Today, laminate flooring comes as one of the greatest options for different homes, being economical as well. Installation requires an amount of money ranging between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on the size of the area involved and the type of laminate you select.
In increasing cost and thicker laminate, larger areas will be at more parts of the playing field. The shape of the room defines how it will be priced. Therefore, considering all these things must be taken into consideration before laying any laminate flooring project.
Why Choose Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is not plastic. It is made up of wood fiberboard and resins layered together. The core layer helps prevent moisture damage and adds strength in resisting dents and scratches. The top design layer has a high-resolution print, giving the flooring an attractive look, such as a wood design.
Laminate flooring is very popular with DIY installers because it is relatively inexpensive and simple to work with. It is also very easy to install as it does not use nails or adhesives. The floor floats on the pad and underlay, which makes it a quick and hassle-free installation.
How to Calculate Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
Laminate floorings are commonly around $0.79 to $3 per square foot without adding the price of underlayment which usually ranges from $0.29 to $0.79 per square foot. In installing the floor, just materials costs are considered when it is done by yourself.
If you hire a professional, however, then you will have to add on hourly flat fees, which average $2-$8 per square foot. Quality materials prices, as well as labor charges, will greatly depend on your place of residence.
Laminate Flooring Installation Cost Factors
Important points to consider when installing laminate floorings:
1. Flooring Area and Shape
- Measurement: Use a measuring tape to measure the floor space so that an area calculation may be made.
- Cost: The cost of laminate flooring installation usually ranges between $3 to $13 per square foot, encompassing both material and labor. The materials themselves cost about $1 to $5 per square foot.
- Considerations: Decide on the strange shapes or sharp angles of the room, so additional material may be needed for these areas.
Laminate Flooring Styles and Prices:
- Acacia: $1.00–$2.20 per square foot
- Beech: $1.00–$2.90 per square foot
- Cherry: $1.70–$2.80 per square foot
- Elm: $1.40–$3.70 per square foot
- Hickory: $1.50–$4.50 per square foot
- Maple: $1.50–$3.80 per square foot
- Oak: $1.00–$3.70 per square foot
- Stone: $3.50–$4.00 per square foot
- Title: $3.50–$5.00 per square foot
- Walnut: $2.00–$2.80 per square foot
Labor and Installation
On average, the installation and labor costs for laminate flooring range from $2 to $8 per square foot. Some companies may also charge an additional fee for underlayment installation, which can cost between $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot.
Texture and Finish
Glossy laminate falls in price from $1.70-$5.60/ft2. The matte laminate continues from $1-$4.40/ft2. If you want something between the two, semi-matte laminate is probably one to use because it still runs from $1-$4/ft2 and is the cheapest finish.
Glossy floors are easily scarred by heel marks and are therefore discouraged in the design of high-traffic areas. In contrast, semi-matte and matte flooring are relatively high on scratch and abrasion resilience and prove to be good choices for busy interiors.
Additional Laminate Flooring Installation Costs
Removing Old Flooring
You can do the job yourself and save money on labor. If you hire someone to do it for you, expect to pay around $70 an hour for labor, which can total $400 to $600 to remove everything.
Subfloor Repair or Replacement
Most minor subfloor issues can easily be fixed, while more serious issues like wood rot often require a full replacement. Subfloor replacement typically costs $1.50 to $7 per square foot, with labor at $25 to $35 per hour.
Pad and Underlay
Existing spray foam pads and underlays can be reused if they are still in good shape. If not, now might cost anywhere from $30 to $60 for every 100 square feet, with installation labor at about $70 per hour.
DIY vs. Professional Laminate Flooring Installation
Laminate floorings are among the most popular types of flooring that are easy for DIY install since nails, and glues use screws, and other adhesives for attaching to the underfoot very easy to work with by DIY, which saves much on installation costs.
Experts would do the work so that the laminate floor could give that kind of finish in a shorter time or again more cheaply than if he were going to do it himself. Professional installation costs anywhere from $800 to $3,500, which is 20 to 50 percent of the total project cost.
Conclusion
The cost of installation of laminate flooring varies according to different factors. Typically, the price would range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the size of the room and its configurations. DIY installation may help save money while hiring a professional guarantees a quality job done faster.
Cheap as laminate floors may be, their installation would not come free. Expert installation available from qualified professionals gives the value addition to the project. This in turn makes the final cost of laminate flooring installation an investment that could boost the appearance and the function of your home.
FAQS
Q1) Are there different prices for laminate flooring?
Yes, different prices are depending on the brand, quality, and design. The thicker and more durable ones are the expensive options.
Q2) Does laminate flooring cost less than hardwood?
Yes, generally laminate floors come cheaper than hardwood floors. They give an altogether similar look but are quite pocket-friendly.
Q3) What is the cost of installation for laminate flooring?
The prices range between 800 US dollars and 3,500 US dollars depending on the size and complexity of the room.
Q4) Any other additional costs for laminate flooring?
Costings for underlayment, trim, or tools can be other extra costs and can build up over time to become very significant additions to the total of the project.
