Flooring Cost Overview
Flooring impacts every room and significantly affects home value. Choosing the right flooring balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Quick Reference (Installed):| Flooring Type | Cost/Sq Ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $3-$11 | 5-15 years |
| Laminate | $3-$10 | 10-25 years |
| Vinyl/LVP | $4-$12 | 15-25 years |
| Tile | $7-$20 | 50+ years |
| Hardwood | $8-$22 | 75+ years |
| Engineered Wood | $6-$18 | 20-40 years |
Hardwood Flooring
Solid Hardwood
Cost: $8-$22/sq ft installed Lifespan: 75-100+ years (can be refinished many times) Popular Species:- Oak (most common): $6-$12/sq ft
- Maple: $6-$11/sq ft
- Hickory: $6-$12/sq ft
- Walnut: $9-$18/sq ft
- Exotic woods: $12-$25/sq ft
Engineered Hardwood
Cost: $6-$18/sq ft installed Lifespan: 20-40 years Advantages over solid:- Can go over concrete
- Better for basements
- Less expansion/contraction
- Often easier to install
Refinishing Existing Hardwood
Cost: $3-$8/sq ft ROI: 147% (highest of any flooring project)If you have hardwood under carpet, refinishing is almost always better than replacing.
Other Flooring Types
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Cost: $4-$12/sq ft installed Lifespan: 15-25 years Why it's popular:- 100% waterproof
- Looks like wood
- DIY-friendly
- Comfortable underfoot
- Great for kitchens, baths, basements
Tile (Ceramic & Porcelain)
Cost: $7-$20/sq ft installed Lifespan: 50+ years Best for:- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Entryways
- High-moisture areas
Laminate
Cost: $3-$10/sq ft installed Lifespan: 10-25 years Considerations:- Not water-resistant (unlike LVP)
- Can look cheap if low-quality
- Not refinishable
- Affordable option for large areas
Carpet
Cost: $3-$11/sq ft installed Lifespan: 5-15 years Best for:- Bedrooms
- Comfort areas
- Budget projects
- Noise reduction
Best Flooring by Room
Kitchen
Best: Tile, LVP, hardwood (sealed) Avoid: Carpet, laminate Why: Water resistance, easy cleaningBathroom
Best: Tile, LVP Avoid: Hardwood, laminate, carpet Why: 100% waterproof neededLiving Room
Best: Hardwood, engineered wood, LVP Good: Quality laminate, carpet Consider: Durability, traffic levelBedroom
Best: Carpet, hardwood, LVP All options work here Consider: Comfort, warmth, budgetBasement
Best: LVP, tile, engineered wood Avoid: Solid hardwood Why: Moisture from concreteHigh Traffic Areas
Best: Tile, hardwood, commercial LVP Choose: High durability ratingsMaking Your Choice
Decision Flowchart
Unlimited budget + long-term home: → Solid hardwood throughout (except baths) Good budget + mix of needs: → Hardwood in main areas, tile in baths, LVP in kitchen Budget-conscious: → LVP throughout or laminate + tile in wet areas Have existing hardwood? → Refinish it (best ROI possible)Installation Tips
- Buy 10% extra for waste and future repairs
- Acclimate materials 48-72 hours before install
- Check subfloor - must be level and dry
- Consider transitions between different flooring types
- Remove old flooring vs. install over (ask pro)