In this guide

Vinyl Flooring Prices Per Square Foot

Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of thicknesses, finishes, styles, shapes, and installation methods. For this reason, it has a wide range of costs. At the lowest end, sheet vinyl costs $1 a square foot, while at the highest, you can find luxury vinyl planks for $12 a square foot. Installed, expect to pay between $2 and $14 a square foot, depending on the vinyl type.

Cost of Vinyl Flooring by Type

Vinyl flooring comes in several types, which influences both its appearance and how it is installed. This also impacts your project’s cost in material and installation. Within each type, you can find several variations in terms of thickness, quality, and style:

Vinyl Flooring Sheets Price

Vinyl sheet flooring is one of the least expensive materials for floors. Sheet vinyl comes in rolls or in pre-cut sheets that are 6’ or 12’ wide. Depending on the type, it may be glued down completely or just around the edges. It is seamless, so it is your best choice for wet areas like bathrooms. It costs between $1 and $2 a square foot.

Vinyl Tile Flooring Cost

Vinyl tile or VCT is several layers and designed for durability. Vinyl tiles can be glued down with adhesive backs, or some styles can be click-locked together for a floating floor. Vinyl tiles come in several sizes, patterns, and thicknesses. Thicker tiles are more durable and longer-wearing than thinner tiles and more expensive. Expect to pay between $3 and $5 a square foot.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Prices

Like vinyl tiles, vinyl planks come in several thicknesses, with thicker materials being more expensive but also easier to install. Planks are designed to click together in a floating floor, and very thin planks are hard to install in this manner, which can dramatically increase your installation costs. The planks are water-resistant, good for floating over concrete, and can have a wood grain that appears very natural. They cost between $3 and $7 a square foot.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost

Luxury vinyl tile or LVT is a high-quality vinyl floor. It is thicker than normal vinyl, with embossed patterns and more realistic stone or wood looks. Luxury vinyl has a thicker wear layer on top, typically made of urethane. Your floor will continue to look better for longer, outlasting standard vinyl floors by several years. Luxury vinyl tile costs $5 to $10 a square foot, depending on the size and pattern.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Cost

Luxury vinyl planks are a higher quality vinyl flooring material. This is a thicker plank with a long-wearing top layer. It has a more realistic looking wood-grain appearance that can make your floor look like natural hardwood. It click-locks together in installation and can be floated over any substrate. It costs between $5 and $12 a square foot, depending on the plank’s color, style, and size.

Average Cost of Vinyl Flooring by Type of Backing

All sheet vinyl has a backing, and that backing material changes the installation process. There are two main types of backing: felt and fiberglass. They make an attractive, durable floor, but they change how your floor is installed and how easy it is to remove.

Felt-Backed Vinyl Flooring

Felt is an older, more traditional style of backing. To install it, the adhesive needs to be applied to the entire backside of the sheet. It is then rolled into place with high pressure to smooth out any voids. It is more difficult and time-consuming to install, and more difficult and expensive to remove. Vinyl adhesive grows stronger with age, so the longer the floor is down, the harder it is to get back up. Because of the adhesive, it is not recommended for use below grade, such as in a basement. It costs around $1 to $1.50 a square foot.

Fiberglass-Backed Vinyl Flooring

Fiberglass-backed vinyl is newer, more readily available, and easier to install. It is only glued down around the edges, while the center is left alone. It is faster to install and to remove. It is more prone to buckling in the center because of the lack of adhesive, but it can be used anywhere, including basements, without issue. Expects costs of $1 to $2 a square foot.

Vinyl Floors Price by Production Process

The color or pattern on your vinyl flooring is created in two ways. It can be printed or inlaid through the top coating of the tile. Both provide realistic-looking, high-quality designs, but there are some differences you need to understand to make sure you are getting the right floor.

Printed Vinyl Flooring

Printed vinyl flooring has its color and pattern printed on a layer of paper. This paper is fused to the top layer of the vinyl, below the finishing surface layer. The printing has many varying quality levels, with some providing a better pattern and more realistic appearance than others. Most VCT, sheet vinyl, and some plank vinyl is printed. It costs $1 to $5 a square foot.

Inlaid Vinyl Flooring

Inlaid vinyl flooring is created by pushing granules of color through the top layer of the vinyl. This process gives the floor a lot more detail, depth, and texture than the flatter printed flooring. This is the material in your LVT and luxury plank flooring. It reproduces patterns like wood or stone more accurately. It is more expensive than the printed material at $5 to $12 a square foot.

Vinyl Flooring Prices by Brand

There are many brands and manufacturers for vinyl flooring. Some specialize in one type, while others are known better for a specific pattern or style. Your installer may recommend certain brands over others, mostly for an easier installation. Below are the average costs per square foot for some of the most popular brands.

Cost of Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring

Shaw is a good manufacturer of basic but durable vinyl flooring. They specialize in VCT, but they do make some planks. Their prices are fairly affordable, and their quality is very consistent across their products. Their average costs are between $1 and $6 a square foot.

Armstrong Vinyl Flooring Prices

Whether you want basic vinyl flooring or premium LVT, Armstrong has what you are looking for. They have an exceptionally large range of products, including many colors, sizes, styles, and vinyl types. Their cost ranges reflect this with basic tiles starting at $1 and LVT costing up to $12 a square foot.

Tarkett Vinyl Flooring Prices

Tarkett also makes a wide range of vinyl flooring products. They have a range of VCT and LVT and several types of planks and luxury planks. This includes thicker planks and tiles that are more comfortable to walk on and easier to install. Their materials cost between $1 and $13 a square foot, depending on what you are looking at.

Stainmaster PetProtect Vinyl Flooring Cost

Stainmaster is the brand you want if you have pets or high-traffic flooring. They make a PetProtect floor preventing stains and scratches, and a full range of basic and luxury vinyl tiles and planks. Their high-end products protect the best, but all their materials are good quality and cost between $1 and $15 a square foot.

Mohawk Vinyl Flooring Cost

Mohawk’s range of vinyl flooring is more limited than some of the others. Their floors are more middle of the road in terms of both costs and quality. They do not have the cheapest or thinnest material, and they do not have the most expensive. They have a nice selection of both tiles and planks, costing between $2 and $5 a square foot.

Karndean Vinyl Flooring Cost

Karndean vinyl flooring comes in a number of styles and colors which allow you to fully customize the look of your room. All of their collection is FloorScore certified, so you will not have to worry about VOCs or off-gassing. It comes in thicknesses of 2mm to 6.5mm and is extremely durable, especially when you get into the thicker options. Its pre-attached backing is designed to provide extra sound control as well as additional warmth. When buying Karndean vinyl flooring, you can expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot.

COREtec Vinyl Flooring Cost

COREtec flooring is a good option for those who need extra durability, such as pet-friendly households. It features an innovative floor technology that allows it to remain completely waterproof with large amounts of water. It will not buckle or bubble and is scratch-resistant, even against long pet nails. Its cork backing makes it extremely quiet even in areas of heavy foot traffic. COREtec vinyl flooring will cost between $3 and $5 a square foot.

Mannington Vinyl Flooring Cost

Mannington is a good brand for getting a nice quality floor in a range of styles and colors. They have many specialty, LVT, and plank floors in high thicknesses. Their floors are easy to install and long-wearing. They cost between $4 and $10 a square foot on average.

Cost to Install Vinyl Flooring

In general, vinyl is a fairly easy material to install. This is true whether you are putting down vinyl sheets or vinyl planks, making it a good material for DIY, handymen, or flooring contractors. The exact installation costs typically range between $1 and $2 a square foot for most vinyl floors. However, thin vinyl planks and felt-backed sheet vinyl are both more time-consuming and difficult-to-install, so these have higher installation costs of $3 to $5 a square foot. These materials tend to be cheaper, leading some people to choose them, thinking they are getting a bargain. This is often not the case because installation costs end up eating up any potential savings.

In general, if the floor is of a decent thickness - 4mm or thicker - and it is either click-lock or fiberglass backed, expect to pay $1 - $2 a square foot. If it is adhesive-backed and needs to be rolled, expect to pay $2 - $3 a square foot, and if the material is under 4mm in thickness or needs adhesive applied to it, expect your labor costs to be closer to $3 to $5 a square foot.

For a 200 sq.ft. installation of 5mm thick vinyl plank flooring, expect the installation to be around $400 of the $1,400 total.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Cost

Vinyl plank flooring is easy to install. It can be cut with a utility knife, and it is designed to lock together without adhesive or fasteners, so it goes down fast. The thicker the material, the easier it is to install because the thinner material needs to be forced together. Expect to pay $1 - $2 a square foot for a 4mm or thicker plank floor, but $3 to $5 a square foot for a floor under 4mm in thickness.

Cost to Install VCT Tile

VCT is one of the most common types of vinyl flooring. It can be adhesive-backed, meaning that it is glued to the substrate and rolled, or it can be click-locked together for a floating floor, depending on the manufacturer. Most VCT is easy to install, although if you choose a thinner tile and create a floating floor, your installation costs will be higher. Otherwise, expect to pay $1 to $2 a square foot for a basic installation or $3 to $5 a square foot for thinner tiles or a tile glued down, but not adhesive backed.

Cost to Install Click Lock Vinyl Flooring

Click lock vinyl flooring costs between $2 and $5 per square foot to install. This vinyl flooring comes in planks that interlock on the sides and top before being laid flush with the floor.

It can be one of the easier types of flooring to install as it often requires no adhesive but will require a smooth subfloor. Sometimes it is even referred to as a floating vinyl plank flooring. It hovers above the surface of the actual subfloor instead of being attached to it.

Vinyl floating floor is often chosen for its ease of replacement. Instead of tearing up the entire section of floor and removing adhesive, you can simply cut out the bad or damaged planks and replace them. Vinyl click lock flooring is extremely durable and stands up to significant wear and tear even in high traffic areas.

Average Cost of Vinyl Flooring by Core Type

A popular type of vinyl flooring for those looking for greater stability is Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring. A popular type of vinyl flooring for those looking for greater stability is Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring. Rigid cores are found in luxury vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl planks. This feature provides this type of flooring with extra stability and durability not found in other vinyl flooring options. This additional layer increases the cost but appeals to many homeowners because it is easy to maintain. 

Rigid Core Vinyl has a solid plank in the center, creating a more solid and wood-like feel. It is becoming a go-to for many homeowners because of the variety of textures, styles, and colors available. It mimics the look of both vinyl and hardwood. It is more sturdy to walk on but better cushioned, allowing for better comfort and a quieter sound.

Rigid core vinyl is a popular option in both residential and commercial use. The durable, rigid core vinyl provides many benefits, such as effortless cleaning and maintenance. It is 100% waterproof, preventing any damage from moisture or humidity.

You will find two primary types of rigid vinyl flooring on the market: WPC and SPC, ranging from $3 to $7, depending on the type. Below you will see the cost difference between the two when looking at materials only.

WPC Vinyl Flooring Cost

WPC vinyl flooring runs between $3 and $6.50 per sq. ft. for materials only. WPC has a vinyl surface with a wood-plastic composite core. The core is solid and waterproof and won’t run the risk of rippling or warping. The vinyl layer comes in a wide range of designs and is covered by a wear layer that protects it against scuffs and scratches. WPC is dense and ideal for uneven subfloors.

SPC Vinyl Flooring Price

SPC vinyl flooring is slightly more costly than WPC, running between $3.50 and $7 per sq. ft. It is most often used by homeowners looking to mimic the look of natural wood or stone at a much lower price tag. It is highly durable, which makes it ideal for both high traffic areas and commercial flooring. The stone plastic composite core is virtually indestructible, allowing it to stand the test of time.

Vinyl Flooring Cost by Style

Vinyl is so versatile and popular because it can take on the look and feel of natural materials at a fraction of the cost. You can expect to pay anywhere between $2 and $14 per sq. ft. to have vinyl flooring installed, depending on the style you choose.There are many different styles to choose from, including wood, plain, striped, and stone-look. Depending on the aesthetic of your room, you can choose the right style to fit. For example, many vinyl tiles mimic classic bath patterns, while others look like hardwood.

Marble Effect Vinyl Flooring

For many people, a classic marble floor is what they are looking for in their kitchen or formal living area, but sometimes it can be cost-prohibitive. For between $2 and $4 per sq. ft., you can achieve the same marbled look at a fraction of the cost. Not only is marble vinyl less costly but also more durable, being able to stand up to regular wear in high traffic areas. The unique veining pattern of marble and various color patterns make it popular no matter what type of decor you have in your home.

Stone Effect Vinyl Flooring

Stone effect vinyl flooring is a popular choice for mudrooms and areas that see a high moisture level. Stone effect vinyl flooring runs anywhere from $2 to $8 per sq. ft., depending on the type of stone you are looking to mimic. In the past, homeowners could only get the unique look of stone by purchasing porcelain or ceramic tiles. Vinyl stone effect flooring can now give them the realistic stone look at a fraction of the cost. Stone vinyl flooring is both stylish and versatile, with the ability to work in any room. While there are several stone effect options, two of the most popular include limestone, a beautiful natural pattern, and travertine, similar to stone you would find in older architecture, such as castles.

Wood Look Vinyl Flooring Cost

You can expect to pay anywhere between $3 and $12 per sq. ft. to have wood look vinyl flooring installed, depending on the brand and the pattern. The parquet effect vinyl flooring is the perfect addition to dens, kitchens, and patios. It provides a floor that looks like real wood without the more difficult and expensive maintenance that comes with a hardwood floor. You can choose from different grain patterns and wood colors, allowing you to better match it to furniture.

Slate Effect Vinyl Flooring

Slate vinyl flooring will run between $3 and $5 per square foot. It is ideal for contemporary decor as it creates a sharp look. You can choose from a wide range of color options, with one of the most popular color trends being a dark chalkboard. This type of vinyl is ideal for outdoor patio spaces and kitchens where you want to achieve the look of natural stone without the hefty price tag.

Metallic Look Vinyl Flooring

Those looking for a unique or futuristic appearance to their flooring should consider metallic look vinyl. This flooring type runs between $3 and $9 per square foot and is the perfect way to add some shimmer into any room. The styles are not simple metal colors like gold, bronze, and silver. Instead, they have the appearance of a wood or stone with extra sheen and shimmer. Metallic look vinyl flooring is a growing trend and is most often seen in bathrooms, home theaters, and living spaces.

Herringbone Pattern Vinyl Flooring

Herringbone pattern vinyl flooring provides an updated look to any room in your house, for the moderate price of $4 to $6.50 per sq. ft. with installation. The pattern provides a clean look with fresh modern lines that draw your eye to different room focal points. It is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor living areas and mimics the look of tile or wood, depending on the color you choose.

Geometric Pattern Vinyl Flooring

Geometric pattern flooring runs the same as other types of patterned vinyl. The cost runs between $5 and $8 installed. The cost largely depends on the style, brand, and pattern. Hexagon pattern vinyl flooring and other geometric shape patterns have been trending for a while in tile and carpet flooring and are now making their way into vinyl. The unique look created by the shapes creates a modern and sophisticated look in any room.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Patterns

Patterned vinyl plank flooring runs more expensive than some styles and is popular in kitchens. Kitchen vinyl flooring cost using vinyl plank flooring patterns runs between $5 and $8 per sq. ft. installed. Patterned flooring is a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas where you want the floor to be the room's focal point. You can choose from various patterns, which makes it easy to fit into any decor.

Cost to Replace Vinyl Flooring

If you have an existing vinyl floor and want to replace it with something newer, your old flooring needs to be removed first. If this is a floating floor or fiberglass-backed floor, expect to pay roughly $1 - $2 a square foot extra in material removal costs.

If you have an old adhesive vinyl floor, either felt-backed sheet vinyl or a glued-down vinyl tile, be prepared for a few things. One, glued-down tiles from before the 1980s may contain asbestos. If your floors are dark in color or the adhesive is black, it is more likely to contain asbestos. It needs to be tested before removal.

In addition, vinyl adhesive grows stronger with age. The longer the floor has been down, the harder it is to get it back up. Sometimes, special equipment is needed, and often the subfloor has to be repaired after the vinyl is up. If this is the case, a new subfloor costs around $1,500. Expect costs closer to $5 to $10 a square foot to get up a very old vinyl floor, and your costs may go even higher if asbestos is present.

Vinyl Flooring Underlayment

Some vinyl installers recommend underlayment beneath vinyl flooring, especially if you want to reduce noise, and you are using a thinner vinyl. Thicker vinyl floors do not require an underlayment, especially when floating them. Underlayments are designed to make the floor comfortable to walk on, reduce echoes, and the subfloor’s feel underneath. Underlayment costs approximately $0.50 per square foot. To avoid buckling or warps in the vinyl, use a thin underlayment.​

Vinyl Floors Pros and Cons

Vinyl flooring is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes, due to the various finishes and textures available. Vinyl can have the appearance of wood or tile, so it is suitable for any room in the house.

Another benefit to vinyl flooring is the cost. Vinyl flooring is significantly cheaper than hardwood or tile and easier to install. Vinyl is low-maintenance, does not require special cleaners, and is water-resistant.

Vinyl does not last as long as tile or wood (10-20 years on average), and if you are trying to be environmentally conscious, remember vinyl is a product of the petroleum industry.

Outdoor Vinyl Flooring

Most vinyl flooring is designed for indoor use, but due to its water resistance, most can be used outdoors as well. It is important to check your flooring, though, to see if it is only rated for indoor use, as the warranty may be void if you use those specific types outdoors.

Some vinyl flooring options are designed specifically for outdoor use, such as composite wood-look decking. This is a great option for outdoor vinyl flooring for decks as it is easier to maintain than real wood and offers some resistance to fire.

For vinyl flooring for the outside patio or balcony, you can use either indoor or outdoor vinyl siding. But if using interior vinyl flooring for an outdoor porch or any exterior flooring, it is recommended to go with 100% water-resistant WPC or SPC. You may also want to consider click plank vinyl flooring as it can be taken apart, washed, and replaced if needed since outdoor areas experience more wear and tear from exposure to the elements.

Cost to Replace Carpet with Vinyl

If you have carpet in your home, you may want to consider replacing it with one of the many vinyl flooring options. Carpet is not ideal for many homes and rooms because it does not stand up to much wear and tear. More plush carpets become worn down, making tracks in high traffic areas. It can be challenging to completely remove stains, especially those made by pets. Carpet can be problematic when water damage occurs since it is absorbent. Major water damage on the carpet can lead to mold and mildew and will likely have to be thrown away.

Vinyl flooring provides you with not only a more modern look than carpet, but it can stand up to stains, water, and high traffic. If you are looking to replace your current carpet with vinyl flooring, you can expect to pay between $1 and $1.50 per sq. ft. to have your carpet removed and $1 to $2 per sq. ft. to install the vinyl flooring. If you are replacing your carpet due to water damage, you may need to have the area inspected for mold before replacing it, which can cost $500 on average.

Preparing Subfloor for Vinyl Flooring

Before installing your vinyl tile, your professional will prep your floor so that the vinyl will be smooth, adhere well, and look like you envisioned. When installing vinyl flooring, your professional will start with either a concrete or wood subfloor. The first step with both types of subfloors is checking for moisture.

If installing vinyl over concrete, the installer will thoroughly clean the floor and check to ensure it is level. If there are low spots, they will fill them in and sand them down so they are smooth. They will then remove any debris to make sure they are starting with a clean/dry floor.

If you have a wood subfloor, the installer will likely check to see if it is level or needs repairs. In some cases, they may install ¼” of plywood over the area to allow you to start with a smooth, even surface. Once any repairs are made, they will thoroughly clean the area and completely dry before installing the new floor.

How to Measure for Vinyl Flooring

To measure your floor and determine how much vinyl flooring you will need involves determining the square footage of your area and including any extra spaces, such as closets. It may be easiest to start by breaking the area down into smaller square or rectangular sections if the space is large or has different angles. This is also a good practice if you need to measure closets or hallway areas.

Once you have your sections, take the length and width of the section and multiply them together. Since you will measure in inches, the result will be the total number of square inches.

To get square feet, you will need to take the final number and divide it by 144. Once you have done this for all sections, add them together and round up to the nearest whole number. Take that number and multiply it by 1.10. This will give you the amount of square footage you need for space, taking into account 10% waste.

Vinyl Flooring Installation Process

When you hire a professional to install your vinyl flooring, they will start by preparing the subfloor, making sure that it is in good condition, flat, smooth, clean, and free of moisture. They will remove the baseboards in the room to get the flooring from edge to edge. Next, they will lay out the vinyl and mark the areas where it needs to be cut.

They will then apply the adhesive and each plank starting at one end of the room until they reach the other, cutting the final piece to fit if necessary. If spacers were used at the edge of the room, they would be removed, and the baseboards will be replaced. They will clean the floor to remove any dust and debris from the installation process.

If you are installing flooring in multiple rooms or against different flooring types, your professional may need to add additional details to finish the look.

Sometimes, the details make a floor look finished. That means smoother transitions like door thresholds, flush stair noses, transition strips, t-molding, and quarter-round molding. These are sold in two to four foot lengths and are cut to fit. These accessories often match your floor’s texture and pattern, and the price varies accordingly. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $30 for two to four foot sections of these transition materials.

Vinyl Flooring Thresholds

When vinyl flooring is installed, it will go to the wall edges and most often be covered by a baseboard. When the flooring comes to an exterior opening, such as a doorway, a threshold will be created to provide a smooth transition between the two rooms.

When choosing a threshold to connect your vinyl flooring to another room, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $60. The variation in cost is due to the wide range of materials and the type of threshold you need, depending on the flooring being connected to on the other side. In most cases, you will spend between $25 and $35 for thresholds.

You can choose from several materials for your threshold, such as vinyl, aluminum, wood, tile, and even marble. In most cases, you will choose one that matches the material on one side of the floor, unless you want the piece to act as an accent.

If you have rooms that join or areas where the vinyl flooring is higher than the flooring in the adjacent room, you will want to consider installing a reducer, making a transition to the new level of flooring smoother. On average, you can expect to spend $20 to $30 for a strip of reducer, though they can run as low as $10 and as high as $50.

Thresholds improve the look of the flooring, making a smooth transition from room to room, and create a better seal on exterior doors. This can help to maintain the temperature in the home as well as keep pests out.

Vinyl Flooring Maintenance

Vinyl flooring maintenance improves the look of your flooring and helps extend the life of it. Start by keeping dirt and debris off your floors as much as possible through regular sweeping and dusting. You should also address any spills immediately after they occur, ensuring that the area is thoroughly dried. While you can use gentle cleansers on your floors, one of the best methods is using an apple cider vinegar mixture. Mix a cup of the vinegar with a gallon of water and gently scrub the surface. If you have stubborn dirt or grease, dishwashing liquid can be added to remove it.

VCT maintenance requires cleaning with a neutral cleaning product using a mop to prevent damage to the sealer or wax. If you notice any damaged pieces, consider replacing them immediately.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) require the same maintenance as other types of flooring. LVT flooring maintenance and LVP maintenance simply require regular sweeping and mopping lengthwise along the planks following a zigzag pattern. Make sure to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and accidents. You should also avoid anything that can scratch the floors, such as long pet nails and furniture with rough footing.

Vinyl vs Linoleum Flooring

It can be difficult to tell vinyl and linoleum floors apart, particularly in tile form with solid colors. Linoleum is a natural material made with limestone dust, linseed oil, and a jute backing. The color goes right through, and you can make repairs with a leftover piece of tile and glue. It tends to be in mostly solid colors, and it is incredibly long-lasting, with some floors lasting 50 to 100 years.

Vinyl is a petroleum plastic containing PVC. The color is on top, and the material is made in layers. If it is cut or damaged, it cannot be repaired. It comes in many more styles and appearances than linoleum. It lasts 10 to 20 years on average.

Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring

If you are installing plank flooring and want the look of wood, the closest competitor to plank vinyl is laminate flooring. Both are made of layers and designed to be easy-install floating floors. They cost about the same.

The biggest difference between the two is that vinyl is water-resistant, while laminate is not. Vinyl can be installed in wet areas and below grade, but laminate swells and warps when installed in these areas.

Vinyl vs Hardwood Flooring

If you want the look of wood, consider hardwood flooring as well as vinyl plank flooring. Hardwood flooring is a beautiful, natural material that increases the value of your home. It is more costly than vinyl at an average of $12 to $20 a square foot installed compared with $1 to $12 for vinyl. Installation is also more difficult with hardwood, but it is much longer-lasting, with some wood floors lasting 100 years or more.

Cost of Vinyl Plank Flooring vs Carpet

Like vinyl, carpeting has a very wide range of associated costs. There are many materials, colors, and styles of carpet to choose from. For mid-grade carpet installation, costs are less than vinyl at around $1,216, vs $1,400 for vinyl. Carpet is warm and soft underfoot. But while carpet can only look like carpet, vinyl can mimic other materials as an option. Vinyl is water-resistant and easier-to-clean than carpet.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Vinyl Molding and Trim

If you are replacing a floor, you do not have to get new trim or molding. The preexisting molding and trim can be put back in place after the flooring is installed. If you want new molding, you have many options. Vinyl 1 trim and molding costs $1-$8 per foot and is purchased in 6-8 foot lengths.

Stair Treads

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider stair treads. Treads are sold in 2-4 foot lengths and cost $2-$13 per foot, depending on the style and quality. Installing stair treads may cost more per square foot ($2-$3 per square foot) because the work is more labor-intensive than a standard floor.

Smoother Transitions

Sometimes, the details make a floor look finished. That means smoother transitions like door thresholds, flush stair noses, transition strips, t-molding, and quarter-round molding. These are sold in 2-4 foot lengths and are cut to fit. These accessories often match your floor’s texture and pattern, and the price varies accordingly. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-$30 for 2-4 foot sections of these transition materials.

Grouted Vinyl Tile

If you want vinyl tile in a bathroom or other wet area, be aware of the seams. Water can get between them and cause problems with the subfloor. For this reason, you may want to choose grouted vinyl tile, which has a shallow grout joint. Acrylic grout is floated into the joint so that it looks more like a traditional tile floor. This material costs around $3 - $5 a square foot.

Radiant Floor Heating

Any time you install a new floor, consider adding radiant floor heating. Both electric and hydronic radiant heat can be installed with vinyl flooring. They make the floor feel much warmer and more comfortable under your feet while reducing your heating bills. The average cost of installing radiant floor heating is around $28,000.

Vinyl Vapor Barrier

While concrete may seem solid, it is actually porous and prone to moisture. So if you are planning an install on a concrete subfloor that is in an area that sees higher moisture and humidity, a vapor barrier under plank flooring may be advisable. You can expect pay anywhere between $0.15-$.0.40 per square foot for vapor barrier material. Without the moisture barrier you may have problems with adhesion, causing the flooring to buckle, lift up, or bubble. Even if the moisture does not damage the vinyl, the damage to the adhesive may be enough to render the planks useless if they get too much moisture.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others