How much does it cost to install vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a type of durable flooring made from synthetic materials, namely PVC compounds. Vinyl ¹ can mimic a wood or tile floor, for a fraction of the cost, and is similar to linoleum ².

Vinyl flooring ranges from $2-$8 per square foot including the cost of installation. Installing a 200 square foot vinyl floor without stairs costs an average of $800-$1,000.

Pros and cons

Vinyl ¹ flooring is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes, in part due to the variety of finishes and textures that are available. Vinyl can have the appearance of wood or tile, so it’s suitable for any room in the house.

Another benefit to vinyl flooring is the cost. Vinyl flooring can be significantly cheaper than hardwood or tile and it is also easier to install.

However, vinyl, for all of its perks, doesn’t have as long of a lifespan as tile or wood (10-20 years on average), and if you’re trying to be environmentally conscious, vinyl is a product of the petroleum industry.

Cost factors

There are a few elements that contribute to the cost of your vinyl ¹ flooring project.

• Thickness: the top layer of your vinyl flooring is also known as the wear layer. Though there is no pricing “rule,” a thicker wear layer means a higher price for materials. The wear layer is often measured in millimeters or an imperial measurement known as a “mil” (thousandth of an inch). For an area that will have moderate to heavy traffic (or pets), 12-20 mil thickness is recommended.
• Type: your price for materials will vary partially based on the type of flooring you choose. Sheet vinyl, tile, and planks will vary in price. Non-luxury vinyl costs approximately $0.50-$3 per square foot for materials.
• Quality: luxury vinyl is higher quality and more durable than standard vinyl products, and that’s reflected in the price. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) cost $2-$5 per square foot for materials.
• Job complexity: the price of installation will vary based on your material choice and the complexity of the job. Installation is charged by the square foot and ranges from $0.75-$3 per square foot. A more complex job with more angles or an unusual floor layout will generally cost more. Additionally, you will need to plan to purchase a small amount of excess material, particularly if you have patterned vinyl. A 10% increase in materials is recommended.
• Location: job complexity plays a large role in the installation cost, as does location in the house. Stairs are notoriously difficult in terms of installation, so you can expect stairs to fall at the higher end of the installation cost, around $3 per square foot.

Underlayment

Most vinyl ¹ installers will recommend underlayment ³ underneath vinyl flooring, especially if you wish to reduce noise. Otherwise, you don’t really need it. Underlayment will cost approximately $0.50 per square foot. In order to avoid buckling or warps in the vinyl, you’ll want to make sure the underlayment is thin.

Backing

All sheet vinyl ¹ has a backing, and that backing material will make a difference in the installation process. There are two main types of backing: felt and fiberglass ⁴. Felt is the older and more traditional backing, but it’s also more difficult to install. Adhesive needs to be applied, and it’s more difficult to take out later. Felt-backed vinyl is generally not recommended for areas like basements, which can get waterlogged. Additionally, not every contractor has experience with felt-backed vinyl.

Fiberglass vinyl, on the other hand, is much easier to install. It is also easy to replace portions of the floor, and you won’t have issues with buckling and movement. The flip side of that is because felt is more flexible, it can settle and move as your house does. Both types are available at all price points.

Type

There are different forms of vinyl flooring to choose from. Different floor types have different appearances and require different installation procedures, so what you choose will depend on your personal preferences.

Style

Part of what makes vinyl ¹ so versatile and popular is that it can take on the look and feel of natural materials at a fraction of the cost. There are many different styles to choose from, including wood, tile, plain, striped, and kid-friendly designs. Depending on the aesthetic of your room, you can choose the right style to fit. For example, there are many vinyl tiles that mimic classic bath patterns, while others look (and even feel) like hardwood. Prices will vary based on the quality and thickness of the material, not the style.

Labor

Vinyl ¹ flooring is incredibly flexible, but that also means that it needs a completely level subfloor ⁵. Any bumps or uneven spaces can leave your final floor uneven. Part of the installation process is ensuring that the subfloor is completely level. Minor adjustments to the subfloor may be included in the price, but if the necessary work is more labor intensive, it can cost $1 a square foot.

For installation, you’ll want to contact a flooring contractor. Flooring contractors will charge by the square foot ($0.75-$3 per square foot, not including the cost of materials), but if you have a smaller project, you’ll want to check with the contractor to see if there is a minimum service fee. Some vinyl is peel-and stick, while others, like planks, are click-and-lock, and your flooring contractor will make sure that the flooring material is in line and that the patterns line up.

Vinyl flooring in comparison

So how does vinyl ¹ stack up against other floor types? Take a look at vinyl in comparison to common flooring materials.

Brands

Below are some of the most well-known vinyl ¹ flooring brands. Your flooring contractor may recommend certain brands over others, and many of these brands can be found in home improvement stores and construction materials shops.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Vinyl molding and trim

If you are replacing a floor, you don’t necessarily 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, however, you have a lot of 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 will cost $2-$13 per foot depending on style and quality. Installing stair treads may cost more per square foot ($2-$3 per square foot) because the work is much more labor-intensive than a standard floor.

Smoother transitions

Sometimes it’s the details that make a floor look completely 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 can often match the texture and pattern of your floor choice, and the price will vary accordingly. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-$30 for 2-4 feet sections of these transition materials.

Additional considerations and costs

• It is possible to install your own vinyl ¹ flooring; however, professionals are able to do the job easier and faster. If you have the right tools, a vinyl floor could be installed in a weekend. DIYers may encounter difficulties working with complex areas like stairs.
• Vinyl raises a lot of questions for individuals who are environmentally conscious. Vinyl is made from PVC, meaning it’s petroleum-based and not a renewable resource. Recently, however, developments in manufacturing have led PVC to be a #3 recyclable plastic. New developments have also resulted in lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in vinyl flooring produced over the last few years.
• Vinyl decomposes and releases gases, among them hydrogen chloride. In the case of a fire, these gasses can become hazardous to individuals in the house who do not have a self-contained breathing apparatus. Essentially, fumes can prove deadly in a house fire to civilians and firefighters.
• Replacing a floor means that the old floor needs to be removed; the removal of a 200 square foot floor will cost approximately $400.
• One of the perks of having a vinyl floor is that it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. The material is waterproof and can be cleaned easily. Vinyl floors will last about 10-20 years.
• If your floor needs to completely replaced, you may need to temporarily move furniture. Hiring movers will cost about $60 per hour, with a minimum of one hour of work.
• If you’re replacing your floor, you don’t have to pay for brand new trim. The current trim can be removed and replaced after the installation.
• Manufacturers will often have a limited warranty on materials, but also look for contractors who will provide a guarantee on their labor. Many issues that occur with vinyl flooring are a result of faulty installation or an uneven subfloor ⁵.

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

² Linoleum: An inexpensive flooring material made from linseed oil, resins, recycled wood flour, cork dust, limestone and mineral pigments, on a canvas or jute backing.

⁴ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

⁵ Subfloor: The bottom-most layer of a floor, supported by joists, over which finished flooring material is laid