Laminate flooring is an easy way to update a room without spending much. It looks like real wood, is durable in busy areas, and fits almost any home style. That’s why many homeowners choose it for bedrooms, living rooms, or whole-house projects.
The big question is: how much does it cost? It depends on your room size, plank quality, and prep work. Some homes just need new flooring, while others need old floor removal, subfloor repair, or underlayment.
Most small rooms cost a few hundred dollars, while bigger spaces can run into thousands. Hiring a professional saves time and ensures the job is done right.
This guide breaks down materials, labor, and extra costs so you can budget smartly and pick the right laminate for your home.
Average Cost of Laminate Flooring Per Square Foot
When planning for laminate flooring, one of the first questions is: “How much does it cost per square foot?” In the U.S., most people pay between $3 and $13 per square foot, including materials and installation. The range is wide because costs depend on the type of laminate and whether you install it yourself or hire a pro.
For just the material, laminate usually costs $1 to $5 per square foot. Cheaper options look nice but may not last as long. More expensive laminate is thicker, stronger, and sometimes water-resistant, giving a more realistic wood look. Installation adds $2 to $8 per square foot, which increases the total cost.
It helps to compare laminate with other flooring types:
- Hardwood: $6–$20 per sq ft
- Tile: $7–$15 per sq ft
- Vinyl: $2–$7 per sq ft
Laminate is a popular choice because it looks like wood or stone but costs much less.
Laminate Flooring Installation Cost Factors
Laminate flooring costs can vary a lot depending on the materials, room size, and installation details. Understanding these factors helps you plan your budget better and avoid surprises.
1. Cost by Square Footage
Laminate flooring installation (materials + labor) typically runs $3 to $13 per square foot. Smaller rooms cost less overall, while larger spaces naturally require more materials and labor.
Here’s a rough guide based on room size:
Room Size (sq ft) | Estimated Total Cost |
100 | $300 – $1,300 |
200 | $600 – $2,600 |
300 | $900 – $3,900 |
500 | $1,500 – $6,500 |
750 | $2,250 – $9,750 |
1,000 | $3,000 – $13,000 |
1,250 | $3,750 – $16,250 |
1,500 | $4,500 – $19,500 |
2,000 | $6,000 – $26,000 |
2. Cost by Laminate Type
Different laminate styles mimic wood, stone, or tile. Premium and ultra-realistic planks cost more.
Laminate Floor Style | Material Cost per Sq Ft | Installed Cost per Sq Ft |
Wood | $1 – $3.75 | $2 – $10 |
Stone | $1.75 – $4.75 | $3.50 – $13 |
Tile | $1.50 – $4.75 | $3 – $13 |
3. Texture and Finish
The texture and finish of laminate flooring can affect the price. Smooth planks are usually cheaper, while embossed, brushed, oiled, or hand-scraped finishes look more like real wood and cost more.
Texture / Finish | Material Cost per Sq Ft |
Smooth | $1.70 – $2.60 |
Embossed | $1.80 – $3 |
Embossed in Register (EIR) | $1.90 – $4 |
Brushed | $2 – $4 |
Oiled | $2.60 – $5.60 |
Hand-scraped | $3 – $6 |
Semi-matte | $1 – $4 |
Matte | $1 – $4.40 |
Glossy | $1.70 – $5.60 |
4. Thickness
Laminate planks come in 6mm to 12mm thickness. For most homes, 8–10mm is ideal — strong, comfortable, and hides minor floor imperfections. Thicker planks cost more but last longer and reduce noise.
Thickness (mm) | Cost per Sq Ft |
6 | $0.70 – $1 |
7 | $0.90 – $1 |
8 | $1 – $1.80 |
10 | $2 – $4 |
12 | $2.30 – $6 |
- Labor Costs
Hiring a professional installer usually adds $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on room complexity and installer experience. Labor can account for 20–50% of the total bill.
Additional services may cost extra:
Service | Typical Cost |
Moving furniture | $20 – $50 per room |
Removing old flooring | $70 per hour or $400 – $600 per 200 sq ft |
Tight corners, patterned layouts, or rooms with many cuts can increase labor hours, so planning ahead helps control costs.
Additional Costs You Should Expect
Additional Costs You Should ExpectBesides materials and labor, there are a few extra costs that often come up during a laminate flooring project. Planning for these can help you avoid surprises.
1. Removing Old Flooring
If you have carpet, tile, or hardwood already in place, it usually needs to be removed before installing laminate.
Flooring Type | Typical Removal Cost |
Carpet | $1 – $2 per sq ft |
Hardwood | $2 – $4 per sq ft |
Tile | $3 – $5 per sq ft |
Removal costs depend on the type of old flooring and how much effort is needed to dispose of it.
2. Subfloor Repair or Leveling
A smooth, level subfloor is essential for laminate installation. Uneven surfaces can cause gaps, creaks, or damage over time. Common issues include:
- Dips or uneven spots
- Cracks or holes
- Moisture damage
Repairing or leveling a subfloor can cost $1 – $3 per sq ft, depending on the severity of the issues.
3. Trims, Transitions & Baseboards
Finishing your laminate floor requires trims and transitions to create a clean, professional look. These include:
- Quarter-round molding
- Door thresholds
- Stair noses
Item | Material & Labor Cost per Linear Foot |
Quarter-round | $1.50 – $3 |
Thresholds | $3 – $6 |
Stair noses | $5 – $10 |
These costs vary depending on material quality and installation complexity.
4. Moving Furniture
If the installer has to move heavy furniture, expect additional charges.
Service | Typical Cost |
Moving furniture per room | $20 – $50 |
Clearing your rooms before installation can save money and speed up the project.
Cost Examples (Room Size Breakdowns)
To help you plan, here’s a look at what laminate flooring could cost for different room sizes. Costs include materials, installation, and typical extras like underlayment and trims.
a. Small Room (100 sq ft)
Perfect for a bedroom or small office. Costs vary depending on laminate quality:
Laminate Quality | Material Cost | Installation & Extras | Total Estimated Cost |
Budget | $100 – $200 | $200 – $300 | $300 – $500 |
Mid-range | $150 – $350 | $300 – $400 | $450 – $750 |
Premium | $300 – $600 | $400 – $500 | $700 – $1,100 |
b. Medium Room (200–400 sq ft)
Ideal for a living room or master bedroom. Mid-size rooms benefit from moderate economies of scale:
Room Size | Laminate Quality | Total Estimated Cost |
200 sq ft | Budget | $600 – $1,200 |
200 sq ft | Mid-range | $700 – $1,400 |
200 sq ft | Premium | $1,000 – $2,000 |
400 sq ft | Budget | $1,200 – $2,400 |
400 sq ft | Mid-range | $1,400 – $2,800 |
400 sq ft | Premium | $2,000 – $4,000 |
c. Whole House (1,000+ sq ft)
For larger projects, like an entire home, costs scale up, but installing multiple rooms at once can save on labor.
House Size | Laminate Quality | Total Estimated Cost |
1,000 sq ft | Budget | $3,000 – $6,000 |
1,000 sq ft | Mid-range | $4,000 – $8,000 |
1,000 sq ft | Premium | $6,000 – $12,000 |
2,000 sq ft | Budget | $6,000 – $12,000 |
2,000 sq ft | Mid-range | $8,000 – $16,000 |
2,000 sq ft | Premium | $12,000 – $24,000 |
Tip: Installing several rooms at once often reduces labor cost per room. Bulk projects also make it easier to get a better quote from installers.
What Affects Your Total Laminate Flooring Cost the Most
Several factors can change how much your laminate flooring project will cost. Knowing these can help you plan your budget better.
- Material Quality: Higher-quality laminate lasts longer, looks more like real wood, and has better finishes. Budget options cost less but are less durable.
- Room Size and Layout: Bigger rooms need more materials and labor. Odd shapes or many corners take more time to install.
- Subfloor Condition: A flat, stable subfloor is important. Uneven surfaces, cracks, or moisture issues need repair, which adds to the cost.
- Underlayment Type: Basic foam is cheap. Cork or soundproof underlay is more comfortable and quieter but costs more. Moisture-resistant underlay is needed for damp areas.
- Old Flooring Removal: Removing old carpet, tile, or hardwood adds labor and disposal costs.
- Trims and Transitions: Quarter-rounds, thresholds, and stair noses make the floor look finished. They add extra material and labor costs.
- Labor Costs: Experienced installers cost more but prevent mistakes. Complex rooms or patterned layouts take longer and raise costs.
How to Calculate Your Laminate Flooring Budget?
How to Calculate Your Laminate Flooring Budget?Planning your laminate flooring budget is important to avoid surprises and keep costs under control. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide based on professional experience.
1. Measure Your Space
Measure each room’s length and width to get total square footage. Accurate measurements prevent extra costs.
2. Add Extra for Waste and Cuts
Add 5–10% more material for mistakes and cuts. This ensures you have enough flooring for the entire project.
3. Calculate Material Costs
Choose your laminate style and quality, then multiply by total square footage. Higher-quality planks last longer and look better.
4. Include Underlayment and Accessories
Factor in underlayment, trims, baseboards, and moisture barriers. Proper preparation improves comfort and floor durability.
5. Estimate Labor Costs
Professional installation costs $2–$8 per sq ft. Extra services like old floor removal or moving furniture may add fees.
6. Add a Buffer for Unexpected Costs
Keep 10–15% extra for surprises like subfloor repairs. This prevents budget overruns and delays.
Example: Budget for a 200 sq ft Room
Item | Estimated Cost |
Laminate Material | $400 – $700 |
Underlayment | $30 – $100 |
Trims & Transitions | $50 – $150 |
Labor | $400 – $1,200 |
Total Estimated Cost | $880 – $2,150 |
Tips to Save Money on Laminate Flooring
Saving money on laminate flooring doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With careful planning and smart choices, you can get a beautiful, durable floor at a lower cost.
- Choose Mid-Range Laminate: High-end planks look great but mid-range options often offer similar durability at a lower cost.
- Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements prevent overbuying and reduce waste, saving both money and time.
- Prepare the Room Yourself: Remove old flooring and move furniture before the installer arrives to avoid extra labor charges.
- Buy in Bulk: Purchasing enough material for multiple rooms at once can reduce per-square-foot costs.
- Compare Installer Quotes: Get multiple quotes from licensed installers to ensure competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
- Reuse Materials When Possible: Transition strips, thresholds, or trims from other areas can sometimes be reused to lower accessory costs.
- Consider DIY Installation: If you’re confident, click-lock laminate is designed for easy DIY installation, which can save significant labor costs.
Laminate Flooring vs Other Flooring Costs
Laminate flooring is affordable, durable, and stylish. Here’s how it compares to other common flooring types:
Flooring Type | Material Cost per Sq Ft | Installation Cost per Sq Ft | Total Cost for 200 sq ft Room |
Laminate | $1 – $6 | $2 – $8 | $600 – $2,150 |
Hardwood | $5 – $15 | $4 – $8 | $1,800 – $4,600 |
Engineered Wood | $4 – $10 | $3 – $7 | $1,400 – $3,400 |
Vinyl Plank | $2 – $7 | $1.50 – $5 | $700 – $2,400 |
Tile | $3 – $15 | $5 – $10 | $1,600 – $5,000 |
Carpet | $2 – $8 | $1.50 – $4 | $700 – $2,400 |
Conclusion
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly, durable, and stylish way to improve any home. It gives the look of wood or tile without the high cost and is easier to install and maintain.
Knowing the material, installation, and extra costs helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. Picking the right quality and working with experienced installers ensures your floor looks great and lasts for years.
Ready to get started? Contact Prime Estimation today for an accurate laminate flooring estimate and expert guidance. We’ll help you plan a smooth, affordable, and professional flooring project from start to finish.
