Installing New Flooring in Your Home
Your home is your castle. The flooring in that castle is one of the most visible design elements of your entire home, and is constantly on display. Years or even decades of daily foot traffic can make even the toughest carpet or hardwood floors look dingy and worn. There are several reasons to embark on a new flooring installation project, including:
- Update your floor’s appearance. Perhaps your tile flooring is outdated and you are looking to modernize a space in your home with a fresh new look.
- Repair damaged flooring. Your older floorboards may be damaged, cracked, loose, or even molding underneath. These emergencies require a quick flooring replacement.
- Increase home value. Aesthetics aside, new flooring can increase the value of your home, the National Association of Realtors reports.
- Add comfort. Whether you want to install carpet or unique bamboo wood flooring, flooring replacements are one of the preferred renovation projects for bringing homeowners additional comfort and enjoyment in their residences.
Whatever the reason, if you have decided it is time for a flooring upgrade, you have a wide range of options when it comes to a flooring installation.
Modernize created this comprehensive guide to help homeowners form a game plan for their flooring renovation projects. We include helpful information about flooring installation costs, types of flooring, full versus partial flooring replacements, and more. We can answer any questions you might have about your flooring installation. When you are finalizing your renovation plans, Modernize can help you find a reliable contractor in your area to install new flooring.
How Much Does a Flooring Installation Cost?
One of the most important parts of preparing for a flooring installation is budgeting for the project. In fact, according to a July 2021 survey by Modernize, 32% of homeowners reported that cost and budgeting were the most important factors in planning for a flooring installation project.
The cost of new flooring depends on the type of flooring installed, the room size, the flooring brand you choose, and local contractor prices in your area. Below you will find an overview of flooring prices, from lowest to highest, based on the type of flooring and cost per square foot. Keep in mind that installation and labor costs can range between $1 and $2 per square foot, in addition to the cost for materials.
| Type of flooring | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1 to $6 |
| Sheet vinyl and vinyl plank | $2 to $3 |
| Linoleum | $2 to $4.80 |
| Engineered wood | $2.40 to $6.40 |
| Laminate | $4 to $8 |
| Hardwood | $6 to $12 |
| Porcelain and ceramic tile | $3 to $10 |
| Natural stone | $7 to $20 |
Most flooring types have multiple options that come at varying qualities. Polyester and olefin fiber carpets are more budget-friendly, while wool, nylon, and triexta are higher quality carpets and pricier. Likewise, redwood flooring may cost you more than a traditional oak hardwood flooring.
It is also important to note that there may be additional costs for underflooring materials. For example, carpet padding is highly recommended to install underneath carpet flooring and starts at $0.61 per square foot. Thick, high-grade carpet padding is worth every penny, especially if it’s covering a concrete slab foundation. Similarly, underlayment for laminate floors averages $1.80 per square foot.
It’s worth nothing that national home improvement retailer centers typically offer many cost-conscious options. Also, flooring installation contractors typically charge for demolition or tear-out and disposal of your existing flooring. This averages $50 to $475 total to remove and dispose your old flooring.
Choosing Between Types of Flooring
If you’re replacing your floors, you may want to consider getting an entirely new type of flooring instead. The eight most popular flooring options are:
- Carpet
- Hardwood
- Vinyl plank flooring
- Linoleum
- Tile
- Bamboo
- Laminate
- Cork
The best floors for your own home will depend on who lives in the house, which room or rooms the floors will be installed in, and your budget. You can read more about types of flooring as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Final Thoughts on Flooring Installations
Installing new flooring is a great way to increase the daily enjoyment of your home. It also can attract potential buyers by boosting the “wow” factor if you are considering putting your house on the market. If you’re staying put, updating your flooring can provide improved ambiance, livability and functionality to your home.
We hope you’ve found the information in this guide helpful in figuring out what type of flooring works best for your renovation project. Modernize can also help you find contractors in your area to ensure the job gets done correctly. Your home is your castle, and you’re in it nearly every day of the year. Installing new flooring is a great way to enjoy your castle all the more.
