How Much Does It Cost To Install Laminate Flooring?

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate floors are floor covering made from a base layer of particleboard or fiberboard with an image layer and a protective top layer.

Laminate floors come in different styles and finishes, and unlike other expensive counterparts, they are durable enough to resist scratches and dents. Again, they have different thickness degrees, and it is advisable to use thicker laminate in high-traffic areas to avoid quick wearing and tearing.

With that understanding, let’s dive in and check how much it costs to install laminate flooring.

How Much Does It Cost You To Install Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring costs between $2.70 to $11 per square foot, depending on the type and quality of the flooring you pick.  This price does not comprise the cost of removing the existing flooring, installing baseboards, moving furniture, or delivering.

So you need to budget around $4 to $8 for labor and installation per square foot, depending on your area’s labor costs. This cost also covers the foam underlay and glue required to do the job. For example, removing old flooring can cost up to $80 per hour, but it is a process that will take less than a day to finish.

If you require to remove old sub-flooring before installing the new laminate flooring, you will also need to consider its cost. The average cost of sub-flooring removal is an average of $70 per hour. In most cases, the removal job will be done in a day for a 200-square-foot area, which will cost you between $400 to $550.

It is necessary to note that laminate flooring comes in three different types: stone, wood, and tile. Each type has its own pricing depending on the style, pattern, and colour.

a) Stone laminate Flooring

Stone laminate flooring costs between $3.50 to $4 per square foot. The stone laminate tends to imitate the look of a tumbled stone or antiqued stone floors.

The stone flooring types are available for every interior style, from elegant marble and sophisticated slate to charming sandstone and hardwearing limestone. Again they are available in a wide range of colours and are installed as click-lock tiles.

b) Wood Laminate Flooring

Wood laminate flooring is the most common type of laminate flooring, and they usually cost between $1.50 to $3 per square foot.  They are available in different colours, sizes, and thicknesses.

The wood laminate flooring can be installed using the click-lock or glue-down method. Some of the most affordable wood laminate options you can go for are red oak, white oak, and maple. Hickory, cherry, and acacia are some of the most expensive options.

c) Tile Laminate Flooring

Tile laminate flooring usually costs $3.50 TO 5$ per square foot based on the thickness and material used. The til version is usually not as common as the wood, but they are more readily available than the stone options.

Most of the time, the tile laminate flooring mimics the terrazzo, concrete, or stone appearance. The tiles are installed using the click-lock method. However, they are not sealed along the edges.

DIY Vs. Hiring A Professional Cost Of Laminate Flooring Installation

Laminate flooring comes with a click lock option, making it easy to install it by yourself. This will reduce your installation cost. However, you will need the right tools and materials to complete the project. Again you will need to measure your room and cut the material accurately and precisely.

Some people prefer to hire professional floor contractors to get the job done. This will come at an extra cost, but you will get the job done quickly and correctly. If you are unsure about installing laminate flooring over the existing flooring or if the subfloor needs repairs, you can call a professional to do the job for you.

Factors That Can Increase Or Decrease The Cost Of Floor Installation

1. Amount of Work

The installation cost can affect the amount of work involved when installing the laminate floor.  A simple renovation that will involve you renovating old flooring surfaces is cost-effective. You can use a deep cleaning, sanding, or vanishing methods to make the floor look brand new.

However, if you want to renovate your floor from drab to fabulous, it will, in most cases, take quite a lot of work, leading to an increase in the installation cost. Furthermore, water damage or structural issues can be caused with this kind of renovation, affecting the installation costs.

2. Type of laminate flooring

3. Time of Year you are Purchasing

The cost of laminate flooring fluctuates with the season. This means in some months, the prices will go up, and in others, the prices wil go down. Most times, the prices will go up before the holidays because most people tend to tackle home improvement projects. Then, the prices will go down at the end of the holiday season.

So, it is advisable that you purchase and install your laminate floors at the end of winter.  Another advantage of this timing is that most contractors are not too busy, meaning their prices will also be lower.

4. The Size of the Flooring Area

Since the prices of installing these types of flooring range per square foot, the larger the space, the higher the cost. To cut costs, you can opt to renovate one specific room in your home at a time. Nevertheless, the installation cost will increase if you plan on renovating your whole house at once.

Pros And Cons Of Laminate Floors

Like any other flooring type, laminate flooring has advantages and disadvantages.

Laminate flooring pros

Laminate floors are more affordable. Compared to other flooring types, these floors are less expensive, so if you want new flooring on a budget, it’s an ideal option.

The flooring comes in different styles, colours, textures, and patterns to suit your style.

Laminate flooring is durable. The floors resist moisture, scratches, and wear and tear.

Perfect for households with busy families.

Laminate flooring is among the easiest flooring materials to install

Laminate is an excellent choice if you need something that is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance.

A click-lock laminate floor can be installed over an existing floor, reducing the initial cost of removing the existing floor.

Laminate flooring cons

Laminate repairs are quite difficult. However, it will be much easier to make repairs as needed with snap-in boards.

Some people say that the laminate flooring looks fake. Choosing laminate flooring made from high-quality materials with a good finish will look great.

Laminate may fade in areas exposed to direct sunlight.

Laminate has a lower resale value compared to hardwood flooring.

Despite being moisture resistant, it can get damaged if installed in high-moisture areas like laundry rooms.

Tips To Reduce The Cost Of Laminate Flooring

The cost to install laminate flooring can be high, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Here are tips that can help reduce the cost of installing laminate flooring without compromising quality:

Research to get the best laminate floor. You can go through third-party reviews online to find a reputable brand with the best flooring.

Before setting on a flooring contractor, get at least three estimates from different contractors. This will help your budget and will help you settle for the most affordable option.

Moving furniture for floor installation will cost between $20 to $50 per room, so you need to have the extra amount before you begin the process.

The installation cost of a regular floor and that of stairs is different. The stairs will cost between  $45–$125 per step.

Purchase ten percent more materials than you need to allow for waste.

Most high-quality laminate flooring is usually expensive and will serve you for a longer time, which saves you money in the long run.

Removing the old or existing flooring on your own will help you save on labor costs if you are using professional help.