How Much Does It Cost To Install Laminate Flooring?
3 pros!
Most homeowners spend anywhere between $1,500-$5,000 for a full laminate installation.
What Determines The Price Range?
Laminate flooring materials can be measured in square footage for each room to get an idea of the total area that will need work to be done. When determining the cost to install this type of flooring, there are many factors to consider.
Most people tend to confuse hardwood floors with laminate flooring. Laminate floors are actually engineered floors that are designed from pressed wood.
They typically undergo a manufacturing process where wooden blocks are compressed to form distinct panels. The panels are typically laid on top of a foam surface, giving this flooring type its characteristic soft feel and the name “floating floors”. Laminate floors are a durable, cost-effective and convenient option for the home.
Are you ready to start the process? Getting quotes from laminate installers is easy. Obviously, consider professionals with positive reviews if you desire better service. Check your local Angie's List here to start the search for a qualified laminate floor installer.
Still doing your homework? To determine how much you will need to have for a laminate flooring installation, consider the following factors:
Square Footage
In most other floor installations, the bigger the square footage, the larger the cost. However, this does not always hold true for laminate floors. The cost of installing laminate panels can be higher in smaller rooms because the panels will need to be trimmed, reshaped, and strategically installed.
Also, the additional time that this takes can increase labor and installation costs. It is cheaper to install laminate panels in large open rooms because the process will be quick and easy, and the panels will all be of a standard size.
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Laminate Types & Cost
Another factor affecting the cost to install laminate flooring is the type of panels that are used. The panels used will depend on the tree they originate from.
Acacia laminate panels are among the most affordable ($.70-$1.20 per sq. ft.), and walnut panels are on the high end of the price list ($.90 per sq. ft.). Other popular options include Elm ($.70-$1.20 per sq. ft.), Maple ($.70 per sq. ft.) and Oak ($.70 per sq. ft.). Each laminate panel has its own design type and tones that add a unique feel to the home.
Laminate Textures & Finishes
Laminate panels come infused with various textures and finishes that can give the floors an authentic hardwood appearance. These finishes affect the cost to install laminate flooring. Popular textures used include:
Embossed: an embossed look involves an authentic resemblance to hardwood that is infused into the layers of the laminate panels. Embossed texture panels range between $1.79-$3 per sq. ft.)
Handscrapped: laminate panels can also resemble a handscrapped hardwood floor during a special pressing technique carried out in the manufacturing plant. These handscrapped panels can cost between $2.99-$5.99 per sq. ft.
Embossed In Register: This technique adds a feeling of depth and texture to the laminate panel alignment. The cost of this modification is $1.90-$3.99 per sq. ft.
Laminate Installation & Labor Cost
In addition, the costs incurred for purchasing the laminate panels, you should also keep in mind labor and installation for each square foot. This cost can lie anywhere between $2 and $8 per square foot.
Luckily, installing laminate panels tends to be simpler than many other types of floors. Most installers will include the cost of laying foam into their cost structure, and they can charge by the hour or by the scope of the project.
During installation, the underlayment will be set first, after which an adhesive strip will be used to hold everything in place. The laminate panels can then begin to be installed. These panels easily fit into each other by snapping together in a locking mechanism.
Laminate Floor Brands
Selections of laminate floors will depend on the brand. There are many brands to choose from in the market, and this will affect the square foot cost. For example, Shaw panels will cost $1-$2.75 per sq. ft., while Pergo (a popular brand) costs between $2.15-$3.70 per sq. ft.
As a result, there can be noticeable fluctuations in the cost to install laminate flooring, depending on the price.
What Else Should You Consider?
In addition to the main factors mentioned above, it is also important to consider the preparation costs that will go into your floor. This may include removing your old flooring in preparation for the new laminate floor.
Removing an old subflooring may require hiring a carpenter at an average cost of $70 per hour. It should take about a day to complete the removal of the subfloor. A floor of about 200 sq. ft. can cost $400 to have the subfloor removed.
If you are ready to hire be sure to check your local Angie's List here to research the best pro in your area.