How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for laminate flooring installation is $2,997, based on 10,975 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $1,471 and $4,657, with the spread driven by laminate type, room size, and subfloor condition. If you're upgrading to stone or tile laminate or tackling a larger space, costs can climb toward the higher end of that range.

Laminate Flooring Installation Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several key factors shape the final cost of a laminate flooring installation estimate, including material type and thickness, as well as labor and prep work. Below are the costs you'll most likely encounter when a contractor provides a quote for your project.

Laminate Flooring Cost per Square Foot

Laminate flooring installation costs $3 to $13 per square foot on average, with the primary cost driver being the materials, project complexity, and any additional tasks such as subfloor repair. That range reflects labor; for materials alone, expect to pay around $1 to $5 per square foot, though specialized materials or unique patterns push that price higher. Add-ons like scratch-resistant coatings also increase the overall price per square foot. Here's how costs break down by room size:

Type of Laminate Flooring

Common laminate flooring types vary in appearance and material cost, but none are made from real wood, tile, or stone — each type instead mimics the look of those natural materials. The design is printed onto the image layer of the laminate, which is why the aesthetic possibilities are nearly endless. Here's a look at the most common laminate types and their costs for materials only:

Laminate Flooring Thickness

Laminate flooring is available in thicknesses ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters, and the right choice depends on your subfloor condition and underlayment. For most installations, 8 millimeters is a reliable option, provided the subfloor is well-maintained and the flooring is properly installed. Thicker laminate tends to be more durable, but you should also check the AC rating to determine where the flooring can be used and how well it will withstand traffic. Here's how cost varies by thickness:

While thicker flooring tends to be more durable, you should also check the AC rating of the materials. The AC rating indicates how durable the flooring is and gives you a better idea of where you can install it. The rating is a numerical value from AC1 through AC6, with AC1 for moderate residential use and AC6 for heavy commercial use.

Finish

Your flooring finish type will really impact the visual aesthetic of your room. Plus, different finishes are more resistant to daily wear and tear. For example, glossy laminate floors tend to scratch and mark easily so they’re best for low-traffic areas that you regularly clean.

On the other hand, scratches and marks don’t show up as much on semi-matte or matte flooring. These two finish types are also popular for wood laminate flooring since they most closely resemble the appearance of real wood.

Laminate Flooring Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Once you've chosen the type, thickness, and finish of your laminate floors, the next step is budgeting for installation type, labor, and prep costs. These additional factors can meaningfully affect your total project cost and are worth accounting for before you finalize your estimate.

Installation Type

The type of laminate flooring you choose determines the installation method required, and the two main options differ in cost, difficulty, and durability. Click-lock systems are DIY-friendly and faster to install, while glued laminate requires a professional installer but delivers a more durable result. Here's a comparison of both installation types:

Labor

Labor accounts for 20% to 50% of your overall laminate flooring project cost, depending on expertise and job complexity, with professional floor installers charging around $2 to $8 per square foot—a price that includes rolling out and taping down underlayment. Removing carpet and other preexisting flooring adds an average hourly rate of $70. A seasoned pro typically takes a full day to remove 200 square feet of carpeting or flooring, bringing that removal cost to $500 to $600, depending on the hourly rate.

Additional Installation Services

Additional installation services can add meaningfully to your project's total cost, so it's worth planning for them upfront. In most cases, your subfloor won't need repair or replacement, but your installer will flag it if work is required. Some laminate flooring requires underlay and some does not, so check those details carefully when shopping for materials. Here's a breakdown of common additional installation costs:

Why You Should Hire a Laminate Flooring Installer

When hiring a laminate flooring installer near you, labor makes up 20% to 50% of the total project cost, but it can save you time and avoid mistakes. Learning how to install flooring takes practice, which can result in wasted materials if you attempt this project yourself. Hiring a pro will ensure that the project goes smoothly and the flooring is installed properly.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a laminate flooring pro

It takes experience to install a laminate floor the right way, so here's why you should hire a pro:

• They can remove old flooring and dispose of it.

• Professionals can identify issues with the subfloor and make necessary repairs.

• Their experience will make the process of measuring, cutting, and installing the flooring go quickly.

• For an additional cost, they can move your furniture and then return it to its original place.

• A polished, professional installation lasts longer and potentially increases a home's resale value.

If you want to DIY a laminate flooring installation

While it's best to trust a pro with laminate flooring installation, you can make the process easier by taking on some DIYable tasks:

• Move all of the furniture out of the room

• Dispose of old flooring

• Remove nails, staples, or glue from the subfloor

• Take off the baseboards

• Clear a path from the home's entrance to where the flooring will be installed

• Lay down plastic or mats to protect other floors

Pros and Cons of Installing Laminate Flooring 

There are pros and cons to installing laminate flooring in your home. Here’s everything you need to make a final decision, especially if you’re debating installing laminate versus hardwood.

Pros 

• Budget-friendly: Laminate is one of the most inexpensive flooring types, much less expensive than hardwood. Laminate flooring costs around $3–$13 per sq. ft., and hardwood flooring installation costs around $6–$25 per sq. ft.

• Design options: This material has come a long way, so the aesthetic options are nearly infinite. 

• Durable: Laminate can resist scratches, stains, and even impact from items like furniture. 

• Easy to clean and install: Cleaning laminate is less involved than cleaning hardwood. As a bonus, it’s also fairly easy to install. 

Cons 

• Can’t be refinished: Due to the nature of the material, laminate can’t be sanded or refinished like other flooring materials. It must be replaced when damaged. 

• Doesn’t resist moisture: Though laminate is durable, it can succumb to excessive moisture. If left exposed, the material will eventually swell. This makes it a no-go for bathrooms. 

• Noisy: This material is rigid and is typically installed directly on the subfloor. This means it makes a whole lot of noise when people walk over it. 

5 Ways to Save Money on Laminate Flooring Installation Costs

Putting in new flooring, no matter the type, is a costly enterprise. However, there are some ways to help you save money while still ensuring the job gets done right. 

• DIY the small stuff: There are some easy things to do on your own to cut down on that hourly contractor rate. Move furniture to a room that isn’t getting new flooring. Prepare the subfloor by removing glue, nails, and anything else. Remove the baseboards ahead of time. All of this prep work combines to save at least two hours of labor, which is around $140. 

• Remove the old flooring yourself: On a similar note, remove the old flooring yourself to save even more money. This is a relatively simple task. It’s easier to destroy, after all, than to create. Remember to tell your pro you’re doing it yourself and check the final invoice to make sure it wasn’t accidentally tacked on.

• Research, research, research: There’s no such thing as too much research when hiring a flooring contractor. Find a budget-friendly company near you with plenty of positive reviews. 

• Gather many estimates: It’s generally a good idea to gather a few quotes before settling on a contractor. This allows you to comparison shop and puts you in a better position to strike a bargain. Start with three estimates and move on from there.

• Remember the seasons: As previously mentioned, fall is the most expensive time to take on any home improvement project, including floor installations. Prices start dropping after the holidays, right at the end of winter. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.