Laminate costs vary between $0.70-$2.00 per square foot depending on type and finish. The most inexpensive types are maple, red oak and white oak. Hickory is the most expensive. Mid-range varieties such as acacia, cherry and beech cost about $1 per square foot. Prices fluctuate seasonally. Winter is usually the best time to buy. Overall cost is based on flooring area and complexity. For instance, a small room might result in a higher price if cutting, trimming and laying in a complex pattern or space require additional labor.

This hardwood flooring alternative is comprised of multiple layers of synthetic material that is bonded together. This often includes layers of natural wood and particle boards to keep costs lower than solid hardwood.

Technological advancements have allowed laminate flooring to look and feel like natural hardwood floors. Often, the top layer of laminate flooring is a thin piece of natural hardwood. Which means you can feel and see the actual texture of natural wood. This results in the same appearance of hardwood, at a much lower cost.

The average installation cost of laminate flooring ranges between $2 and $8 per square foot. This cost usually includes the cost of underlay and adhesives that may be used. Depending on the type of project - like adding snap together laminate panels - this may be suitable for DIY. Hallways or rooms that do not have obstacles may be an option for DIY work. More complicated projects may require a pro for installation. Professionals are trained to not waste product when cutting pieces to go around obstacles. They are also trained to use mechanical equipment such as a saw. If you choose to DIY be sure to follow all safety precautions when using a saw.

Laminate Flooring Costs Per Square Foot

Wood Type	Cost per Square Foot	Est Installation Costs	Total
Maple, Oak	$0.70	$2.00-$6.00	$2.70-$6.70
Walnut	$0.90	$2.00- $6.00	$2.90-$6.90
Acacia, Cherry, Beech	$1.00	$4.00-$6.00	$5.00-$7.00
Hickory	$2	$6.00-$8.00	$8.00-$10.00

It costs an average of $400 for a pro to remove a 200-square foot area. If you want to cut down on costs, you may choose to remove the existing flooring on your own before a contractor comes in to install the new one. Be careful to not damage your home or subfloor in the process. If the subfloor requires replacement, hiring a professional is highly recommended. Expect to pay about $70 per hour in costs for subfloor replacement and new installation.

It is possible to install laminate over short carpet; however, it is not recommended since it may void the manufacturer warranty. If your carpet is glued down, you may need to scrape the glue from the subfloor before installation. The average cost to remove carpet is $1.30 per square foot.

As with any flooring type, there are inherent advantages and disadvantages that come along with the choice of laminate compared to hardwood. The average cost per square foot of a laminate floor is about $1.00 where the price per square foot of hardwood ranges from $5.00-$8.00. The installation and material cost of installing a laminate floor is about $3,300 which is much different than the $4,500 average cost to install hardwood.

Choosing the right color option and wood type for your home may be a difficult decision. For example, if you have a rustic old farmhouse, a contractor may encourage you to go with an option that is rugged with a lot of hand-carved texture. A contractor will be able to direct you towards an option that is appropriate for the age, style, and color scheme of your home.

Other Considerations

Choosing the right laminate is more difficult than it seems because there are so many different types available. Here are some important things to consider while you choose:

Warranty length

Typically, most laminate manufacturers include a warranty with their products. It is not uncommon to find one that comes with a 10-year warranty. A homeowner should take the time to read the terms of the warranty and know what is covered, which can save them a lot of stress and hassle down the road.

AC rating

The AC rating is the industry's way of ranking laminate by durability. AC levels run one through five, with five being the most durable. Typically, the highest needed rating for residential laminate is AC 4. AC 5 is generally used in industrial and commercial areas. AC 1 flooring doesn't necessarily have to be avoided. For areas with lower foot traffic, such as bedrooms, AC 1 is a perfectly durable option. However, areas with higher foot traffic, like the kitchen and entryway, need a higher durability rating.

Pad/ Underlay

For homeowners who do not want any surprise expenses after buying the flooring, they should find a type that comes with underlayment or padding already attached. Underlay can also be purchased separately and typically comes in 100-square-foot rolls. The cost of one roll averages at about $15 to $20. This price may increase due to quality and thickness of the underlay. The only drawback is that it will take longer to install because the padding will have to be measured and cut separately.

Texture

The texture of the flooring is an important consideration since it plays an important role in replicating the look and feel of real hardwood. Most laminate is embossed to create an authentic wood-like look but the level of embossing can vary. Most options offer a hand-scraped wood texture for a real-wood look. A high-gloss texture is probably the best option for a finish that will be the most resistant to dents and damage. Its clean, modern and mirror finish is desirable for many homeowners.

Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using laminate floors

As with any home improvement project, the best way to get a great deal is to shop around. Be on the lookout for special promotions from local companies. There are often warehouses and liquidators that offer a lower price per square foot with high quality options.

To better understand the law in your particular state, check out HomeAdvisor's state by state licensing guide.

If you are purchasing from a flooring specialist, they will likely install it for you. Before choosing a company for installation, it is a good idea to read third-party reviews to ensure the company is reputable beforehand. Researching your options can save you money in the long run. You can also save by having an accurate estimate of how much a contractor will need to use. This may prevent you from getting overcharged for what you may not even need. The best way to do this is to determine the area of the space to be covered in laminate flooring ahead of time. For square or rectangular rooms, the square footage can be calculated by simply multiplying the width times the length of the room. You or your contractor should round up on all calculations to ensure there is enough material in case of error.

Laminate flooring can be a great choice for homeowners who want the appeal of hardwood without the cost and maintenance. This more affordable option comes in all kinds of styles and finishes, so homeowners can achieve any look they desire in their living spaces. It is always wise to consult a flooring professional when choosing the right type of laminate for your home.