Flooring · Costs, budgets and timelines · Updated November 2026
Flooring Installation Cost for 1,000 Square Feet
Installing new flooring across 1,000 square feet can cost anywhere from about $2,000 to $25,000, depending mostly on the material. Removal, subfloor repair and stairs add to that.
Budget by material
| Material | Installed cost per sq. ft. | For 1,000 sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl / LVP | $2–$14 | $2,000–$14,000 |
| Laminate | $3–$13 | $3,000–$13,000 |
| Carpet | $3.50–$11 | $3,500–$11,000 |
| Engineered wood | $4.50–$16 | $4,500–$16,000 |
| Hardwood | $6–$25 | $6,000–$25,000 |
| Tile | $15–$20 | $15,000–$20,000 |
Rates from our flooring cost guide multiplied by 1,000 sq. ft.
Costs often added on
| Item | Typical cost | For 1,000 sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Removing old flooring | $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft. (tile $2–$7) | $1,500–$3,500 (tile $2,000–$7,000) |
| Subfloor replacement | $3–$10 per sq. ft. | Only where damaged |
| Underlayment | $0.50–$5.40 per sq. ft. | $500–$5,400 if not included |
| Stairs | $11–$160 per step | 13 steps: about $143–$2,080 |
Also ask about moving furniture, transition strips between rooms, new baseboards or quarter round, and trimming doors to clear a thicker floor.
Order extra material
Installers typically add a waste allowance for cuts, often around 5%–10%, and more for diagonal or herringbone patterns. Keeping a box or two left over makes future repairs easier.
Before installation
- Concrete slabs and basements should be moisture-tested before installing wood, laminate or many vinyl products.
- Soft or squeaky areas should be repaired first; see subfloor repair cost.
- Let wood and some laminate acclimate in the home as the manufacturer directs.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our flooring cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.