Laminate Flooring Installation Cost Guide

Laminate flooring installation cost per square foot

The average cost to install laminate flooring is between $3 and $12 per square foot, making it one of the most affordable types of flooring. On average, 50% to 70% of the total cost goes toward the materials, with the remaining 30% to 50% being labor costs. That puts material costs between $1.50 and $9.50 per square foot.

Because material costs can make up the majority of the total, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of available material options, how they compare and how they can influence prices. Here’s a breakdown of related cost factors:

• Material quality: As with any flooring type, the overall quality of the laminate flooring you choose will largely determine where in the price range your floors fall. High-quality laminate floors with a high-end look, a durable wear layer and a long-lasting manufacturer’s warranty usually push material costs closer to $9.50 per square foot, while budget-friendly options near $1.50 per square foot are typically less durable.
• Plank thickness: Laminate flooring planks usually measure between 6 and 12 millimeters, with thicker planks pushing material costs higher. Thicker planks are more expensive, but they also shift less with foot traffic, produce less noise underfoot and last longer, on average.
• Wear layer rating: The wear layer is the topmost layer on laminate flooring. It protects the material from physical damage, so it’s a crucial factor to consider. The best laminate flooring for residential spaces has a high abrasion class (AC) rating — like AC3 — which balances budget and durability. AC1 and AC2 wear layers can help save money, but are much less durable, so they’re more common in less-trafficked spaces. AC4 and AC5 wear layers are intended for commercial applications, but they can provide a longer lifespan (for a higher cost) in high-traffic residential spaces, too.
• Underlayment options: Some laminate floors have a preattached underlayment for comfort and noise reduction. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to pay an additional $0.30 to $1 for underlayment, plus the labor cost to lay it down during the installation.
• Transitions: Don’t forget to budget for transitions between rooms and different flooring materials. These usually won’t add more than $100 to your total, but you should still plan for them to avoid surprises.
• Trim and finishes: Removing and reinstalling baseboard trim can cost between $2 and $6 per linear foot, but you could pay even higher prices if you want to replace your trim. While materials average around $2 per linear foot, more ornate trim can push costs higher. You’ll also need to pay for labor to cut and install it.

When comparing laminate flooring installation costs from different installers, make sure you understand what each price includes. Some companies only advertise the cost of materials, while others also include labor. Always compare total installation costs including materials and labor so you get the full picture.

Laminate flooring cost for common room sizes

You can get a rough estimate for your flooring project by measuring the space you want laminate flooring in, then multiplying the footage by average per-square-foot costs.

Keep in mind that many factors can influence your final costs, so a formal estimate from a flooring installer in your area will always be most accurate. When choosing a flooring material, note that premium options are more likely to push your costs toward the upper end of the normal price ranges expressed below.

Typical laminate flooring costs by room

The table below includes some average pricing and typical price ranges for laminate flooring in different rooms throughout a home. Just keep in mind that room square footage varies, making it another factor influencing your actual cost.

Laminate flooring labor cost and rates

On average, the labor to install laminate flooring costs between $0.60 and $6 per square foot. Labor costs can vary based on several factors, so consider all of the following when estimating your total:

• DIY vs. professional installation: Laminate flooring is one of the few flooring materials suitable for DIY installation. As long as you know you want a floating floor, you could pay nothing for installation labor if you’re handy enough to tackle the work yourself.
• Room complexity: The layout and complexity of your room are key factors affecting labor costs. Rooms with multiple bump-outs, closets, transitions, angled walls, built-in furniture or other obstructions may require longer installation timelines to cut around everything. Anything that makes for a more labor-intensive installation drives labor costs higher.
• Installation type: You’ll pay less for a floating floor installation, but this technique will also lead to more floor movement and noise underfoot. Opting for a glue-down installation will push labor costs closer to the higher end, but you’ll get a sturdier feel as you walk on your floor, plus less noise from foot traffic.
• Underlayment options: Labor costs will increase a bit if your laminate flooring doesn’t have a preattached underlayment; your pro will need to deliver, cut and lay down the separate material before installing your floor.
• Floor pattern: A standard installation with the planks running parallel to the longest walls in the room can help keep labor costs down. Expect to pay a little extra if you want a more decorative pattern that requires more measuring and cutting, such as herringbone.
• Geographic location: Where you live can affect labor costs for laminate flooring installation because prices often scale with the cost of living. If you live in an expensive area, your labor fees will likely climb above the average of $3.30 per square foot.

Laminate flooring cost add-ons

In some cases, your flooring project will call for additional work and materials. You may need to consider some of the following add-on prices, or speak with a local flooring contractor about these other line items and how they can affect your costs:

• Floor leveling: While your subfloor doesn’t have to be perfectly level for laminate flooring, a smooth, level subfloor can reduce noise from foot traffic and limit how much the flooring shifts as you walk on it. Expect to pay between $2 and $8 per square foot if you need to level your floors before installation.
• Old flooring removal and disposal: Some flooring contractors include the cost of removing and hauling away your old floors in their estimates, but if yours doesn’t, you should expect to pay an additional $1 to $4 per square foot for this service. Removing heavy and hard-to-remove tile and stone will cost closer to $4, while lightweight carpet and old laminate floors are more likely to cost closer to $1 per square foot.
• Subfloor repairs: If your flooring professional finds hidden damage, including water damage, mold growth or signs of pest damage, you’ll have to pay extra for any necessary repairs. These issues are hard to predict, but they can add $2 to $10 per square foot to your total.
• Removing and reinstalling baseboard trim: Expect to pay between $2 and $6 per linear foot if you need your pro to pull off trim and reinstall it after the flooring goes down. Your costs could climb from there if you need to replace any or all of the trim.
• Vapor barriers: A vapor barrier under your laminate flooring is a good idea if you’re installing the floor in a basement or on the first floor of a slab-on-grade home, where moisture can wick through the concrete and get trapped under the floor. Vapor barriers average $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot for materials, but your pro may charge a bit extra for the installation.

Common laminate flooring add-ons

Here’s a quick pricing breakdown for common add-on services homeowners run into when installing laminate flooring.

FAQ

Bottom line

Laminated flooring installation costs $3 to $12 per square foot on average. This averages $1,650 for a living room, $9,000 for a basement and between $7,500 and $15,000 for an entire home. Always get a quote from a local flooring company, as pricing can vary based on your old floors, subfloor condition, room complexity, material quality and more.