How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range:
$1,000–$3,400
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Vinyl plank flooring is a popular, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly option that comes in many colors, textures, and patterns. Vinyl and laminate flooring imitate the look of wood at much lower price points to help you create your desired look at a fraction of the price. Vinyl is easy to clean, readily available, and simple to replace if it becomes damaged. These qualities make it popular for DIY-minded homeowners and professional contractors alike. Read our guide below for a breakdown of vinyl plank flooring pricing, cost factors, and how you can save money on your vinyl flooring installation.
Note: All cost figures in this article were sourced from Angi.
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Average Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost
Here are factors that will determine your project’s cost:
- Plank selection: The thicker and more durable the planks, the more they’ll cost.
- Square footage: Vinyl plank flooring is typically priced by the square foot.
- Labor: More complicated jobs will cost more for professional installation.
Cost by Plank Selection
Although vinyl is a relatively inexpensive material, not all vinyl flooring types are equally budget-friendly. There are three main vinyl plank flooring options: vinyl sheets, standard vinyl planks, and luxury vinyl planks. Vinyl sheets are the least expensive and designed for large areas. Planks imitate the look of wood, and luxury planks are a higher-grade version of the standard plank.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of these types of vinyl floors:
- Vinyl sheet flooring: Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large sheets or rolls and has few seams to seal, making it easier to install and more waterproof. Vinyl sheeting is good for covering large areas or rooms with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, but it’s difficult to replace because the entire sheet needs to be removed. This vinyl flooring type is commonly used in commercial buildings or large open spaces.
- Standard vinyl plank: Vinyl planks are made from multiple layers of vinyl over a rigid core and can be made to resemble wood or stone at a fraction of the price. This type of vinyl flooring is the one most commonly used in homes. Its moderate price, ease of installation, and durability make it a popular choice for homeowners. You can purchase composite flooring that layers stone or wood polymer core with a vinyl wear layer for extra strength.
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring: Luxury vinyl planks have a thicker top layer that offers greater resistance to scratches and moisture. They better mimic wood or stone because the texture is inlaid in the material rather than printed on. The material is also available as luxury vinyl tiles for about the same price per square foot. Since this material is thicker than standard vinyl, the planks and tiles are easier to install. These floors are more commonly seen in higher-end homes.
| Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl sheet flooring | $1–$2 |
| Standard vinyl plank flooring | $2–$7 |
| Vinyl composition tile | $1–$4 |
| Luxury vinyl tile flooring | $2–$10 |
| Luxury vinyl plank flooring | $3–$10 |
Cost figures in this table were sourced via Angi.
Cost by Square Footage
Flooring material is priced by the square foot, so the more you need, the more you’ll pay. The cost per square foot for vinyl flooring varies by material and brand—some brands cost several times more for the same type of flooring. Here are some common price ranges for low-end and high-end vinyl plank flooring.
| Square Footage | Standard Vinyl Plank | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $200–$700 | $300–$1,000 |
| 200 | $400–$1,400 | $600–$2,000 |
| 300 | $600–$2,100 | $900–$3,000 |
| 500 | $1,000–$3,500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$7,000 | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$14,000 | $6,000–$20,000 |
Cost by Labor
The price ranges above include materials but not vinyl flooring installation costs. Flooring contractors charge around $36 per hour or $3–$10 per square foot to install vinyl planks and tiles. This varies by geographical location, as the cost of living is higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Labor rates are some of the most malleable cost factors in any contracting industry. Labor rates can vary depending on job complexity and difficulty. The more difficult and time-consuming the job is, the more expensive it will be. You may also see additional service fees if the installation requires non-standard tools or specialists.
There are also different installation processes for different types of vinyl. Below is the cost of vinyl flooring by square footage with labor included.
| Square Footage | Standard Vinyl Plank | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $500–$1,700 | $600–$2,000 |
| 200 | $1,000–$3,400 | $1,200–$4,000 |
| 300 | $1,500–$5,100 | $2,400–$6,000 |
| 500 | $2,500–$8,500 | $3,000–$10,000 |
| 1,000 | $5,000–$17,000 | $6,000–$20,000 |
| 2,000 | $10,000–$34,000 | $12,000–$40,000 |
How Does Vinyl Flooring Compare to Other Flooring Types?
Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective flooring options available. It’s easy to install, simple to replace, and readily available. However, it’s not as durable as other types of flooring.
Other popular flooring types each carry unique benefits. Wood flooring is more aesthetically pleasing and stands up to wear and tear better than vinyl. Laminate flooring is cheaper than vinyl but much heavier and more difficult to install. Tile floors are more expensive than vinyl and more difficult to install, but they’re waterproof and have a high ROI. The priciest option is marble or other high-quality stone—these floors last the longest and are beautiful but expensive.
Learn More: Flooring Installation Cost by Type
The following table breaks down average material costs for popular flooring types:
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2–$7 |
| Hardwood | $6–$25 |
| Laminate | $3–$13 |
| Tile | $15–$20 |
| Marble | $3–$60 |
Compare the Cost of Different Flooring Materials
Homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay between $750 and $5,800 per 200 square feet of flooring, based on the flooring material selected. See 2024 rates below:
*Cost data sourced and verified via holistic analysis of RSMeans construction estimates, national material and labor costs, and quotes obtained during consumer focus groups.
Additional Cost Considerations
While plank type, square footage, and labor are the most relevant factors when estimating vinyl plank flooring costs, the following considerations also come into play.
Design
Vinyl can be designed to resemble other flooring options. The more intricate the design, the more expensive the planks will be. Custom designs come with higher cost ranges. Laying down vinyl in a herringbone or chevron pattern to mimic hardwood flooring is more time-consuming and will incur additional installation costs.
Installation method
Vinyl floor planks are manufactured for installation in one of three ways: click-together, peel-and-stick, and glue-down. Click-together vinyl planks create a floating floor because the planks lock into one another. You don’t have to remove your existing flooring to install these planks. This type of vinyl flooring is more expensive to purchase, has the most cost-effective installation, and is the most DIY-friendly.
Peel-and-stick planks have the lowest material costs because they’re often the thinnest, but they also tend to come in the fewest patterns and colors. They take more work and money to install. The planks have an adhesive backing that sticks directly to the subfloor.
The glue-down process is the most expensive vinyl plank installation method. It’s the most durable because each individual plank is tightly secured to the subfloor, but it comes with similar labor costs to engineered wood flooring. Since the planks can be thin, they’re usually less expensive than some other types of vinyl flooring.
Job complexity
A number of factors can make installing vinyl plank flooring more complex. Installation in rooms with unusual shapes or dimensions requires customized cutting and more seams, increasing the time it takes. Likewise, installing this flooring on stairs requires precision work. If the existing floors or subfloors are uneven or require extensive preparation, this will also increase labor costs.
Removing old flooring
Click-together vinyl planks can be installed over existing floors, but other types of vinyl flooring require the demolition and removal of your current flooring materials. This usually costs $1 per square foot, but it may cost as much as $2 per square foot for difficult-to-remove floors. If your flooring was installed before the 1980s, there might be asbestos in the tiles or glue. This will require special abatement by a team of professionals.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a thin material that can be installed between the subfloor and the floor covering to reduce noise, keep out moisture, and provide an even surface for the planks. Thinner types of vinyl plank flooring may require underlayment, which costs about 50 cents per square foot.
Warranty
Vinyl plank flooring can come with a warranty of between five and 20 years, depending on the brand and manufacturer. Keep in mind that vinyl can’t be resurfaced, so it may be a good idea to invest in an extended warranty when you purchase the flooring. Ensure you know what the warranty covers—it may only apply to manufacturing defects.
Professional vs. DIY Vinyl Flooring Installation
Depending on the type of planks you choose, installing vinyl flooring can be a DIY project. Here’s how to tell whether the installation is a project you should tackle yourself.
Professional Vinyl Flooring Installation
You can hire professional flooring installers for any kind of vinyl flooring. You’ll have to pay for labor, but the job will be finished faster.
Glue-down flooring should be installed by professionals. Although it isn’t dangerous to try it yourself, the pros have the tools to apply heavy, even pressure to the planks to ensure they adhere properly to the subflooring. Improperly installed glue-down planks may peel up, and the flooring won’t be nearly as durable.
DIY Vinyl Flooring Installation
If you have the time, patience, and tools, vinyl planks may be the easiest flooring type to install. Click-together vinyl planks fall under this category, as do peel-and-stick planks.
For DIY installation, you’ll first need to clean and prepare the subfloor and then measure and map out the plank placement with chalk. To trim the vinyl, use a utility knife for simpler cuts. You may need a jigsaw or miter saw for more complicated shapes. You can use a mallet to pound the new flooring into place. These supplies can be purchased or rented for a few hundred dollars at The Home Depot or another home improvement store.
While DIY installation saves you money on labor costs, it can still be expensive. It requires tools such as tile cutters, adhesives, and personal protective equipment (PPE), the cost of which can add up quickly. DIY installations also come with the risk of property damage. Accidents and incorrect installations can damage your subfloors or other home structures. If you don’t have experience with flooring projects, we recommend opting for a professional installation.
How To Save on Vinyl Flooring Installation
You can save on the total cost of vinyl plank flooring installation with the following tips.
- Avoid custom installations: Stick with ready-made colors, patterns, and shapes instead of opting for customization.
- Purchase the right product for each part of your home: When possible, think in terms of long-term durability. The high-traffic areas in your home will benefit from planks with a thicker wear layer. This plank type is more expensive but will last longer.
- Install smart: If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, opt for professional installation to ensure the flooring is properly sealed. We also recommend getting cost estimates from at least three local contractors.
- DIY prep and clean your work areas: If you opt for professional installation, ask if you can save on labor by doing preparation or cleanup yourself.
- Search for companies with financing options: We always recommend choosing companies that offer financing options. Financing not only makes projects more affordable but also helps prevent scams. Most reliable contracting companies will offer some form of financing; be wary of companies that demand money upfront.
How To Hire a Professional
Hiring a flooring contractor is similar to hiring any trade worker. Here are some steps for homeowners to keep in mind.
- Find local professionals: Begin by searching for reliable local contractors.
- Check licensing: Not all states require licensing for flooring contractors. Do a little research to find out if your state requires it. You can use your state’s license lookup tool (here’s North Carolina’s lookup tool as an example) to see if each contractor’s license is up to date.
- Check insurance status: Regardless of licensing requirements, all contractors should be bonded and insured. This protects you and the contractor in the case of injury or property damage. You’ll have to ask each contractor who their insurer is; reliable contractors will be able to supply this information along with an insurance number or identifying card.
- Check customer reviews: Look the company up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review its rating, accreditation status, and any customer complaints.
- Check business history: Find out how long the company has been in business and how much work experience the contractors have. If you have already picked a particular flooring type, ensure the contractor has experience installing it.
- Inquire about references and past works: Ask for references. Look at online customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
- Ask questions during the free estimate consultation: When getting an estimate, ask about project timelines. Ask what’s expected in terms of preparation and cleanup. This is also a great time to ask about workmanship warranties on the installation.
Explore Other Flooring Project Costs
- Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Best for Your Home?
- What Is the Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?
- How Much Does It Cost To Install Tile Flooring?
- How Much Does Epoxy Flooring Cost?
- How Much Does Bamboo Flooring Cost?
- Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring
Our Conclusion
The average cost to install 200 square feet of standard vinyl plank flooring is $1,000–$3,400, including materials and labor. If you choose to install it yourself, costs range from $400–$1,400 for just materials.
Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest flooring options to install yourself. However, it can be a time-consuming undertaking. Know what you’re getting into before you start ripping up your old floors. When budgeting, balance price against durability. A properly-installed, well-maintained vinyl plank floor can last around 20 years.
FAQ About Vinyl Flooring Installation
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring?
The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.
How long does it take to install vinyl flooring?
Professional installation of vinyl flooring takes one to two days. Installing vinyl flooring yourself will likely take longer.
Can I place appliances on top of vinyl flooring?
Yes, you can place appliances on top of vinyl flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is durable enough to handle the weight of standard household appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
How do I clean vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is relatively easy to clean. After vacuuming or sweeping, mop the vinyl with warm water and vinyl cleaner. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solution with a mixture of vinegar, water, and a few drops of dishwashing soap.
How much does it cost to remove and dispose of old flooring?
It costs between $1 and $2 per square foot to remove and dispose of old flooring. Some floors, such as stone or epoxy, may require additional disposal fees.
How much can I expect vinyl flooring to add to my home’s value?
The return on investment (ROI) of vinyl flooring is lower compared to other flooring types. The exact ROI will depend on the floor’s material and installation quality. In general, hardwood flooring has an ROI of 70% to 80%, and you can expect vinyl flooring to have less ROI.
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