Flooring Cost Calculator
Estimate flooring material and installation cost by room size and flooring type.
How much does new flooring cost?
Flooring cost depends mainly on the material you choose and the size of the room. Carpet is typically the most budget-friendly option, laminate and vinyl (LVP) sit in the mid-range and offer good durability for the price, tile costs more due to labor-intensive installation, and hardwood generally costs the most but adds long-term value and can often be refinished rather than replaced. The figures used here include both estimated materials and installation labor combined.
Why add a waste factor?
Professional installers almost always order 10% (sometimes more for diagonal patterns or small, cut-heavy rooms) extra material beyond the exact room square footage to account for cuts, trimming around edges, pattern matching, and mistakes. Skipping this buffer is one of the most common reasons homeowners run short mid-installation and have to special-order a small additional batch, which can be slow and risks a slight dye-lot color mismatch.
Tips for budgeting your flooring project
Get quotes from at least two or three flooring installers, and ask whether the quote includes removal and disposal of your old flooring, subfloor repair, and furniture moving, since these can add significantly to a "materials only" price. Material costs also vary by grade and finish — for example, engineered hardwood is often cheaper than solid hardwood while looking similar, and luxury vinyl plank has become popular as a water-resistant, lower-cost alternative to hardwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install new flooring?
Cost varies widely by material — carpet is the most affordable at roughly $3 per square foot installed, while hardwood can run $10 or more per square foot including installation. Use the calculator above with your room size and preferred material for a specific estimate.
What's the most durable and cost-effective flooring option?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is popular for offering a good balance of durability, water resistance, and moderate cost, making it a common choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas compared to hardwood or carpet.
Why should I add a waste factor to my flooring order?
Installers typically need 10% extra material to account for cuts, trimming around edges and doorways, and pattern matching. Skipping this buffer is a common reason people run short mid-project and have to reorder, which can delay work and risk a slight color mismatch.
Does flooring cost include installation labor?
The per-square-foot figures used in this calculator are illustrative combined materials-plus-installation estimates. Actual quotes may break these out separately, and labor cost can vary based on subfloor prep, removal of old flooring, and room complexity.
Is engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood?
Generally yes. Engineered hardwood uses a thinner real wood veneer over a plywood core, which typically costs less than solid hardwood planks while offering similar visual appeal and better resistance to humidity changes.
Does removing old flooring cost extra?
Yes, in most cases. Removing and disposing of old carpet, tile, or hardwood is usually quoted separately from new material and installation, so ask your contractor whether removal is included before comparing quotes.
Which flooring is best for kitchens and bathrooms?
Tile and waterproof vinyl (LVP) are the most popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms because of their water resistance, while hardwood and carpet are generally avoided in these rooms due to moisture damage risk.
How accurate is this flooring cost estimate?
This calculator uses simplified average cost-per-square-foot figures for planning purposes only. Actual pricing depends on your installer, regional labor rates, subfloor condition, and the specific product grade you choose, so collect a written quote before finalizing your budget.