Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. If you’re considering laminate flooring for your home, you might be wondering about the cost of installation.
The price to install laminate flooring can vary based on several factors, including the size of your space, the quality of the materials, and the complexity of the installation process.
If you’re considering a home renovation, understanding the cost to install laminate flooring is essential to help you budget and make informed decisions about your flooring options.
In this complete guide, we will walk you through the costs associated with installing laminate flooring, explore the factors that influence the price.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product designed to imitate the look of wood, stone, or other natural materials. It consists of multiple layers, including a durable top layer that protects against scratches and stains.
Laminate is highly durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, making it a top choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Before jumping into the cost breakdown, it’s essential to understand the various factors that can impact the price of installing laminate flooring in your home.
Factors That Influence Laminate Flooring Installation Costs
The cost to install laminate flooring can vary depending on the quality of materials and the complexity of the installation process.
Several elements play a role in determining how much you’ll pay to install laminate flooring. Let’s explore each one in detail:
Type of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring comes in a variety of qualities, designs, and price points. The cost will vary based on the thickness, texture, and finish of the laminate.
- Standard Laminate Flooring: Basic designs, lower price range.
- High-Quality Laminate: Features higher durability, scratch resistance, and superior aesthetic appeal (mimicking wood or stone).
- Luxury Laminate: This category offers the highest quality with realistic textures and patterns, but it’s the most expensive.
The higher the quality of the laminate, the more you can expect to pay for materials. On average, laminate flooring prices range from $0.80 to $3 per square foot, but luxury options can go up to $5 per square foot or more.
Size of the Area
The size of your space will significantly influence the total cost of the laminate flooring installation. Larger areas require more materials and time for installation, which increases the overall price.
| Area Size (sq. ft.) | Average Cost to Install Laminate Flooring |
| 100 – 300 sq. ft. | $400 – $1,500 |
| 300 – 500 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| 500 – 1,000 sq. ft. | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 1,000+ sq. ft. | $5,000+ |
Note: These prices are approximate and may vary based on factors like labor and the quality of laminate chosen.
Complexity of the Installation
The complexity of the installation process can affect labor costs. Some spaces may require additional preparation, such as leveling the floor, removing existing flooring, or cutting laminate pieces to fit intricate corners or uneven areas. These factors will increase the installation time, which translates to higher labor costs.
If your space has multiple rooms, unique layouts, or a lot of obstacles (like stairs or doors), you can expect the installation process to be more complex.
Labor Costs
Labor costs can vary based on where you live, the experience of the installer, and the project’s size. On average, labor for laminate flooring installation costs between $2 to $8 per square foot. For a basic installation in a typical home, labor costs could range from $300 to $2,500 depending on the size of the project.
When working with a professional installer, it’s essential to request quotes and discuss whether labor costs are bundled into the total cost or billed separately.
Additional Costs (Underlayment, Removal of Old Flooring)
There are several factors that influence the cost to install laminate flooring, such as the size of the area and the type of laminate chosen.
There are additional costs associated with laminate flooring installation that you should factor into your budget.
- Underlayment: While laminate floors can be installed without underlayment, it’s highly recommended for noise reduction, comfort, and to protect the flooring. Underlayment typically costs between $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot.
- Old Flooring Removal: If you have existing flooring that needs to be removed (carpet, tile, or hardwood), this will add to the cost. Removal can range from $0.50 to $2 per square foot depending on the type of flooring being removed.
- Baseboards and Trim: If you need new baseboards or trim installed, this will also increase the overall cost. Baseboards typically cost around $1 to $3 per linear foot.
Average Costs of Laminate Flooring Installation
The cost of installing laminate flooring can vary significantly, but on average, homeowners spend about $1,500 to $4,000 for a standard 500-square-foot room. For larger homes or higher-quality materials, the cost can exceed $5,000.
Breakdown of Average Costs:
- Material Costs: $0.80 to $5 per square foot, depending on quality and style.
- Labor Costs: $2 to $8 per square foot.
- Additional Costs: Underlayment ($0.25 to $0.75 per square foot), Removal of old flooring ($0.50 to $2 per square foot).
Average Costs of Laminate Flooring Installation
| Cost Breakdown | Cost Range (per sq. ft.) | Example for 500 sq. ft. Room ($) |
| Material Costs (Low-End) | $0.80 | $400 |
| Material Costs (High-End) | $3.00 | $1,500 |
| Labor Costs (Low-End) | $2.00 | $1,000 |
| Labor Costs (High-End) | $8.00 | $4,000 |
| Underlayment (Low-End) | $0.25 | $125 |
| Underlayment (High-End) | $0.75 | $375 |
| Removal of Old Flooring (Low-End) | $0.50 | $250 |
| Removal of Old Flooring (High-End) | $2.00 | $1,000 |
DIY vs. Professional Installation
When deciding between DIY and professional installation for your laminate flooring, it’s important to consider factors like cost, time, skill level, and desired results.
Both options have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your unique needs and circumstances.
DIY Installation
If you’re looking to save on labor costs, you might consider installing the laminate flooring yourself. DIY installation is feasible if you have some basic home improvement skills and the right tools (such as a saw, tape measure, and hammer). Most laminate flooring comes with click-lock technology that simplifies the installation process.
However, DIY installations can still lead to hidden costs if you make mistakes or fail to properly prepare the surface.
- Pros: Save on labor costs.
- Cons: Time-consuming, potential for mistakes, lack of professional finish.
Professional Installation
Professional installers bring expertise to the job, ensuring the laminate flooring is correctly installed. They will handle all aspects of the installation, from preparing the floor to laying the planks and finishing the edges.
- Pros: Professional results, faster completion, warranty on installation.
- Cons: Higher costs due to labor.
Hidden Costs of Laminate Flooring Installation
One common hidden cost is the preparation of the subfloor. If your existing floor is uneven, you may need to level it, which requires additional time and materials. In some cases, you may need to remove old flooring like carpet or tile, which comes with its own set of costs for removal and disposal.
Additionally, while laminate flooring typically doesn’t require adhesive, it may need underlayment for better performance, which adds to the price.
Another often-forgotten cost is the installation of baseboards or trim. If you need to replace or install new baseboards to match your new floor, it will increase the overall project cost. Finally, depending on your region, local taxes or delivery fees for the flooring materials may not be included in the initial estimate.
Here’s a breakdown of these hidden costs:
| Hidden Cost | Estimated Price Range |
| Subfloor Preparation | $0.50 – $2 per sq. ft. |
| Old Flooring Removal | $0.50 – $2 per sq. ft. |
| Underlayment | $0.25 – $0.75 per sq. ft. |
| Baseboards/Trim Installation | $1 – $3 per linear foot |
| Delivery and Tax Fees | Varies by region |
While the main costs of materials and labor are easy to estimate, there can be hidden expenses that catch homeowners by surprise:
- Floor Preparation: If your current flooring needs to be removed or the subfloor needs repair, it could add extra costs.
- Sanding/Leveling the Floor: Some subfloors may need to be leveled before installation.
- Acclimation Time: Laminate flooring needs to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity, which could add extra time before installation begins.
How to Save on Laminate Flooring Installation Costs
Installing laminate flooring can be an affordable option for home renovation, but costs can quickly add up if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on your laminate flooring project while still achieving great results. Here are some tips to keep your installation costs down:
- Opt for Standard Laminate: High-end laminate options can be expensive. Instead, choose mid-range or standard laminate that still offers great durability and aesthetics without the hefty price tag. You can always upgrade later if needed.
- Do It Yourself (DIY): If you’re comfortable with basic home improvement tasks, consider installing the laminate flooring yourself. Most laminate flooring comes with a simple click-lock design, making it easier for homeowners to install without professional help. Just ensure you have the necessary tools and take the time to do it correctly.
- Avoid Unnecessary Extras: If your current floor is in decent shape, you may not need to remove the old flooring or replace baseboards. Skipping these steps can save you significant costs.
- Shop Around for Deals: Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and look for discounts or promotions on materials. Some flooring suppliers offer seasonal sales or bulk purchasing discounts.
Conclusion
The price of flooring, drywall, and painting can vary significantly depending on the materials chosen and the size of the project.
While the average cost can range from $1,500 to $4,000 for a 500-square-foot room, it’s essential to get quotes from multiple contractors to find the best deal.
Quantify North America handles every step of the installation process, including old flooring removal, underlayment installation, and finishing touches.
For reliable, affordable, and professional laminate flooring installation, contact Quantify North America today to schedule a free consultation.
