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

From Capitol Hill Craftsmans to South Lake Union condos, Seattle's housing stock presents specific considerations for flooring projects. Installing new flooring in Seattle, Washington costs an average of $3,482, with most King County homeowners paying between $1,697 and $5,318. Labor costs here tend to be higher than the national average, plus the Pacific Northwest's notoriously damp climate lends itself to moisture damage and uneven subfloors, further increasing potential costs for flooring replacement projects.

Flooring Installation Cost Factors 

Material type heavily impacts flooring costs in Seattle, Washington. Hardwood and tile are pricier options but longer-lasting, whereas vinyl and laminate offer budget-friendly options. Remember to factor in the city's rainy climate and seismic requirements when choosing new flooring for your home. 

Room Size

In the Seattle metro area, new flooring costs an average of $13 to $16 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, hardwood flooring costs between $12 and $30 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 $70 to $160 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 $7 per square foot, depending on the type of floor and how it was installed. For example, tile removal costs can range from $3 to $7 per square foot, while removing carpet that is nailed or stapled to the floor costs around $2 per square foot.

Subflooring 

Subflooring replacement costs $4 to $12 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 $30 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 $160 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 $3 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

Seattle's competitive market drives labor rates slightly above national averages. Homeowners should also budget for permit requirements if structural work is required, as well as possible remediation for moisture damage and mold growth. 

Labor Costs

Seattle flooring professionals charge $3 to $9 per square foot for labor alone, depending on material and project complexity, when installing or replacing floors. Homes with multiple room transitions, stairs, or original architectural features common in Seattle's historic neighborhoods require more precise cutting and fitting, adding to total labor costs. Uneven subflooring from settling or previous seismic activity can complicate flooring projects, too.

Permits

No permit is required for simple, cosmetic floor replacement in Seattle unless the project involves structural changes, new wall openings, or plumbing or electrical modifications. Home renovations costing over $6,000 in any six-month period require city building permits. Fees for residential construction are based on project valuation, type of work, and scope of review. Check with the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) or ask your contractor who installs hardwood floors if in doubt. 

Climate Considerations

The Pacific Northwest experiences heavy rainfall, with consistently high humidity levels from October through May. Many Seattle contractors recommend moisture meters to test subfloors before new flooring installation or replacement, ensuring readings stay below 12% to prevent cupping, warping, or mold growth. Luxury vinyl plank has gained popularity here because it handles moisture better than traditional materials while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Depending on your project scope, you may need specialists beyond your flooring installer.

• Building science consultants charge $150 to $250 per hour to evaluate Seattle homes for water intrusion, condensation issues, and vapor barrier needs.

• Licensed electricians charge $85 to $150 per hour for labor if you're installing radiant floor heating.

• Structural engineers, at $150 to $300 per hour, assess foundation integrity for seismic retrofitting considerations before flooring installation.

• Architectural consultants cost $100 to $250 per hour to provide guidance on maintaining character while meeting modern standards.

Does Installing New Flooring Increase Home Value?

Repairing or replacing hardwood flooring can be a sound investment in the market value of your Seattle metro area home. Mid-quality hardwood or luxury vinyl plank installs often result in a return on investment (ROI) of 80% to 120% of project costs, meaning you'll likely recoup what you invest and even slightly more depending on neighborhood and current market conditions.

Seattle has a strong market for quality finishes, and hardwood or premium floors are expected in many neighborhoods, pushing your ROI upward. However, the base cost of labor and logistics is higher in Seattle than in many regions, which can reduce net margin. Also, hidden repair issues, like hidden moisture damage to subfloors, can eat into the potential gain.

Quality flooring helps sellers capitalize on Seattle's competitive real estate environment.

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. 

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.