Vinyl flooring is a remarkably durable and cost-efficient option to consider when deciding which material you want to use to outfit a space. However, the cost differs based on the specific type of vinyl desired: luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or sheet vinyl. For do-it-yourself homeowners, the average cost for sheet vinyl before factoring in the cost of any tools you may need is approximately $2.65 per square foot, whereas the price for LVT comes in at about $4.65 per square foot. The cost to have LVT and plank installed is averaging around $7.65 per square foot with price fluctuation depending on the materials needed and the type of vinyl you select.
With these figures in mind, the baseline cost of materials to outfit a 1,000-square-foot room with sheet vinyl flooring is around $3,300 for basic quality and about $9,150 for top-tier quality. For those leaning toward LVT flooring, the estimated cost of materials for a room of the same size is $5,350 for basic quality and $11,600 for best-in-class quality. As detailed below, these figures can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors
Factors of Vinyl Flooring Cost by Type
Vinyl Flooring Labor Cost
Contractors generally charge around $36 an hour to install vinyl flooring. This averages out to around $1 to $5 per square foot for labor costs before factoring in the cost of the materials. Cost varies per the site’s location. Generally speaking, metropolitan areas will have a higher cost than most rural areas in the country.
Vinyl Flooring Quality
With different styles and quality composition comes price variation. Printed vinyl refers to the type of flooring on which the color and pattern are fixed atop the thin layer of vinyl but below the finished surface. Because the fluctuation of cost is dependent on the traits of the materials, higher quality printed vinyl flooring comes in at a higher price point.
The majority of sheet vinyl and plank vinyl average about $1 to $7 per square foot. At the higher end of the cost spectrum, around $5 to $12 per square foot, inlaid vinyl flooring consists of color granules driven through the top layer of the vinyl. This gives the flooring more texture, depth and detail for realistic stone and wood patterns.
Home Location
As stated above, the location of an installation site plays a direct hand in the cost of the labor for the project. The site’s location dictates how near or far from the national average the estimated cost will be, as labor fees and material costs both contribute to the total price. Much like other construction and renovation projects, a higher cost of living translates to a higher cost of production and installation when it comes to labor.
Flooring Installation Methods and Difficulty Level
Vinyl plank flooring installation can be accomplished in three ways: peel-and-stick, floating, or glue-down flooring. Due to the variance in technique required for each type, the cost reflects the level of difficulty.
For more budget-minded projects, deciding on a floating floor may be optimal. This style of installation is not accomplished by nailing down the planks, but by snapping them together like a puzzle. This option does not require the original flooring to be removed, which saves time and is more cost-efficient.
The glue-down method, however, takes considerably longer and is a great deal more labor intensive, which is reflected in the higher cost. This method is similar to engineered hardwood flooring in terms of price range. The higher price is reflective of the labor-intensive nature of the installation.
Peel-and-stick flooring is a generally cost-effective option with affordable materials. These types of planks adhere to the previous subfloor. While installation is relatively simple and requires minimal labor, the prep work necessary to ensure the flooring is laid correctly is critical. Peel-and-stick flooring is made of flexible core materials which require a very sturdy and leveled subfloor in order to adhere properly. If these factors are not in place, the wood will warp and bend.
Vinyl Flooring Thickness
The thickness of a vinyl plank is another factor that is congruent with its cost; the thicker the plank, the more expensive it will be. That being said, thicker vinyl planks are built with longevity in mind and will require far less maintenance over a period of time.
While 5mm is an adequate thickness, 8mm is optimal. Though still viable, any planks under 3mm should only be used in places with low foot traffic. For venues such as busy homes and high-traffic areas, planks of a minimum of 20mm thickness are recommended.
SPC vs. WPC Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring has either pliant or rigid cores. Due to the possibility of distortion and warping, flexible vinyl planks are not recommended for areas that receive direct sunlight. Rigid core flooring, while more expensive, provides the promise of stability, longevity, and easy maintenance. Not only do rigid core planks resemble genuine wood more closely, but they also boast water resistance as well.
There are two different types of rigid core planks to choose between, each resembling different types of material: wood plastic composite core (WPC), which costs between $4 and $12 per square foot, and stone plastic composite core (SPC), costing about $3.50 and $7 per square foot.
Additional Vinyl Flooring Costs: Flooring Underlayment and More
Included in the price of vinyl flooring and the labor costs associated with installation, there are a few other outside costs to keep in mind. In order to ensure that your choice of vinyl flooring is installed properly, any old flooring will need to be removed, which costs around $1 to $2 per square foot.
If the original flooring was installed prior to the 1980s, there is a chance the adhesive contains asbestos. Homeowners are encouraged to seek professional services to assist with the removal of any product that may contain asbestos. Additionally, some professionals recommend using an underlayment beneath vinyl flooring. This is primarily used for noise reduction and comes in at around $.50 per square foot.
Vinyl Flooring DIY or Hiring a Professional
Homeowners eager to take on the task of self-installation are encouraged to assess their abilities and experience before deciding on which kind of vinyl flooring to use for their space. For the more skilled DIY-ers, sheet vinyl is a quick way to get the job done. However, while it requires less time, cutting the panels is a very precise task.
For homeowners with a bit more time on their hands, LVT is a safer option that allows for a few mistakes here and there. Either way, vinyl flooring installation is an extremely thorough process and requires patience while the project takes shape.
What to Consider in Saving Vinyl Flooring Installation Costs
Vinyl flooring installation can become quite pricey with additional costs racking up quickly over time. While it may seem tempting to opt for cheaper materials, there are other ways to keep costs down without compromising on quality. Reaching for cheaper materials, while attractive to the wallet, will require frequent updating and refurbishing, resulting in higher costs over a period of time. Making sure you have a secure, maximized budget can also help with sticking to a desired cost. Online flooring calculators are a great way to estimate laminate flooring costs as well.
Once you’ve figured out just how much you’re willing to spend on your flooring and have conducted adequate research on different professionals’ fees in your area, requesting multiple estimates is a great way to ensure you’re getting the exact kind of floor covering desired for your space.
Get Advice for Flooring Costs and Installation Tips Through LX Hausys
Looking for more pro tips on flooring installation? LX Hausys is a trusted expert in interior decor and flooring options. Our experts can offer advice on cost-friendly materials and time-efficient project tools. Whenever you’re ready to start your project, contact our experts through the form on our website and one of them will get back to you shortly. You may also explore the various vinyl flooring products we have to offer on the LX Hausys website.