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 planks for $12 a square foot. Installed, expect to pay between $2 and $14 a square foot, depending on the type.
| Size | Average Cost (Material Only) |
|---|
| 100 sq.ft. | $100 - $1,200 |
| 200 sq.ft. | $200 - $2,400 |
| 300 sq.ft. | $300 - $3,600 |
| 500 sq.ft. | $500 - $6,000 |
| 1,000 sq.ft. | $1,000 - $12,000 |
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. The lowest cost option is sheet, which is made of large pieces that come in rolls or large sheets. The most expensive is luxury - thicker flooring that has a more realistic-looking texture and appearance, which is more comfortable underfoot and long-lasting. It has different options for color, style, and installation, impacting your total costs. Below are the average costs for different flooring types.
| Type | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Sheet | $1 - $2 |
| VCT | $1 - $4 |
| LVT | $1.50 - $10 |
| LVP | $1.50 - $10 |
| Plank | $2 - $7 |
Vinyl Flooring Sheets Price
The cost of vinyl sheet flooring is $1 to $2 a square foot. It is one of the least expensive materials for floors. It 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.
Vinyl Composite Tile Flooring Cost
VCT costs between $1 and $4 a square foot for the material. VCT is made up of several layers and designed for durability. Tiles can be glued down with adhesive backs, or some styles can be click-locked together for a floating floor. These tiles come in several sizes, patterns, and thicknesses. Thicker tiles are more durable and longer-wearing than thinner tiles and more expensive.
Luxury Vinyl Tile Cost
The cost of LVT averages $1.50 to $10 a square foot. LVT is a high-quality floor. It is thicker than normal vinyl, with embossed patterns and more realistic stone or wood looks. It has a thicker wear layer on top, typically made of urethane. Your floor will continue to look better for longer, outlasting standard floors by several years.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Cost
The cost of LVP ranges from $1.50 to $10 a square foot for the material. It is a higher-quality 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.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Prices
The cost of vinyl plank flooring is $2 to $7 a square foot. These planks may start out thicker in many cases than LVP, meaning they can have a higher starting cost. However, they tend not to have as many styles or options, accounting for their lower upper-cost range. Like tiles, 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.
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.
| Backing | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Felt | $1 - $1.50 |
| Fiberglass | $1 - $2 |
Felt-Backed
Felt is an older, more traditional style of backing. It costs around $1 to $1.50 a square foot. 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. The 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.
Fiberglass-Backed
Fiberglass-backed vinyl costs $1 to $2 a square foot. It 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.
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.
| Type | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Material Only) |
|---|
| Printed | $1 - $5 |
| Inlaid | $5 - $12 |
Printed
On average, printed vinyl costs $1 to $5 a square foot. It has its color and pattern printed on a layer of paper. This paper is fused to the top layer, 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, and some plank flooring is printed.
Inlaid
Inlaid vinyl is created by pushing granules of color through the top layer. It is more expensive than the printed material at $5 to $12 a square foot. 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.
Average Cost of Vinyl Flooring by Core Type
Luxury and standard planks can be made of solid vinyl all the way through. But luxury vinyl may also have different cores, impacting how the flooring feels and performs long term. These can include a stone polymer core (SPC) and a wood polymer core (WPC). In each case, a different material is mixed with the vinyl to change the way that the plank reacts. For example, wood polymer core planks are softer and springier underfoot. Stone polymer core planks are harder underfoot but are much more durable. The appearance of the material will not change, however, because it is only the center of the flooring that is impacted.
Having a different core to your vinyl can impact its cost, feel, and durability. Below are the average costs for SPC and WPC flooring.
| Type | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Materials Only) |
|---|
| SPC | $3.50 - $7.00 |
| WPC | $4 - $12 |
SPC Vinyl Flooring Price
SPC 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.
WPC Vinyl Flooring Cost
WPC flooring runs between $4 and $12 per sq. ft. for materials only. WPC has a vinyl surface with a wood-plastic composite core. The core is solid, durable, and waterproof and won’t run the risk of rippling or warping. The 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.
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.
| Brand | Average Cost per Sq.Ft. (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Shaw | $1 - $6 |
| Armstrong | $1 - $12 |
| Tarkett | $1 - $13 |
| Stainmaster | $1 - $15 |
| Mohawk | $2 - $5 |
| Karndean | $2 - $6 |
| COREtec | $3 - $5 |
| Mannington | $4 - $10 |
Cost of Shaw Vinyl Plank Flooring
Shaw costs range between $1 and $6 a square foot. It is a good manufacturer of basic but durable 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.
Armstrong Vinyl Flooring Prices
Armstrong cost ranges reflect this with basic tiles starting at $1 and LVT costing up to $12 a square foot. Whether you want basic 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 types.
Tarkett Vinyl Flooring Prices
Tarkett flooring costs between $1 and $13 a square foot, depending on what you are looking at. They make a wide range of 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.
Stainmaster PetProtect Vinyl Flooring Cost
Stainmaster costs between $1 and $15 a square foot. This 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 tiles and planks. Their high-end products protect the best, and all their materials are good quality.
Mohawk Vinyl Flooring Cost
Mohawk’s range is more limited than some of the others. It costs between $2 and $5 a square foot for both tiles and plank flooring. 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.
Karndean Vinyl Flooring Cost
When buying Karndean flooring, you can expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot. Karndean 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 2 mm to 6.5 mm 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.
COREtec Vinyl Flooring Cost
COREtec will cost between $3 and $5 a square foot. COREtec 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.
Mannington Vinyl Flooring Cost
Mannington cost between $4 and $10 a square foot on average. This 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.
Cost to Install Vinyl Flooring
In general, vinyl is a fairly easy material to install. This is true whether you are putting down sheets or planks, making it a good material for DIY, handymen, or flooring contractors. The exact installation costs typically range between $1 and $6 a square foot, depending on the type and how it is installed. Different styles may be installed differently, impacting the total costs. In addition, thin planks and felt-backed sheet vinyl are both more time-consuming and difficult-to-install. 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.
Below are the average costs to install vinyl flooring based on the type and average costs for the material installed.
| Material | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Labor Only) | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Total) |
|---|
| Sheet | $2 - $5 | $3 - $7 |
| VCT | $2 - $5 | $3 - $9 |
| Plank | $1 - $4 | $3 - $11 |
| LVT | $1.50 - $6 | $3 - $16 |
| LVP | $1.50 - $6 | $3 - $16 |
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 floors 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 tiles mimic classic bath patterns, while others look like hardwood.
| Style | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Marble Effect | $2 - $4 |
| Stone Effect | $2 - $8 |
| Slate Effect | $3 - $5 |
| Metallic Look | $3 - $9 |
| Wood Look | $3 - $12 |
| Herringbone Pattern | $4 - $6.50 |
| Geometric Pattern | $5 - $8 |
| Plank Pattern | $5 - $8 |
Marble Effect
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 it 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
Stone effect flooring is a popular choice for mudrooms and areas that see a high moisture level. It 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. The stone effect can now give them the realistic stone look at a fraction of the cost. This parttern 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 looking flooring installed, depending on the brand and the pattern. The parquet effect 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
Slate effect 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 is ideal for outdoor patio spaces and kitchens where you want to achieve the look of natural stone without the hefty price tag.
Those looking for a unique or futuristic appearance to their flooring should consider metallic look flooring. This 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 looking flooring is a growing trend and is most often seen in bathrooms, home theaters, and living spaces.
Herringbone Pattern
Herringbone pattern 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
Geometric pattern flooring runs the same as other types of patterned flooring. The cost runs between $5 and $8 installed. The cost largely depends on the style, brand, and pattern. Hexagon 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 plank flooring runs more expensive than some styles and is popular in kitchens. Kitchen flooring cost using plank patterns runs between $5 and $8 per sq. ft. installed. It 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 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, the adhesive used these floors 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 floor 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 floor, and your costs may go even higher if asbestos is present.
Vinyl Flooring Underlayment
Some flooring installers recommend underlayment beneath the floor, especially if you want to reduce noise, and you are using a thinner vinyl. Thicker floors do not require an underlayment, especially when floating them. Underlayments are designed to make the floor comfortable to walk on, reduce echoes, improve structural stability, and the subfloor’s feel underneath. Underlayment costs approximately $0.50 per square foot. To avoid buckling or warps, use a thin underlayment.
Pros and Cons
Vinyl floors are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes, due to the various finishes and textures available. They can have the appearance of wood or tile, so it is suitable for any room in the house.
Another benefit is the cost. It is significantly cheaper than hardwood or tile and easier to install. This material 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. Moreover, this material is also hard to remove as the adhesive hardens, making the glue difficult to remove.
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 floors, 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 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 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 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 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 you are installing it 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 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 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.
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. As Apartment Therapy states, 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.
LVT and LVP flooring 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 when looking at VCT and vinyl. Otherwise, they can be very different from another, particularly when considering many of the newer types, such as LVT and LVP.
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. While VCT can look similar to linoleum, it also differs in that VCT is porous, while linoleum is not. Therefore, VCT must be waxed regularly to help prevent staining. Other vinyl types are naturally stain-resistant and do not require the same amount of care.
There can be a lot of overlap in costs between the two. Linoleum is not available in as large a range of materials as vinyl, so there can be some that is much cheaper and some that is much more expensive. Below are the average costs to install 200 sq.ft. of each material.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $600 - $2,000 |
| Linoleum | $800 - $1,200 |
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.
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.
Laminate is made up of many layers of fibrous material laminated together, while vinyl is made up of many layers of plastics. This makes vinyl a little more durable. Both come in several colors, styles, and textures. Of the two, laminate tends to be slightly more expensive, although it can also be longer-lasting when properly cared for. Vinyl is less likely to scratch, dent, and unlikely to warp. Laminate scratches and dents, so more care needs to be taken to reach its maximum lifespan.
Below are the average costs to install 200 sq.ft. of each.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $600 - $2,000 |
| Laminate | $1,500 - $3,500 |
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. Hardwood floors come in many different styles, textures, colors, and wood species. Some are designed to be used above grade only, while others may be installed below grade and in damp areas. Vinyl can be installed anywhere without worrying about moisture.
Hardwood floors are generally longer-lasting than vinyl and can be refinished. Vinyl requires less care but lasts a fraction of the time as hardwood and does not improve the value of your home in the same way. Most vinyl plank flooring and LVP are designed to mimic the look of wood flooring but at a much lower cost. Below are the average costs to install 200 sq.ft. of each material.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $600 - $2,000 |
| Hardwood | $2,800 - $6,400 |
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. This can include natural fibers like wool and some materials that can be resistant to moisture, such as polyester or olefin. Carpet is warm and soft underfoot. But while carpet can only look like carpet, vinyl can mimic other materials as an option. Both materials have similar lifespans, although some fibers like wool may last longer with proper care.
Carpet is generally higher in maintenance than vinyl, although this varies depending on the fiber. Some fibers, such as nylon, require regular steam cleaning to look their best, while vinyl only needs to be swept and mopped as needed.
Both have a wide range of total costs, depending on the material and style. Of the two, vinyl tends to be less expensive, but there can be a lot of overlap between the two. Below are the average costs for installing 200 sq.ft. of each material.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $600 - $2,000 |
| Carpet | $980 - $1,680 |
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. Trim and molding costs between $1 and $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 from $2 to $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 to $30 for 2-4 foot sections of these transition materials.
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 to install vinyl flooring 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 to pay anywhere between $0.15 and $.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 th material, the damage to the adhesive may be enough to render the planks useless if they get too much moisture.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY. It is possible to install your own vinyl flooring, but professionals do the job easier and faster. If you have the right tools, this floor could be installed in a weekend. DIYers may encounter difficulties working with complex areas like stairs.
- Environment. Vinyl raises a lot of questions for environmentally conscious individuals. It is made from PVC, meaning it is petroleum-based and not a renewable resource. Recently, 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.
- Hazard gasses. This material 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.
- Temporary furniture removal. If your floor needs to be replaced, you may need to temporarily move furniture. Hiring movers costs about $60 per hour, with a minimum of one hour of work.
- Trim. When replacing your floor, you do not have to pay for new trim. The current trim can be removed and replaced after the installation.
- Warranty. Manufacturers often have a limited warranty on materials, but look for contractors who guarantee their labor. Many issues that occur with vinyl flooring are a result of faulty installation or an uneven subfloor.
- Location. Job complexity and location play a large role in the installation cost. Stairs are notoriously difficult to install, so expect stairs to fall at the higher end of the installation cost, around $3 per square foot.
FAQs
- What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
The main difference between vinyl and laminate flooring is the makeup of the material. Vinyl 1 floors are made from PVC resin, a byproduct of the petroleum industry. Laminate floors are made from wood byproduct and fiber board.
- Do you need an underlay for vinyl flooring?
Not necessarily. Some types comes with underlayment 2 already built in, so you don’t need anything additional. Underlayment can help reduce noise.
- Is vinyl flooring durable?
It is a durable product, but has a shorter lifespan than some other types of flooring. Vinyl floors last 10 - 20 years, depending on use.
- What is a good thickness for vinyl plank flooring?
The “wear layer” is the part that needs to be measured. Professionals recommend a wear layer of at least 12 mil, but if you have pets or children, a wear layer thickness of 20 mm is more desirable.
- What is the average price for vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring costs $2 to $8 per square foot, including installation.
- How much does it cost to install vinyl flooring per square foot?
The price of installation varies depending on the style of vinyl flooring and your particular floor layout. This ranges from $0.75 to $3 per square foot for installation, not including the price of materials.
- Is vinyl flooring expensive?
Vinyl flooring is generally considered to be one of the least expensive floor types. A 200 square foot floor will cost $600 to $2,000 for materials and installation.
- How long do vinyl floors last?
These floors last 10-20 years on average.
- How much is vinyl flooring installation?
Installation costs $0.75 to $3 per square foot, not including the price of materials.
- How do you lay down vinyl flooring?
While the specifics vary depending on the style of vinyl flooring you choose, the method is similar. The subfloor should be clean and level, and each piece of flooring, be it planks or sheets, are carefully laid on the subfloor. Peel-and-stick flooring has a peel-away adhesive, and planks lock together. Trim and molding are put in place at the end.
- What do you need to install vinyl plank flooring?
If you’re installing plank flooring yourself, you’ll need chalk lines, a utility knife, a level, and equipment to level the floor (sander or self-leveler).
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