Flooring Cost Guide: Materials, Installation, and How to Estimate
Published Apr 14, 2026 Β· 6 min read
Flooring is one of the highest-impact home improvements. Material alone ranges from $1 to $15+ per square foot β and installation can double the total. Here's how to plan and estimate your flooring project.
Material Cost Comparison
| Material | Material/sq ft | Install/sq ft | Total/sq ft | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl plank (LVP) | $2-5 | $1-3 | $3-8 | 15-25 years |
| Laminate | $1-5 | $2-4 | $3-9 | 10-25 years |
| Engineered hardwood | $4-10 | $3-8 | $7-18 | 20-40 years |
| Solid hardwood | $5-15 | $4-10 | $9-25 | 50+ years |
| Ceramic tile | $1-10 | $4-8 | $5-18 | 50+ years |
| Carpet | $1-5 | $1-2 | $2-7 | 5-15 years |
How to Calculate Square Footage
Measure each room's length Γ width in feet. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together.
- 12ft Γ 15ft room = 180 sq ft
- Add 10% waste factor for straight-lay patterns
- Add 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns
- Total: 180 Γ 1.10 = 198 sq ft to order
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Old floor removal: $1-3/sq ft for carpet, $2-4 for tile
- Subfloor repair: $2-5/sq ft if needed
- Baseboards: $1-3 per linear foot, installed
- Transitions: $5-20 per doorway strip
- Furniture moving: $100-300 if done by installer
Best Value by Room
- Kitchen/bathroom: LVP or tile (waterproof is non-negotiable)
- Living room/bedroom: Engineered hardwood or LVP (best look per dollar)
- Basement: LVP (handles moisture) β never hardwood
- High-traffic areas: Commercial-grade LVP (20+ mil wear layer)
Try it: Use our Flooring Calculator to estimate materials needed and total cost for your project.