Flooring Cost Calculator
Estimate material and labor costs for new flooring by room size and material type, with a side-by-side comparison of common options.
Estimated Total Cost
$2,200
Range: $1,200 – $3,200 for 400 sq ft of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Cost Breakdown
| Material Cost | $800 – $2,000 |
| Labor Cost | $400 – $1,200 |
| Total Range | $1,200 – $3,200 |
Material Comparison
Installed cost per sq ft (material + typical labor)
| Material | Material $/sqft | Installed $/sqft |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $2–$5 | $3–$8 |
| Laminate | $1–$4 | $2–$7 |
| Hardwood | $5–$12 | $8–$18 |
| Tile | $2–$10 | $6–$18 |
| Carpet | $1.5–$5 | $2–$7 |
Choosing the Right Flooring
Your total flooring cost is two things stacked together: material and installation. LVP and laminate are the budget-friendly champs and are DIY-friendly, while hardwood and tile cost more both to buy and to install — tile especially, because of the labor-heavy prep and setting. Carpet is cheap up front but wears out faster than hard surfaces.
Don't forget the extras the ranges above don't always include: underlayment, transition strips, trim, subfloor prep, and removing the old floor. Buy 7–10% extra material for cuts and waste, and more for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
Compare your options with our LVP flooring cost guide, the hardwood vs. laminate vs. tile comparison, and the carpet vs. hardwood breakdown. Planning a bigger project? Try the renovation cost estimator.
This is a planning estimate. Material and labor prices vary by region, product grade, and subfloor condition. Get written quotes from local installers before you budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install flooring per square foot?
Installed, LVP and laminate usually run about $3–$8/sq ft, hardwood $8–$18, tile $6–$18, and carpet $2–$7. The spread depends on product grade, your subfloor, and local labor rates.
What's the cheapest flooring option?
Laminate and basic carpet are typically the lowest material cost, and LVP isn't far behind while being more water-resistant. If you install it yourself, click-lock LVP or laminate gives you the best bang for the buck.
How much extra material should I buy?
Plan on 7–10% extra for standard layouts to cover cuts, mistakes, and future repairs. Bump that to 15%+ for diagonal, herringbone, or other patterned installs that create more waste.
Can I save money by installing flooring myself?
Yes — uncheck the labor toggle to see material-only cost. Floating floors like LVP and laminate are the most DIY-friendly. Tile and nail-down hardwood are harder and usually worth hiring out unless you have experience.
Does new flooring increase home value?
Replacing worn carpet with hard-surface flooring, especially hardwood or quality LVP, tends to appeal to buyers and can help a home sell faster. It rarely returns 100% of its cost, but it improves the first impression.