×14 ft. bedroom, LVP over old carpet$500–$2,600
- 14×16 ft. living roomAbout $2,800 average
Choices that change the price
- LVP or laminateLuxury vinyl plank handles water better, which makes it common in kitchens, baths and basements.
- Hardwood or engineered woodSolid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times.
- TileTile is durable and waterproof but costs more to install and needs a very flat, stiff subfloor.
Problems and hidden costs to watch for
- Subfloor preparationUneven or damaged subfloors need leveling or replacement before new flooring goes down.
- Moisture testingConcrete slabs and basements should be tested for moisture before wood or some vinyl floors are installed.
- Transitions and trimThresholds between rooms, baseboard removal and reinstallation, and door trimming may be extra.
- Moving furnitureSome installers charge to move furniture and appliances.
Upkeep and lifespan
- HardwoodUse felt pads and refinish when the finish wears through.
- CarpetVacuum often and deep-clean periodically.
- TileReseal cement grout periodically.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- Is the price per square foot installed, or material only?
- Is removal of the old floor included? What about baseboards and transitions?
- Will you test the slab or subfloor for moisture?
- How much extra material are you ordering for waste and cuts?
All flooring guides
Costs, budgets and timelines
- Flooring cost guideNational prices, example budgets and what each price covers
- Flooring Installation Cost for 1,000 Square FeetFrom about $2,000 for budget LVP to $25,000 for premium hardwood. Material-by-material budgets plus removal, subfloor and stairs.
- Subfloor Repair Cost: Signs, Causes and What to ExpectSubfloor replacement runs $3–$10 per sq. ft. How to spot a damaged subfloor and what affects the repair cost.
Materials and methods
- Flooring Installation Over Existing FloorsWhen new flooring can go over the old floor, height changes to plan for, moisture checks and manufacturer requirements.
- LVP vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better for Your Home?Luxury vinyl plank handles water better; laminate resists scratches and often looks more like wood. Cost, durability and best rooms compared.
- Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Flooring: What the Labels MeanWhat "waterproof" and "water-resistant" mean on flooring, which materials qualify, and why neither protects the subfloor from leaks.
Common problems
- Flooring Gaps, Buckling and Cupping: How They DifferGaps usually mean dry air, cupping and crowning mean moisture, and buckling means a lot of moisture or no room to expand. What each means and what to do.
Buying guides
- Floor Protection During Remodeling: Which Products Suit Each Surface?Match floor protection to the surface and the work: paper, film, fabric or hard board. What to use, what to avoid, and what to ask contractors.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How to Compare Contractor Estimates (With an Annotated Example)Line up scope, quantities, allowances, exclusions and warranty terms so you compare the same job, not just the bottom line.
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a ContractorA practical checklist for the first call, the estimate visit and before you sign, plus links to project-specific questions.
- How to Verify a Contractor's License and InsuranceWhere to look up a license, how to confirm insurance with the insurer, and what each check does and does not tell you.
- Quote comparison worksheetLine up up to three quotes side by side
Budget tools
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in the cost guide. They are not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.