Many homeowners choose laminate flooring as an affordable and easy way to achieve the look of real wood floors. You may want to check our collection of laminate wood flooring that comes in many elegant styles, colors, and textures and can even be made to look like tile or marble flooring. It is durable enough to be resistant to scratches and dents, easy to install, and has many other advantages, making it a popular choice.
But how much exactly does laminate flooring cost? Let’s find out. We’ll also discuss what you can expect to spend on installing a new laminate floor, whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.
What Affects Laminate Flooring Cost?
Laminate flooring is inexpensive to moderately priced, and generally, its costs vary, depending on the type, features, and finish, from $1 to $5 per square foot. Generally, the price of laminate will depend on the quality and brand you choose. The higher the quality of the product, the more it will cost you.
Several aspects determine the quality of laminate flooring, for example, a wear layer, overall thickness, and type of bottom layer. For example, laminate flooring ranges from 8mm to 15mm in thickness, and thicker products typically cost more, but they also make a more durable and substantial floor.
Some laminate flooring materials come with extra luxury features. The standard laminate flooring can be installed in bedrooms and living rooms, but there’s also waterproof laminate flooring and water-resistant laminate flooring that can be installed in any room of your home, including the kitchen and bathroom. Some laminate flooring materials are scratch-resistant, making them longer-lasting and less likely to degrade. You can also find flooring with attached underlayment.
The time of the year can also affect the cost of the process because prices fluctuate seasonally. Spring through fall are the busiest time for contractors who offer laminate installation, but winter months are less busy, and it’s usually the best time to buy.
How Much Does Laminate Cost?
There are lots of brands that offer laminate flooring with different looks and features that can vary significantly in price, so you have many options to choose from. Laminate ranges in cost from $.75 to $2 per square foot for thinner products and $2 to $5 per square foot for thicker, premium products.
Speaking about the wood type, the most inexpensive are maple, oak, acacia, and walnut starting from $1 per square foot. The better-looking and more desirable wood species hickory and elm are more expensive – $1.50 - $4.50 per square foot.
Costs per square foot by feature also vary:
- Scratch-resistant – $1.00 - $4.99
- Water-resistant – $1.70 - $5.80
- Fitted with underlayment – $1.90 - $5.90
- Approved for underfloor warming – $1.00 - $4.99
- Noise-resistant – $1.40 - $5.60
- No waxing or polishing needed – $1.00 - $5.99
How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Flooring?
It depends on several factors and may vary by location, flooring type, and contractor. On average, laminate flooring costs between $1,411 and $3,395, and most homeowners pay around $2,352 for professional installation.
The average installation cost of laminate flooring ranges between $6 and $14 per square foot, including labor and materials. This cost usually includes the cost of adhesives and underlay that may be used. In addition to the upfront cost of the flooring, other factors include the preparation of subfloor and additional features, such as baseboards and molding that can add the finishing touches to your floor.
You should keep in mind that if the flooring has a pattern that requires additional installation labor, costs to install laminate flooring will also go higher. And if the project involves removing old flooring, it can also increase the cost.
So your final price will depend on the size of your floor, materials you choose to install, and labor costs. If you buy the flooring and install it yourself, you can save some money and may expect to pay $1.50 to $6 per square foot.
Final Word
If you like the look of wood floors but don’t want to deal with the high price or high maintenance required of them, laminate can be an ideal option for you. Or you can install
engineered wood flooring that comes in a wide range of wood species. At Stone & Tile, you can find both of these materials and choose from a variety of colors and styles. We also offer different types of
wood trim and molding that suit both traditional and modern-style homes.
