If you are considering replacing the flooring in your home or business, one of the first steps you should take is to set a budget. Knowing how much you have available to spend is fairly simple - just look at your bank account and paychecks. But is what you have enough to be able to replace your floor? Can you afford some types of flooring, but not others? How much does it cost to have a floor installed, anyways?
Unfortunately for budgeting purposes, there is no easy answer to this question. Material and installation costs vary widely depending on the material selected, the size of your space, the location of the installation, and the complexity of the project.
Most flooring materials and basic installation services are sold by the square foot, so you’ll first want to calculate the area of the room(s) where the new floor will be installed. You can then multiply this area by one of the following average costs to get an estimated price range for your project.
Hardwood is one of the more expensive flooring materials available, and when compared to options like laminate or vinyl, it also takes a little extra time and skill to install. Hardwood flooring generally costs between $8 and $14 per square foot for material and installation. If you choose a particularly expensive wood species or finish, you might be looking at a little more, however - some high-end and designer options can cost over $14 per square foot for the materials alone!
With similar material costs and similar installation processes, vinyl and
laminate have very similar costs. You can generally expect to pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for materials and labor for a vinyl or laminate floor. Just like with hardwood, please note that some luxury vinyl planks can cost this much or more for just materials!
Carpet is one of the least expensive flooring types to install - it typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot. It also usually wears out faster than other flooring types, however, so if you choose a carpet floor, choose it for its warmth and comfort, not its lower up-front cost!
With so many
tile options to choose from, it is difficult to give a useful average cost for tile floors. Easy installations of inexpensive tile can cost as little as $8 per square foot, while a complicated installation of high-end tile can cost over $25 per square foot!
These costs are a rough guide to help you determine what type of flooring might be best for your budget. Keep them in the back of your mind as you browse for the perfect flooring for your space. When you have a good idea of the flooring type you want, give us a call for a personalized estimate for your chosen flooring and your property. While replacing your floor can be as expensive as you want it to be, our quotes are always free!
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