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

Most homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, spend between $1,356 and $4,480, with an average cost to install flooring of $2,894 for midrange projects. Your final investment depends on material selection, room size, and whether you need subflooring repairs or old flooring removed. Be sure to choose materials that perform well through Central Ohio's distinct seasons while staying within your budget.

Flooring Installation Cost Factors 

Several key factors shape your flooring installation cost in Columbus, Ohio. Namely, the square footage you're covering and the materials you select have the most significant impact. Hardwood commands premium prices while vinyl and laminate deliver budget-friendly alternatives. You'll want to factor in potential subflooring repairs, particularly in older Columbus neighborhoods where homes may have settled over decades or experienced moisture issues in basements. 

Room Size

In Columbus, new midrange flooring costs an average of $6 to $11 per square foot, with luxury hardwood and tile jobs pushing above $12.50 per square foot. 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, hardwood flooring costs between $6 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

Your flooring installation company may charge an additional rate, averaging $60 to $120 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 $1.50 to $3.50 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 $2.50 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 $0.40 to $4 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 $11 to $160 per step, 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 $300 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 plumbing leak left mold or water damage under the flooring, you’ll need to factor in the additional costs of a local mold removal service to keep your family safe.

Finishes 

Finishes, like polyurethane, urethane, or wax, cost $0.85 to $7 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

Ohio's construction market offers competitive pricing for Columbus flooring installation pros compared to coastal city premiums. Local tradespeople are available throughout Franklin County and are knowledgeable about the region's specific climate considerations and permit requirements. 

Labor 

In Columbus, labor costs for flooring installation range from $1.50 to $6 per square foot for luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and $3 to $8 per square foot or more for contractors who install hardwood floors. When billed hourly for specialty tasks, contractors commonly charge $60 to $120 per hour. Complex patterns, challenges with older construction, or premium materials can push rates higher.

Building Permits

Most interior finish flooring replacements that do not change structure, egress, or building systems typically do not require a Columbus building permit. A permit may be required, however, if your project involves structural repairs, changes to radiant heating tied to mechanical or electrical systems, or work in multi-unit common areas.

Always check with the City of Columbus or Franklin County for permit guidance, and with your condo/HOA, if applicable, before starting any work. Verify your contractor holds proper Columbus licensing, too.

Continental Climate

Columbus's continental climate significantly impacts flooring choices and installation practices. Ohio's climate involves temperature fluctuations, humidity, and moisture levels that require contractors to account for seasonal changes. 

Dramatic swings affect hardwood flooring particularly, causing expansion in humid months and contraction during dry winters. Spring and fall offer ideal installation windows when humidity levels stabilize, though quality contractors work year-round with proper precautions.

Regional Demand

Columbus's steady economic growth, anchored by Ohio State University, major healthcare systems, and expanding tech sector employers, keeps construction demand healthy without the price volatility seen in boom-bust markets. This consistent demand means quality contractors stay busy, so booking installations often requires two to four weeks' lead time during peak spring and fall seasons. 

Does Installing New Flooring Increase Home Value?

Installing new flooring provides solid returns in Columbus's growing real estate market, where well-priced, move-in-ready homes are receiving multiple offers and buyers increasingly prioritize properties requiring minimal updates. Columbus homeowners routinely recover 45% to 75% of midrange replacement costs, with especially positive return on investment (ROI) when they repair or replace hardwood flooring. Basic carpet installs are closer to the lower end of this range. 

Short-term rentals and higher-demand neighborhoods like German Village can recoup a higher ROI. Check local comparables before deciding on your project scope. Poor installations also significantly reduce value, so always use licensed, bonded Columbus pros with references.

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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