Modern Flooring Options & How Much They Cost

Dreaming of warm, natural hardwood floors underfoot? Or perhaps you’re considering the sleek durability of tile or the cozy comfort of carpet? With countless flooring options available, choosing the right material can be a daunting task. This guide will break down popular flooring types, their key features, and average installation costs in the US. We’ll help you navigate factors like durability, style, and budget to find the perfect flooring for your home.

“After” photos by Lena Yaremenko for Sweeten

Renovating can be a big undertaking, and if your project involves remodeling an entire home, flooring installation is an important piece of the puzzle that unites the space. But when there are so many flooring options and costs, how do you pick one?

Here, Sweeten lays out the different options for flooring installation, plus factors that determine how much a flooring remodel will cost. Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Let’s examine the variables that go into remodeling floors one by one.

How much will my reflooring project cost? 

• If the floors do not need to be replaced, a simple refinishing job can run you an average of $5 per square foot or less. In the higher range, a project with a mid-grade finish can cost $10 per square foot) to sand and refinish which also includes other factors such as removal and relocation of furniture, clean-up, and protection.
  
• If you’re looking to install all new flooring, you’re looking at about $15 to $20 per square foot, for a full project using a mid-grade hardwood.
  
• If you don’t need a new subfloor, the costs will be lower.
  
• For luxury or other expensive materials, you’re looking at $20,000 to $25,000 for the full project.
  

These prices represent all-in budgets (including both materials and labor).

What does a flooring contractor do?

Flooring contractors are specialists who handle all aspects of floor refinishing and replacement. A flooring contractor should be able to help with material selection, design, removal of old floors, and installation. Some flooring contractors handle all types of floors, including vinyl and linoleum. Others may specialize in higher-end hardwood floors or custom tilework.

Flooring labor & installation costs

Your contractor will assess the scope and complexity of your flooring project to provide an accurate cost estimate. As with any renovation, more complex projects typically lead to higher costs.

Most contractors calculate labor costs for flooring projects on an hourly or per-day basis. Hourly rates can vary significantly, with some contractors charging as low as $50 per hour. However, beware of extremely low rates, as they may indicate that the contractor is uninsured.

You might encounter quotes with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $200 per worker. Discuss these rates with your contractor to understand their rationale and the estimated labor requirements. Some contractors may prefer to charge per square foot. As Sweeten contractor Thomas explains, “We typically charge around $4 per square foot for installing vinyl tile. However, thicker vinyl tiles may require ‘back buttering,‘ which involves applying glue to both the back of the tile and the floor, potentially increasing the cost to $6-8 per square foot.“

Individual building requirements can significantly influence design and budget needs. Contractors working in buildings with more extensive requirements often have higher operating costs to meet insurance regulations.

Refinishing floors generally requires fewer licenses and certifications compared to installing new floors. Many general contractors can refinish floors, while those installing new floors typically need to go through more rigorous licensing and certification processes.

Options for flooring: Materials and finishes

Are you starting from scratch, or rehabbing existing floors?

• Many homes have original hardwoods that are worth reviving, but floors can reach a limit in their capacity for refinishing. If your floors have already been refinished numerous times, you might not have enough surface depth to sand down. Your GC can examine your floors and determine their thickness. 
  

If you decide your existing floors still have life in them, consider a more eco-friendly stain or finish. These new products help minimize fumes and are more environmentally friendly. You may need to work with your contractor to ensure that you can successfully bond newer products to older floors for an even finish. 

• If you are working with engineered wood flooring, make sure to consult the manufacturer on whether sanding/refinishing is recommended.
  
• Other materials, such as laminate, resilient (vinyl or linoleum), cannot be refinished if damaged. Chipped tile can be replaced, but only if you can find a match!
  

How much do you want to spend on flooring materials?

Wood/engineered wood flooring & costs

There are endless options for flooring materials, starting at $1 per square foot for laminate options, under $3 per square foot for engineered wood options, and under $6 per square foot for solid wood options. You can achieve the look of wood with laminate which can be installed in high traffic areas or where daily spills or dents might occur. 

Cost to install engineered wood

Engineered wood, a wood veneer backed by a composite like plywood giving it stability, can perform well in environments subject to moisture like bathrooms or basements.

Solid wood expands and contracts and is best in living spaces like bedrooms and living rooms. National retailers offer color and texture choices at starting price points. Reclaimed or bespoke hardwoods at boutique outlets start at $12 per square foot.

Cost to install bamboo flooring

Bamboo, a versatile and sustainable alternative to wood, offers a natural, warm appearance, moderate durability, and comfortable feel. Most bamboo flooring consists of a bamboo veneer affixed to a backing material like plywood or MDF.

Quality is crucial. Bamboo undergoes chemical treatments for flooring suitability, which can potentially lead to off-gassing. As a newer flooring option, quality control may vary among manufacturers. Thoroughly research bamboo flooring before bringing it into your home. According to Sweeten contractor Thomas, bamboo typically costs $8 to $15 per square foot.

Cost to install laminate flooring 

Similar to laminate countertops, laminate flooring comprises dense fiberboard with a photographic image of real wood or another material, topped with a protective layer. Laminate flooring resists scratches and fading and often includes sound-dampening materials like cork for a quieter experience.

These floating boards feature an interlocking tongue and groove design for easy installation without glue or nails. They can be installed over uneven surfaces as long as the subfloor is sealed and dry. Laminate flooring typically costs $1 to $5 per square foot to install.

Note: While laminate flooring is durable, it’s susceptible to water damage and can become slippery when wet. Unlike wood, laminate cannot be refinished. Damaged boards must be replaced, so consider ordering extra for matching purposes. For a comprehensive comparison of laminate flooring and wood floors, refer to our guide.

Resilient non-wood flooring options & costs

Mostly vinyl falls into this category, but there’s also linoleum. As the term “resilient” indicates, this flooring is easy on humans when little ones fall or adults who stand for long periods. It also handles a lot of wear or sunlight and resists stains from food and drink spills as well as crayons and magic markers. Pricing for resilient (vinyl & linoleum) can vary widely, and runs from $3 to $25 per square foot. 

Vinyl plank flooring

Recent advances in manufacturing have improved the performance of vinyl plank flooring. You can now find vinyl that infuses the surface with cultured diamond particles for increased protection against dents, scratches, scuffs, and stains. Better HD printing allows it to look like wood or tile but on close inspection, you’ll know it’s vinyl. Its faux effects, however, can be part of its fashion-forward appeal. Vinyl remains probably your thriftiest choice, depending on the pattern. 

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum is a popular flooring option, due to its range of saturated colors or marbled effects, resiliency, slip resistance, and everyday wear. It comes in sheets, for an almost seamless appearance, as well as tiles if you want a classic checkerboard or just like that look. Because linoleum is made of linseed oil and other naturally-sourced materials, it is marketed as a “green” flooring choice. However, it requires chemicals to arrive at the finished, manufactured product; so understand its off-gassing and VOC ratings.

Note: They both wear well but can’t be refinished. Buy extra in case of repairs so you can match the area you need to patch.

Tile flooring options & costs 

Between ceramic and porcelain, the latter is the harder of the two and is better at handling a lot of foot traffic. Completely resistant to fading, scratches, and moisture, tile is good for a busy household. Until children are old enough where toddling and falling is not an issue, use a rug in areas where little ones congregate. Many tiles are also slip-resistant. Tile ranges from $3 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material and its construction.

Note: Dishware will break on this super-hard surface, and tile can crack if not installed by a pro on a perfectly smooth surface. 

How much flooring should you order?

Before you finalize your order, talk to your contractor or supplier about quantity. You will probably need to order 10 percent extra to make sure that you have enough materials to cover the full square footage of your space as pieces are cut down and customized. Prepare to add approximately $2 per square foot in freight costs to your budget, regardless of whether you go for bargain floors or luxe floors.

Will you encounter any lead paint?

The minute lead paint comes into the picture, the requirements and costs change. If you are tearing up old floors that were built before lead paint restrictions started, discuss the options with your contractor. Can you safely remove and discard the debris? Or will you float your new floors on top of the old floors to avoid circulating lead paint dust during the project?

You have a fair amount of choice in deciding what to spend on the various types of flooring materials. Some basic renovation costs vary based on the level of skilled labor required and the location of the project, no matter what you spend on materials. Having a good handle on the real costs involved will allow you to better align your budget, avoid surprises, and get you that much closer to your dream floor.

What does a flooring contractor do?

Flooring contractors are specialists who handle all aspects of floor refinishing and replacement. A flooring contractor should be able to help with material selection, design, removal of old floors, and installation. Some flooring contractors handle all types of floors, including vinyl and linoleum. Others may specialize in higher-end hardwood floors or custom tilework.

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Adding soundproofing can bring an element of zen and privacy to your home. Read more on keeping the noise at bay.

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