If you've started collecting flooring quotes, you've probably noticed the totals are all over the place. That's usually not because someone is overcharging. Flooring prices depend on much more than the floor itself: the rooms, the subfloor, what has to come out first, and the details like stairs and transitions.
Here's how flooring cost really breaks down, so you can read any quote with confidence.
Flooring cost per square foot, installed
These are typical national ranges for material plus professional installation. Your price can land outside them depending on the product and the job, so treat them as a starting point, not a quote.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): about $3 to $10 per square foot installed.
- Laminate: about $3 to $8 per square foot installed.
- Engineered hardwood: about $6 to $14 per square foot installed.
- Solid hardwood: about $8 to $16 per square foot installed, more for wide plank and premium species.
Multiply by your square footage and add 5 to 10 percent for cuts and waste. A 400 square foot main floor in LVP and the same space in wide plank white oak can easily be several thousand dollars apart.
How much does it cost to install hardwood floors?
Hardwood costs the most for three reasons: the material itself, the extra time it takes to install, and sometimes finishing on site. Species matters (red oak is usually less than white oak or hickory), and so does plank width. Wide planks look beautiful but cost more per foot. Engineered hardwood often comes in below solid hardwood in wide planks and can go places solid can't, like over concrete.
What is the labor cost to install vinyl plank flooring?
Labor is often a big share of an LVP project because the material itself is affordable. Most click-together LVP goes down quickly in open rooms. Labor climbs with lots of small rooms, closets, angles, stairs, and any subfloor that needs leveling, since LVP shows dips and bumps underneath it. Learn more about luxury vinyl plank.
How much does it cost to install laminate flooring?
Laminate is one of the most budget friendly ways to get a wood look with excellent scratch resistance. Installation is similar to LVP. The difference is water: laminate handles spills if you wipe them up, but it isn't the right choice for basements or full bathrooms. See laminate vs LVP to decide between them.
The costs people forget
Removing the old floor
Pulling up carpet is quick. Tearing out glued-down tile or old sheet vinyl takes much longer and adds disposal.
Subfloor prep
Uneven subfloors are common in older Columbus homes, especially in Bexley, German Village and Grandview. Leveling and repairs add cost but prevent squeaks, gaps and failed floors later.
Stairs
Stairs are priced per step because each one needs treads, risers and nosing cut and fit by hand.
Transitions and trim
Every doorway and room change needs a transition piece, and baseboards or quarter round may need to come off and go back on.
Moving furniture
Ask whether moving furniture is included or if you need to clear the rooms first.
How to compare two flooring quotes
- Check that both quotes use the same square footage and waste factor.
- Compare the actual product, not just "LVP" or "oak." Wear layer and plank thickness matter.
- Look for removal, prep, stairs and transitions as separate lines.
- Ask what happens if they find subfloor damage once the old floor is up.
A lower number that leaves these out is not really lower.