How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost in Chicago? [2026 Data]

Installing new flooring costs an average of $3,142 in Chicago, Illinois. Most homeowners spend $1,668 to $4,711 on flooring installation and replacement projects, recouping up to 120% return on investment (ROI) when they sell their homes. From classic brownstones in Lincoln Park to modern West Loop lofts, a tasteful flooring upgrade also means choosing materials that can withstand the weather conditions in the Windy City.

Flooring Installation Cost Factors 

The type of flooring to be installed and design considerations factor greatly into the cost of installing flooring in Chicago, Illinois. Additional variables like furniture removal, subfloor repair, and architectural diversity further impact how much you can expect to pay. 

Room Size

New flooring in Chicago costs an average of $10 to $18 per square foot, so the larger the project, the higher the installation cost will be. 

You may receive a discount on the rate per square foot for larger projects, while some companies may charge a higher flooring cost per square foot for small jobs to meet their minimum project cost requirements.

Flooring Type

The price of your new flooring depends heavily on the type of material you choose. Generally speaking, natural materials are pricier, while synthetic materials are more affordable. For instance, midrange hardwood flooring costs between $8 and $14 per square foot, while linoleum flooring costs $3 to $12 per square foot.

Of course, the type of flooring material that’s best for your home depends on the area you’re putting it in, the amount of traffic it gets, whether you have kids or pets running around, your local weather and climate, and your aesthetic. 

Moving Furniture

The flooring installation company may charge an additional rate of $60 to $150 per hour to remove furniture from the room or home before installing the floors. Save money on your flooring installation costs by moving furniture and other objects prior to the project’s start date.

Removing Old Flooring

Removing old flooring costs $2 to $6 per square foot, depending on the type of floor and how it was installed. For example, tile removal costs can range from $3 to $6 per square foot, while removing carpet that is nailed or stapled to the floor costs around $1 to $1.50 per square foot.

Subflooring 

Subflooring replacement costs $3 to $10 per square foot. Subfloors help support your flooring, whether you choose carpet, tile, or hardwood. You need this base layer to be in good condition, so if your subfloors are too weak or have water damage, you’ll need to repair or replace them before installing new flooring.

Underlayment

If your floor type needs underlayment, it will add $0.50 to $5 per square foot to the flooring installation cost. Not all floors need underlayment, but you likely need it if you install carpet or laminate flooring.

Stairs

Installing flooring on stairs costs an average of $15 to $50 per step in Chicago, depending on the type of flooring you choose. The cost of adding carpet to stairs falls on the lower end of the scale because it’s easier to install over the curves and ridges of steps than a rigid material like hardwood, which may cost up to $250 per step due to the complexity of installation and the higher cost of the material.

Mold Remediation

If your flooring pro detects mold, removal is crucial before laying down new flooring. Mold remediation costs $10 to $25 per square foot. If a flood or leaky plumbing left mold or water damage under the flooring, you’ll need to factor in the additional costs for a local mold removal service to keep your family safe.

Finishes 

Finishes, like polyurethane, urethane, or wax, cost $1 to $8 per square foot. Consider adding a finish to hardwood, natural stone, or concrete flooring to help the material last longer. Finishes are also a good idea for entryways, living rooms, or other high-traffic spaces in your home.

Add-Ons

When you’re putting down new floors, you might look around the room and decide to add some other projects at the same time. Here are the average costs for common floor installation add-ons:

• Baseboards: $700–$2,500

• Floor paint: $1,000–$2,000

• Radiant floor heating: $1,500–$6,000

• Floor joist replacements: $4,000–$15,000

• Professional floor cleaning: $200–$300

• Hardwood floor refinishing: $1,100–$2,600

• Hardwood floor repairs: $480–$1,710

Flooring Installation Pro Costs

Labor costs in Chicago generally run higher in urban areas, though farther out into the suburbs, costs may also increase due to fewer hardwood flooring contractors available. The exact cost depends on factors like whether you're installing a solid hardwood floor or engineered hardwood, subfloor condition, and permit requirements. 

Labor Costs

Hiring flooring professionals in Chicago costs $3 to $8 per square foot in most cases, not including materials. Installing laminate, carpet, or click-lock vinyl plank tends to be more affordable, whereas complex or premium rates for intricate tile work and herringbone patterns may apply. Uneven subflooring from settling or hidden damage from decades of Chicago winters may reveal unexpected repair costs before new flooring can be installed.

Building Permits

Most interior flooring replacements, including carpet and hardwood, are classified as interior finishes and do not require a Chicago building permit for residential buildings with up to three dwelling units. However, permits are required if the work changes structure, involves new electrical or plumbing, or is part of a larger remodeling project that triggers permitting, like changes to fire-rated assemblies.

Seasonal Considerations

Installing or replacing flooring in Chicago means paying attention to the region's intense weather changes. From dry, below-zero winters to humid, 90+ degree summers, Chicago's dramatic seasonal variations cause expansion and contraction in flooring materials. Contractors work to prevent cupping, warping, or gapping to achieve longevity in flooring installs. This extra labor adds to bottom-line costs. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Depending on the specific goals of your project, you may need to hire specialists beyond the pros who install hardwood floors in your home. 

• Environmental consultants charge $100 to $200 per hour to assess risk levels and coordinate remediation relating to lead paint and asbestos in older Chicago homes.

• Structural engineers cost $150 to $300 per hour when subfloor damage reveals underlying issues, not uncommon in century-old Chicago buildings.

• Preservation consultants, at a cost of $100 to $250 per hour, provide guidance on maintaining historical integrity for homes in landmark districts.

• Licensed electricians charge $80 to $150 per hour to install radiant floor heating, an increasingly popular option for battling Chicago's harsh winters.

Does Installing New Flooring Increase Home Value?

For midrange hardwood installations in Chicago, homeowners can expect to recoup 75% to 120% of project costs at resale. Installing new flooring is a worthwhile investment while you are still living in your home, as well as when it comes time to sell. When deciding whether to repair or replace hardwood flooring, refinishing existing hardwood often offers a higher return on investment (ROI) due to lower costs and improved historical preservation. 

Hardwood and quality luxury vinyl plank (LVP) remain buyer-preferred features in Chicago condos and single-family homes. Hardwood complements the classic architectural style of homes, while LVP is more cost-effective and doesn't expand and contract as much during seasonal weather changes. 

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 survey 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. 

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