Reviewed & Approved on August 26, 2020 by Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.
Written by HomeAdvisor.
Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
The average cost to install laminate wood flooring is $2,838, with most homeowners spending between $1,392 and $4,284. Adding laminate flooring to a 200-square foot house is about $2,820, but can range from $400 to $5,000. This difference in price is due to the finish, the abrasion rating, and other add-ons your contractor might recommend including.
Many homeowners opt for laminate flooring as a relatively affordable way to achieve the look of real-wood floors. It comes in many styles and finishes, and it is also durable enough to be resistant to scratching and dents. Overall, this can be a great choice for homeowners who like the look of wood but do not want to deal with the expensive price or high maintenance required of them.
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Laminate Floor Cost Calculator
| National Average | $2,838 |
| Typical Range | $1,392 - $4,284 |
| Low End - High End | $500 - $7,500 |
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Request QuotesLaminate costs vary between $0.70 and $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.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Color & Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia | $1.00 | Light and dark brown. Deep contrasting grain |
| Cherry | $1.00 | Dark red-brown. Linear flowing grain with small knots. |
| Beech | $1.00 | Light tan and slightly pink. Fine. Placed together seamlessly. |
| Hickory | $2.00 | Tans and red-brown. Thick grain and intricate patterns. |
| Maple | $0.70 | White, off-white, red-gold. Swirling mixed with lighter grain. |
| Red Oak | $0.70 | Medium brown. Heavy with slight variations in pattern. |
| White Oak | $0.70 | Gold-brown and grays. Smooth and linear grain. |
| Walnut | $0.90 | White and chocolate hues. Thick and heavy. |
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 power equipment such as a miter saw. If you choose to DIY be sure to follow all safety precautions when using a saw.
| Wood Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Est. Installation Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Maple, Oak | $0.70 | $2.00 - $6.00 |
| Walnut | $0.90 | $2.00 - $6.00 |
| Acacia, Cherry, Beech | $1.00 | $4.00 - $6.00 |
| Hickory | $2 | $6.00 - $8.00 |
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Labor Costs to Remove Laminate Flooring
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. The average cost to replace or repair a plywood subfloor in a roughly 300-square-foot room costs about $550. Expect to pay about $25 to $35 per hour in labor costs.
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 to $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 to $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.
Related Comparison Guides
| Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring | Laminate vs. Engineered Wood |
| Laminate vs. Vinyl |
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.
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- Less expensive than hardwood
- More durable than natural wood
- Difficult to scratch, stain or dent
- Low maintenance
- Simple to clean with mop, water and mild cleaner
- Can be installed over existing flooring
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using laminate floors.
- Often disliked as it's not "real" wood
- Lower resale value
- Can't be sanded and refinished like solid wood floors
Other Flooring Cost Guides
| Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring Costs | Wood Floor Cost |
| Cost to Install Rubber Floors | Pergo Laminate Flooring Cost |
| Cork Floor Prices | Cost to Install Carpeting |
| Tile Floor Prices | Concrete Floor Costs |
Working with a Pro for Purchasing & Installation
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. 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.
