How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Flooring?
Cost is a major factor when you’re deciding how up to update your home’s flooring. For most homeowners, understanding the cost to install vinyl flooring, whether it’s vinyl plank or vinyl sheet, is essential. Use this guide to learn more about how to build your budget and get the new flooring you desire for your home. On average, installation cost ranges from $2-$6/sq.ft.
Vinyl Flooring: What You Should Know Before Installation
Vinyl flooring can help improve the look of your home in a dramatic manner. It’s also a cost-effective option for consumers looking for durable materials on a budget. When choosing vinyl flooring for your home, there are a variety of considerations to keep in mind:
- Where are you planning to install vinyl flooring in your home? Your installation location will impact your budget and the style you choose. You’ll also need to look for the most durable options in high-traffic areas.
- Why do you want to install new flooring? Are you looking for a new design, or are you replacing existing vinyl flooring?
- Take note of your goals. Are you shopping for extra-durable flooring that will last for years? Is easy-to-clean flooring essential for a high-traffic space? Narrow down your goals before you start shopping.
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What kind of shape is your floor in? A floor that needs to be leveled requires more work and cost than a flat floor.
- Can you do the work on your own or do you want to hire professionals? Installation costs are higher with pros, but this is always the best option if you’re not familiar with flooring installation and vinyl flooring materials.
Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials:
$2-3 PER SQ. FT.
LABOR:
$2-3 PER SQ. FT.
Underlayment:
commonly attached
Benefits:
Value
Vinyl plank flooring, also called luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile, offers luxury design at an exceptional value.
Durable
Ideal in high-traffic spaces such as homes with pets and children.
Waterproof
A perfect choice for kitchens and traditional wet spaces like bathrooms.
Vinyl Sheet Installation Cost
Materials:
$1-$2 PER SQ. FT.
LABOR:
$1-$2 PER SQ. FT.
Benefits:
Value
Vinyl sheet flooring is the ideal option if you want to keep vinyl flooring installation costs low.
Waterproof
Like vinyl plank flooring, vinyl sheet keeps water away from your sub-floor. This makes a great buy for kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.
Durable
Vinyl sheet flooring is durable. It’s an exceptional pick for busy spaces that get a lot of foot traffic every day.
Where Can I Use Vinyl Flooring:
Vinyl flooring, whether you choose vinyl plank or vinyl sheet, is right at home in any number of locations. Here are some of the ways you can use it throughout your space:
- Kitchens: Durable and waterproof, vinyl is a perfect pick for your kitchen. You can even mimic the look of natural hardwood without the cost and expense of difficult maintenance.
- Bathrooms: Waterproof vinyl is a smart choice for bathrooms with tubs and showers. It can even go over existing flooring in some cases to help you make a quick, cost-effective upgrade in a powder room or guest bathroom.
- Family rooms: Family spaces need reliable flooring. With vinyl, you’ll get a resilient flooring material that stands up to everyday use from family members, children and even pets.
- Living rooms: While wood and tile might rule the roost in the living room, vinyl is a cost-effective option that will look great. It’s particularly smart in less formal living rooms where you entertain friends and spend time with family.
- Bedrooms: From the guest area to your master space, vinyl is becoming a go-to in the bedroom. Wood-look vinyl plank flooring is particularly popular.
- Hallways: Like family rooms, hallways can take a lot of wear-and-tear. Vinyl plank and vinyl sheet flooring can mimic natural wood or other materials without the cost and upkeep.
- Home office: Rugged and stylish, vinyl plank and vinyl sheet flooring will blend in beautifully in a home office setting while helping to keep costs down.
These are just a few examples of how you can use vinyl flooring in your home. At The Home Depot, we can help you with vinyl flooring installation in any part of your house.
Factors Affecting the Overall Cost
Vinyl flooring material and labor costs make up the bulk of your bill during the installation process. There are some other factors that may impact your overall cost however. Here are a few to keep in mind when planning your upgrade:
- Furniture removal: Vinyl flooring installation requires a clean, clear space to begin work. Furniture removal may be required before the installation process can proceed. Doing this work on your own, if possible, can help cut down on costs.
- Removal of old flooring: In some cases, vinyl flooring can be installed over an existing floor. In other situations, you’ll need to remove the old floor before work can begin. This is best left to professionals unless you have experience.
- Sanding and leveling your floor: Your floor needs to be flat and level for the best vinyl flooring installation results. If your room needs it, installers will handle sanding and leveling at an additional cost.
- Room size: Room size plays an obvious role when it comes to the overall cost of a vinyl flooring installation. Large rooms require more materials and more man hours to complete.
- Vinyl thickness: Thicker vinyl flooring material can wear better over time. Higher up-front costs are typically associated with thick vinyl flooring, but this price difference is often nominal.
- Installation pattern: Patterned work costs more than single-style installation. Labor costs can be affected depending how the installers lay the flooring down; however, material costs in general are roughly the same on average.
- Molding, trim and transitions: The hours spent working with molding, trim and transitions are less cost-effective from a labor standpoint because they require greater attention to detail. Rooms with simple installations and without moldings are less expensive, though they may not provide the look you’re after.
Things to Consider
Now that you have a grasp on what vinyl flooring installation costs on average, there are some other considerations to keep in mind before jumping into a renovation project. Additional considerations include:
- Decor and texture: To make the most of your new vinyl flooring, you’ll want to work with existing elements in your home. Does your house have natural hardwood? Are you looking for an ultra-modern or more traditional design? Take note of how vinyl flooring materials on your short list will impact the look and feel of your space.
- Heat and direct sunlight: Long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause swelling in vinyl flooring materials. Exposure to direct sunlight, like in a sunroom, can cause vinyl flooring to fade over time. Adding window treatments to rooms that get a lot of natural light can help alleviate this issue.
- Access to climate control systems: Rooms with climate control like AC and heat are ideal for vinyl flooring installation. In a climate controlled room, your new floors won’t be subject to regular swelling and shrinking when the weather changes.
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Unique product considerations: Vinyl flooring manufacturers all have different instructions for use and care. While vinyl is incredibly durable, it’s always a good idea to check and see what the manufacturer of a specific type of vinyl flooring recommends. This is particularly important when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
WHY CHOOSE THE HOME DEPOT
The Home Depot offers a stunning selection of vinyl flooring.
Installation services are available for homes of all sizes. Licensed, certified, and vetted with background checks, our professional installers show up wearing an official Home Depot badge, so you’ll know we sent them. We are transparent about our products, so you know exactly what’s being installed in your home. To help you create your dream home sooner, The Home Depot also offers financial assistance options like project loans and specialty credit cards.