When homeowners are planning a flooring project, budget is one of the top priorities. Wondering how much everything will cost is completely normal. However, the answer “it depends” doesn’t usually cut it. That’s why we’re going to put some real numbers on the table.
Joe Brickman has priced thousands of flooring projects across Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Today, we will break down the average and what changes these numbers.
What are the Average Flooring Costs Per Square Foot?
The figures below include materials, installation and old flooring removal. Here’s the full picture beyond the product price alone:
| Flooring Type | Entry-Level | Mid-Range | High-End |
| Carpet | ~$3.75/sq ft | $4.00 – $6.00/sq ft | $8.00+/sq ft |
| LVP & Laminate | $6.00 – $7.00/sq ft | $7.00 – $10.00/sq ft | $12.00 – $14.00/sq ft |
| Hardwood | $10.00 – $11.00/sq ft | Varies by species | $20.00+/sq ft |
What’s Included in These Numbers?
These ranges aren’t just sticker prices. They cover:
- Materials — the flooring product itself
- Labor — installation by a professional crew
- Old Flooring Removal — pulling what’s already there
- Carpet Pad — for carpet projects, a new pad is included in the estimate
What they don’t include are project-specific costs. That brings us to the factors that can push your final price up or down.
What Affects Your Final Cost?
Depending on the flooring material you choose, your final price can go up or down. However, that’s not the only factor that makes a difference. Consider the following:
Carpet
Generally, carpet is the most affordable flooring option on the market, especially at the entry level. Estimates include the removal of old flooring and the cost of a new pad. That said, the carpet itself makes the biggest difference. Fiber type, density and pile height all make an impact. Higher-end carpet looks and feels different underfoot and the cost reflects that.
LVP and Laminate
LVP and laminate fall in the middle of the road for most homeowners. Both products have improved over the years, offering realistic wood looks, durability and a variety of options at every price point. When you pay a bit more, you get thicker planks, better wear layers and longer warranties.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring has the widest cost range of any flooring type, but species has the biggest impact. Domestic hardwoods like oak and maple are more predictable when it comes to availability and pricing. Meanwhile, exotic or imported species can jump up in price due to the material and supply chain variability. If you’re determined to get a specific species, have this conversation upfront to prevent any disappointment.
Additional Labor Costs
Besides the flooring product itself, there are project-specific factors that make a difference. The following add to the final number:
- Moving Heavy Furniture: A hutch, a piano or built-ins take time and care.
- Subfloor Prep: If leveling compound is needed, there are additional labor costs.
- Complex Layouts or Transitions: Angled rooms, multiple doorways and stair work add installation time.
At Floors2Day, we inspect your space ahead of time. This prevents surprises on installation day.
How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Budget?
When you have a set budget for your flooring project, sometimes there isn’t much wiggle room. Here are some tips to make it work for you:
- Be Honest About What You’re Replacing and Why: For example, if durability comes first, LVP will provide more value per dollar than hardwood at a similar price point.
- Move Furniture Yourself If You’re Able To: This is a quick way to reduce labor costs.
- Don’t Assume the Lowest Quote is the Best Deal: When a quote doesn’t include subfloor conditions or existing floor removal, it only looks good until installation day.
- Get an In-Home Estimate: It’s the only way to get a number that reflects your actual project, not a best-case assumption.
What Does a Floors2Day Estimate Actually Look Like?
When Joe visits your home, he doesn’t just pull a number out of a catalog. He looks at the space, understands what needs to happen and builds a proposal based on the conditions of your space. With Floors2Day, you get a number you can trust, not one that will surprise you on installation day.
Planning a flooring project in Southeastern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois? Contact us to schedule your free in-home consultation today.
