Are you looking for a contractor?
Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Flooring Financial Guide 2024 - How Much Should You Budget?
By Editorial Team
Updated on November 13, 2024
Thinking of changing the floors in your home in the near future? Without a doubt, you’re already thinking about budgets and costs to carry out such a renovation project.
To know what’s in the cards, and make a budget-appropriate choice, here’s an overview of the average cost of flooring.
The Average Cost of Flooring Per Square Foot
Material | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
Hardwood | - Traditional wood: $2–$15/sq. ft. | - $1–$5/sq. ft. for a soundproofing underlayment (mandatory in condos) |
Engineered wood | n/a | $3–$11/sq. ft. |
Bamboo | $4–$14/sq. ft. | n/a |
Cork | $2.50–$11/sq. ft. | $5–$10/sq. ft. |
Laminate | $1–$5/sq. ft. | $4–$7/sq. ft. |
Ceramic tiles | $2.50–$8.50/sq. ft. | $8–$32/sq. ft. |
Porcelain tiles | $1–$50/sq. ft. | $6–$20/sq. ft. |
Natural stones | $4.50+/sq. ft. | n/a |
Concrete | $11–$15.50/sq. ft. (including installation) | n/a |
Vinyl | - Tiles: Up to $25/sq. ft. | $0.60/sq. ft. |
Linoleum | - Rolls: $2.50–$6/sq. ft. | - Rolls: $17/sq. ft. |
Carpeting | - $3.50–$6/sq. ft. | - $0.60–$1/sq. ft. |
Rubber | $2.50–$14.50/sq. ft. | n/a |
Loose-lay | - $2–$12/sq. ft. | - $1–$4/sq. ft. |
Epoxy | $3–$12/sq. ft. | n/a |
Traditional Hardwood Floors
Source: Canva
Traditional hardwood floors are made from a single slab of fresh, solid wood, ensuring a uniform finish, floor-wide. The most common species include, amongst others, oak, maple, cherry, and ash, and their versatility and quality further contribute to their appeal to homebuyers. However, hardwood is one of the most expensive material options that requires regular upkeep, such as using a dedicated cleaner every month and applying a fresh coat of finish every three to five years to preserve its appearance.
Cost:
Between $2–$15 per square foot for materials
$2.50 per square foot for nail-down installation
Exotic Hardwood Floors
Often issued from tropical forests, exotic hardwood flooring is distinguished by its rich colour palette and unique grain. Species like Brazilian cherry (jatoba) and mahogany are especially appreciated on account of their striking beauty and durability. While such flooring does add a touch of luxury and exoticism to any decor, it’s quite pricey, making it less budget-friendly for some.
Cost: $7–$10 per square foot.
Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood looks like genuine hardwood but is priced affordably. It’s made with a thin layer of hardwood glued to a high-quality plywood base, providing hardwood-like durability when coupled with a similar maintenance routine. Moreover, engineered wood is a great option for DIYers, allowing them to save labour costs.
Cost: Between $3–$11 per square foot.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring often figures as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance alternative to hardwood. While bamboo is technically a sort of grass, it’s often mistaken for wood due to its appearance and characteristics. In terms of performance, bamboo flooring has several advantages akin to traditional wood, making it an appealing option for those looking for a sustainable flooring option. Bear in mind that it’s not scratch-resistant and is susceptible to moisture damage.
Cost: $4–$14 per square foot.
Cork Flooring
Source: Canva
Cork flooring is a sustainable option for eco-conscious homeowners, and happens to be comfortable to treat on, manufactured from renewable bark from cork oak trees. Known for its excellent insulation properties, it helps maintain comfortable temperatures, year-round, while muffling footsteps. Its lightweight and airy feel make it one of the most comfortable flooring choices. Cork is also waterproof and near skid-proof when damp, which makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. However, opting for high-quality cork, sold by specialized resellers is key, especially since the market varies significantly, quality-wise. Despite being non-toxic and eco-friendly, cork fades as a result of direct sun exposure, and lower-quality options are likely to scratch easily as a result of heavy foot traffic.
Cost:
Between $2.50–$6 per square foot for square tiles
Between $9–$11 per square foot for loose-lay installation
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has a high-density core board, overlaid with a durable plastic surface, available in mock wood and stone patterns. Its mechanical joints enable an easy installation (quick lock or tongue and groove), making it all the more sought-after. While laminate is water- and humidity-resistant, its plastic surface can’t be sanded for a mini revamp, which limits its maintenance options in the long run.
Cost: Between $1–$5 per square foot.
Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles
Source: Canva
Ceramic and porcelain are the two main types of floor tiles, and both are great options for humidity-prone areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ceramic tiles, made from a mixture of water and sand, are smoother and more affordable, whereas porcelain tiles are made with finer and denser clay, baked at higher temperatures, rendering them harder and less porous. Both tile types are waterproof and low maintenance, retailed in a range of colours and styles, from mosaic to oversized. However, installation can be tricky, often necessitating the help of a flooring contractor. Moreover, while both tiles are durable, they can be a rather cold and slippery surface to tread on.
Cost of ceramic tiles:
$2.50–$8.50 per square foot for materials
$8–$32 per square foot for installation
Cost of porcelain tiles:
$1–$50 per square foot for materials
$6–$20 per square foot for installation
Stone Flooring
Source: Canva
Natural stone flooring, including options like granite, marble, quartz, and slate, is favoured for both indoor and outdoor installations due to the materials' durability and waterproof properties. Moreover, the natural beauty and quality of stone flooring are unmatched by most other materials, making it an exceptional choice for revamping the aesthetic in any space.
Cost: Starting at $4.50 per square foot.
Concrete Floor
Source: Canva
Concrete flooring became a trendy pick for high-end builders and designers, suited to residential and commercial spaces. This versatile material can be poured in its traditional grey hue and customized with dyes and surface treatments, such as acid stains and rubber stamps, giving it a unique design. When properly sealed, it's renowned for its durability and minimal maintenance needs, making concrete an excellent option for underfloor heating systems. However, given that it’s a tailored product, it can be quite costly and require a professional installation. Its rigid nature also means it must be regularly coated in a sealant to prevent staining; weighing the benefits against the costs is paramount.
Cost of smooth concrete: varies according to the manufacturer.
Cost of polished concrete: $11 per square foot (installation included).
Cost of stamped concrete: $15.50 per square foot (installation included).
Vinyl Flooring
Source: Canva
Vinyl flooring is retailed in a wide array of styles, featuring a layered design similar to laminate, which includes a wear layer, decorative layer (film), core vinyl layer, fibreglass layer, and backing. Its smooth texture and soundproofing properties make it an ideal flooring in loud spaces, such as kids' bedrooms. Overall, vinyl is commonly used as kitchen flooring due to its water resistance, ensuring its sustainability in high-foot-traffic areas.
Cost of vinyl tiles: up to $25 per square foot.
Cost of square vinyl tiles: $6 per square foot.
Cost of vinyl sheet flooring: between $2–$6 per square foot.
Linoleum Flooring
Typically, linoleum flooring is made with renewable materials, such as linseed oil, pine resin, and cork dust. Linoleum is known as a long-lasting flooring, yet isn’t suited to humid or damp settings. Moreover, it’s similar to vinyl, with a soft texture and effective soundproofing properties, making it a comfortable choice for a myriad of interiors.
Flooring roll cost:
$2.50–$6 per square foot
$17 per square foot for installation
Flooring tile cost:
Starting at $6 per square foot
Between $0.60–$1.50 per square foot for installation
Carpeting
Source: Canva
Carpeting has been a popular floor-covering option for decades, especially in settings where comfort and coziness are key, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Its capacity to muffle footsteps and provide a soft surface on which to tread, coupled with its accessibility, make it a practical option for numerous homeowners. Although less prevalent than other modern designs, carpeting is always appreciated for its warmth and inviting texture, perfect when designing cozy rooms. However, bear in mind that carpeting can stain easily and may require additional cleaning efforts compared to other flooring materials.
Cost:
Between $3.50–$6 per square foot (and between $0.60–$1.50 per square foot for padding, if needed)
Installation:
$0.60 per square foot for glue-down carpet installation
$0.60 per square foot for residential carpeting with an underlay/padding
$1 per square foot for loop (Berber) carpet
Rubber Floor Covering
Rubber floor covering is a versatile solution for a myriad of household areas, including playrooms, home gyms, and kitchens. Its long-lasting surface makes it ideal for high foot traffic areas, while its cushioning properties lessen strain and the risks of injuries.
Cost: Between $2.50–$14.50 per square foot.
Floating Floor
Source: Canva
Floating floors are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces, creating a stable surface that doesn’t need to be secured to the subflooring. This type of flooring is especially beneficial due to its easy installation method, especially given its modern, interlocking system, allowing for swift upgrades without upheaving one’s day-to-day. Moreover, floating floors are more durable than they once were, ensuring a long-lasting solution over time.
Cost: Between $2–$12 per square foot
Additional fees:
Roughly $0.20 per square foot for polyethylene foam underlay
Installation rates range from $1–$4 per square foot
What Factors Affect Material Costs?
Source: Canva
Material Type
With the range of options available, such as hardwood, cork, vinyl, and carpeting, prices will vary significantly. Cost-defining factors include product origin—whether from Asia, Latin America, or Europe—and the necessary treatment, such as trimming and colouring. Furthermore, some materials need specialized treatments, which, in turn, affects their price point, such as hardwood, which must be sanded, varnished, and polished to achieve its final, striking look.
Style
The flooring style can significantly affect its cost, especially when a type of flooring is sought-after, pushing businesses to increase prices as a result of high demand. However, it’s important to note that style isn’t always synonymous with quality. A lot of homeowners choose trendy yet less durable materials, risking their initial investment in favour of aesthetics.
Subflooring Preparation
Properly preparing your subflooring is essential to ensure the longevity and lasting installation of new floors. This process may include several steps, depending on the state of the existing subflooring. Tasks such as levelling, moisture sealing, and repairing damaged sections may be necessary to create a stable base for the new flooring to lay atop. Unsurprisingly, the more extra work needed, the more expensive it’ll be.
Removal of Current Flooring
Removing the current flooring is another crucial step before installing a new floor covering, but doing so will incur additional costs. The latter is especially true if the old flooring is removed using a specialized removal method or if there are several layers of flooring to remove, which may complicate the process and increase expenses.
What Are the Additional Costs?
Source: Canva
Baseboard Removal and Reinstallation
Removing the baseboard skirting is often necessary before installing new flooring, and is an important consideration when establishing a budget. Although it may seem like a tiny detail, baseboard removal and flooring installation costs do add up. Moreover, consider the potential cost of paint touch-ups or repairs that may be required due to damage caused during the installation or removal process.
Room’s Shape and Size
The shape and size of the room will significantly affect the cost of installing new flooring, especially if you’re laying hardwood. A bigger surface area requires more materials and labour, which increases overall costs. Moreover, the amount and type of cuts needed during the flooring installation process depends on the room’s configuration. Typically, rectangular and square rooms make for cheaper jobs compared to irregular-shaped rooms, such as round rooms, which may incur additional fees as a result of complex plank cuts.
FAQ
How do low flooring prices affect quality?
As a rule of thumb, a low price is often indicative of sub-par quality, however, that’s not always true. For example, hardwood is generally a more expensive material than cork and is typically considered better quality. What’s more, by comparing the same flooring, such as vinyl, a sort of pricey vinyl flooring is likely to be of higher quality than those with lower price points. Yet, it’s important to remember that it’s just a generalization and not an absolute truth.
How to calculate the cost of new flooring installation and how much will new flooring cost?
Firstly, determine the surface area’s square footage. Once you’ve selected a type of flooring, multiply the total square footage by the material cost per square foot. Something to keep in mind is that prices will vary, so it may be worth recalculating using different price brackets to explore your options further. If you plan on hiring a professional flooring installation company, make sure to inquire about their rates, too. Doing so will help you gauge overall flooring project costs.
What is the cheapest material?
The cost of flooring will differ widely, even within a specific material range. While you may find cheaper laminate flooring options or more affordable prices for other materials listed in this guide, laminate flooring is generally the most cost-effective material.
How much is 1,000 square feet of flooring?
The cost of 1,000 square feet of new flooring depends on the selected and/or desired flooring material. Naturally, hardwood and natural stones are more expensive than vinyl and laminate flooring.
How much does it cost to install 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors in Canada?
In Canada, top-tier hardwood can be quite pricey, so 1,000 square feet of hardwood floors could run you about $7,800, installation included if you were to select average-priced solid wood flooring.
For more information about the cost of flooring, flooring installation methods, materials, and maintenance, check out these articles:
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•07 Nov 2023
Engineered timber floating floors, or laminate floors, are widely appreciated for their durability and affordability. However, their maintenance can be quite a daunting task since they’re rather vulnerable and damage-prone. Luckily, natural cleaning solutions, such as white vinegar, can be used. Are you looking for tips and tricks to clean your laminate floors? In this article, we’ll list the best ways to clean a laminate floor using white vinegar.
Léa Plourde-Archer
•07 Nov 2023
Depending on several factors, installing new floor coverings can either be affordable or incredibly expensive. Here is a list of 9 factors that you should consider to know more about the price of flooring and the reasons that explain why it can vary so much.
Editorial Team
•18 Oct 2024
Whether for your growing family, for the arrival of a long-term house guest, or simply due to a lack of space, the reasons behind building a home addition are plentiful. Amongst the many possible solutions presented to those wishing to build a home extension, there is the home addition on screw piles.
Léa Plourde-Archer
•07 Nov 2023
Ecology is a growing concern in the field of construction and renovation. After decades of using materials and techniques that used up a lot of energy and were made with harmful elements, more people are now aiming to find alternatives. This means that new materials and techniques that are more respectful are being developed.
Léa Plourde-Archer
•07 Nov 2023
Renovation work on a home is often a major financial investment for homeowners. As a result, if they are not well carried out, this situation can turn into a nightmare. If this is the type of situation you are experiencing, do not lose hope: there are recourses to crack down on the offending contractor.