Cost for Laminate Flooring

What factors affect the cost of laminate floors?

The cost to install laminate flooring depends on the following variables:

Square Footage: Flooring contractors typically charge by the square foot, and rates may be higher or lower depending on the complexity of the job.

Laminate Thickness: Planks are also available in different levels of thickness, with the thicker ones generally being more durable and more expensive. Laminate planks generally run from 8 millimeters to 12 millimeters in thickness. Thicker planks are better at creating a sound barrier, which is important if you live in an apartment building or are installing laminate floors above ground level. More thickness will also help protect against dents or unevenness.

Underlayment: When buying laminate flooring, you’ll have the option of purchasing planks that come with a built-in underlayment or buying a separate padding layer. The underlayment is meant to protect the planks from moisture, ensure an even floor surface and absorb sound. If you don’t buy planks with underlayment already attached, you may end up paying more to have padding installed underneath.

Texture: Laminate flooring also comes in different textures, meant to be either smooth or to closely resemble the look of natural wood. Planks with more texture are typically more expensive. Smooth laminate floors with subtle texture are the easiest to keep clean, and many homeowners prefer their clean, modern look. If you want your laminate to resemble hardwood flooring as closely as possible, however, you should look at varieties with more texture.

• Smooth: Has a fully smooth and flat surface with a slightly glossy look

• Embossed: Meant to have some of the texture and depth of real wood

• Hand Scraped: Pressed to most closely imitate hardwood flooring, with knots and lots of texture

AC Rating: Laminate flooring is also differentiated by its AC rating, which ranges from levels 1 to 5. Short for Abrasion Class, the higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring is. Levels 1 through 3 are commonly used in residential spaces, 4 can be for residential or commercial spaces, and 5 is almost always reserved for business settings. The right level of flooring for your home will depend on how much traffic the space gets. Levels 1 and 2 are typically fine for bedrooms, while kitchens or entryways will likely need an AC rating of 3 or 4.

Labor: A few factors will determine the labor costs associated with a laminate flooring project. Of course, the square footage and the project’s complexity will impact the amount of labor required. Additionally, the type of laminate flooring you use may require more labor. Thinner laminate, for example, is more expensive because it’s more difficult to apply and requires underlayment. Project costs will also be higher if you need to remove old flooring. 

While new laminate planks can be installed over your old flooring (unless it’s carpet), many homeowners still choose to remove the old material first. This ensures that your new flooring will be even. It may also be a good idea to remove your old flooring to make sure your subflooring — which is the layer underneath your top flooring — is in good condition. Especially if you’ve had any water damage, you’ll want to inspect your subfloor before installing anything new. 

Location: Your project costs will likely vary depending on your geographic location, as labor costs can vary significantly between regions. On top of that, other factors such as building regulations can influence the cost of installation. 

Other Laminate Flooring Cost Considerations

Beyond the main variables that factor into your laminate flooring project, keep these additional cost considerations in mind:

• Home Valuation: The return on investment for installation of laminate flooring can be between 60%-80% for homeowners. 

• Sustainability Savings: Besides being affordable, some laminate flooring is an eco-friendly choice because it’s sources from sustainably managed forests. It’s also highly durable, and its long lifespan can mean less waste because it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. 

Timeless Design: When choosing your wood flooring, it’s wise to opt for a color and material that has classic appeal, such as a mid-tone wood that won’t make it look dated over time.

Looking for a Flooring Installer?

If you like the look of wood but are concerned about the price and maintenance requirements, laminate flooring is a great flooring alternative. Made of several layers of manufactured wood with an aesthetically pleasing top layer, laminate is incredibly versatile. With a protective covering that goes over either a thin slab of natural wood or a material resembling wood or tile, laminate is highly durable and won’t scratch, dent or crack the way solid wood or tile might. It’s also easy to maintain.

Most of the time, laminate floor installation is a job you’ll want to leave to a professional. If you are laying down new flooring in an area with a complex floor plan, like a kitchen, it’s especially advisable to hire a professional to ensure panels are laid evenly and smoothly. Rates will vary among contractors, so it’s a good idea to contact multiple flooring companies to get a few different cost estimates.

Considering other home improvement projects? Search here to find general contractors in your area. If you’re in the market for a carpenter, find local ones here.