How much does it cost to install WPC vinyl flooring?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Vinyl flooring is a great material for many homes. It is durable, water-resistant, and low-cost compared to other materials. One type of vinyl flooring that is particularly soft underfoot is wood-plastic core or WPC vinyl.

WPC has the same benefits as normal vinyl tile or planks but with a softer, more flexible core containing wood. It can have the same appearance as a hardwood floor but is easier to install and care for. Like other vinyl types, it comes in a range of styles and thicknesses.

The national average cost to install WPC is $1,600 to $2,400, with most people paying around $2,000 for 200 sq.ft. of 30 mil WPC plank flooring with an inlaid pattern. This project’s low cost is $1,100 to install 200 sq.ft. of 20 mil WPC plank flooring with a printed pattern. The high cost is $3,600 for 200 sq.ft. of installed 60 mil WPC plank flooring with an inlaid pattern of an exotic wood species.

What Is WPC Vinyl Flooring?

WPC vinyl flooring is a luxury vinyl with a wood-plastic composite core. The addition of the wood to the core does several things for this material. First, it makes the flooring thicker. Even the thinnest WPC is still thicker than many mid-grade solid vinyl floors. It also makes the floor springier and more comfortable underfoot. This can be beneficial for areas where people need to stand for long times.

WPC tends to be easier to cut and install than some rigid vinyl types. This is because the planks are more flexible and softer.

WPC has the same top and bottom layers as other types of vinyl flooring. It can have a printed or inlaid top layer, with the latter being more realistic and giving your floor a better appearance. WPC installs like regular vinyl flooring and is just as long-lasting but not as durable as stone-plastic core (SPC) flooring.

WPC Vinyl Flooring Cost Calculator

WPC vinyl comes in several qualities. Thinner flooring and flooring with a printed pattern are less expensive than thicker flooring or flooring with an inlaid pattern. Thinner flooring is easier to install than thicker flooring. It has lower labor costs.

While more expensive, thicker flooring is more comfortable underfoot, making it a luxury choice.

The following costs are for a 200 sq.ft installation of WPC in varying qualities.

Like other vinyl floors, WPC can also be installed as click-lock flooring or a glue-down floor. Of the two, the click-lock style tends to be easier to install, translating to lower installation costs. However, click-lock flooring can only be installed over a perfectly level substrate, so you may need to use glue-down flooring if your floors are uneven or older.

WPC Flooring Pros and Cons

WPC flooring is flexible, springy, and comfortable underfoot. It is also easier to cut and install than other vinyl flooring types, making it more attractive for many installers. WPC can mimic wood or stone, depending on the flooring type and manufacturer. It is considered a subtype of luxury vinyl tile or plank and can give you long-lasting and durable results.

WPC is not as durable or long-lasting as stone-plastic core (SPC) flooring. The wood core makes it softer, so it is more comfortable but more likely to sustain damage from heavy furniture or force. It is also thick enough that you may need bigger thresholds or transition strips to other materials and may be too thick to install over another floor.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Underlayment. WPC flooring should not be installed over an underlayment, except a vapor barrier in damp areas.
• Radiant heating. You can install WPC over radiant floor heating. The cost is $10 to $25 a sq.ft. installed.
• Vinyl vapor barrier. If you install your WPC in a damp area, use a vapor barrier beneath the flooring. This prevents moisture from building below it.
• Smoother transitions. If you install your WPC in a room abutting an area with different flooring, use a threshold to make the transition. Because the material is so thick, transition strips may not be enough. Thresholds cost $5 to $30 each.
• Pets. WPC can be used in households with pets. It resists scratches from nails and stains from waste or accidents.
• Sustainability. WPC is slightly more sustainable than other vinyl flooring because of its wood core. However, it cannot be recycled and is not considered sustainable.
• Subfloor. If you install WPC in a click-lock installation, you need a perfectly smooth and level subfloor. Otherwise, use a glue-down installation.