How Much Does Linoleum Flooring Cost in 2024?

Homeowners should expect to pay between $1,340 and $3,125, or $2,115 on average, to install linoleum flooring.

Linoleum flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because of its durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Linoleum flooring installation costs, on average, $2,115, with most homeowners paying between $1,340 and $3,125.

Linoleum is fabricated with natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns with a price ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot.

In this cost guide:

Average Linoleum Flooring Costs in 2024

National Average Cost$2,115
Typical Price Range$1,340 – $3,125
Extreme Low-End Cost$320
Extreme High-End Cost$6,525

Suppose you are considering different flooring options for your home. In that case, you may wonder how much it would cost to install linoleum flooring. The average cost of linoleum flooring installation in the US is around $1,340 to $3,125

However, the actual cost can vary based on factors such as the flooring area’s size, the linoleum’s type, and the complexity of installation. You can pay as low as $320 if you:

  • Install the linoleum flooring yourself
  • Choose a simple design
  • Choose a cheaper type of linoleum
  • Shop around for the best prices and contractors
  • Install linoleum in a small room

On the other hand, you can end up paying up to $6,525 if you:

  • Install linoleum in a large flooring area
  • Choose a more expensive type of linoleum
  • Need to repair the subfloors
  • Have a complex home layout

Linoleum Flooring Cost Estimator by Area Size

The square footage is the most important factor in estimating a linoleum flooring project. The larger the flooring area, the more linoleum and labor will be required, increasing costs.

Linoleum flooring typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, while labor for installation can cost between $2 and $6 per square foot. This means the total cost per square foot for linoleum flooring installation can range from $4 to $12

You can use the table below to get an idea of the total cost to get linoleum flooring professionally installed:

Project Size Average overall cost 
100 sq. ft.$400 – $1,200
200 sq. ft.$800 – $2,400
300 sq. ft.$1,200 – $3,600
400 sq. ft.$1,600 – $4,800
500 sq. ft.$2,000 – $6,000

Other Factors That Affect Cost

A few factors and additional costs can impact the overall price of linoleum flooring installation. By taking these cost factors into consideration, you can make informed decisions about your linoleum flooring project and ensure that you get the best value for your money:

Type of Linoleum

The material costs for linoleum flooring can vary depending on the type of linoleum you choose. There are three major types of linoleum available, and each has its own characteristics, installation method, and prices.

Type of LinoleumAverage Cost Per Square Foot (Materials Only)
Linoleum Sheet$2 – $5
Linoleum Tile$4 – $7
Linoleum Plank$3 – $6

Linoleum Sheet

Linoleum sheet flooring is the most budget-friendly option, at $2 to $5 per square foot. Still, properly installing it can also be labor-intensive, increasing labor costs. Overall, linoleum sheets come in large rolls and can be cut to fit any size or shape. In addition, they are durable, easy to maintain, and don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as vinyl sheets do.

Linoleum Tile

Linoleum tiles are usually 12” x 12” square pieces of linoleum flooring used to create a tiled flooring appearance. They don’t require cutting and can be clicked together — which means the installation is easier — or glued down. Linoleum tiles are also easy to clean, durable, and water-resistant, costing between $4 and $7 per square foot.

Linoleum Plank

Linoleum planks are long, thin pieces of linoleum flooring that are designed to mimic the look of hardwood planks. They are not as common and, therefore, not as easily accessible as linoleum sheets and tiles. Still, they are easy to install and can give your home an elegant look at an affordable price. Linoleum planks usually cost between $3 and $6 per square foot.

Labor

Professional installation for linoleum ranges between $2 and $6 per square foot or $35 per hour to install linoleum flooring, depending on the type of linoleum, the complexity of the installation, and the region where you live.

In general, click-together linoleum tiles are less expensive to install than linoleum sheets because they don’t have to be glued down and require less labor. Similarly, complex home layouts with walls at different angles and stairs will take more time to install, increasing costs.

Old Flooring Removal

Although linoleum flooring can be installed over almost any type of flooring, there are a few instances where removing the existing flooring may be more appropriate. For example, suppose you have brick, natural stone, or carpet flooring. In that case, you’ll have to completely remove it before installing linoleum flooring.

Removing old flooring costs between $1 and $4 per square foot, depending on the type of flooring material. Removing old carpet, for instance, costs $2 to $3 per square foot.

Subfloor and Underlayment Replacement

Subfloors are the structural layer of your floors. They provide stability and strength to your final flooring. As such, if they’re uneven, squeaky, or smelling musty, it may be time to replace them. Usually, when the subfloor has suffered water damage, linoleum flooring will start bubbling up. 

Subfloor replacement costs $2 to $7 per square foot, adding to your total installation costs.

On the other hand, underlayment is a thin layer of material installed over the subfloors to provide cushion and insulation to your flooring. Although underlayment isn’t strictly necessary for linoleum flooring, it’s a good idea if you’re looking to soundproof the room.

New underlayment costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.

Moving Furniture

Moving and handling furniture can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, so flooring contractors may charge an additional fee to compensate for this extra work.

You can save money by moving the furniture yourself. Always take proper safety precautions, such as lifting heavy items correctly and protecting your floors and walls from damage. It may be better to pay the extra fee if you’re not in good condition, as lifting heavy furniture can cause injury if not done correctly.

Related Services 

If you’re trying to decide the best flooring option for your home, there are a few options that have a similar look (and sometimes a similar price range) as linoleum. Each option offers its unique benefits, so it’s essential to consider every aspect before making a decision:

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a composite flooring material made of a high-resolution photograph that is sealed with a clear protective wear layer, while the bottom layers are made of a dense fiberboard material. As a result, laminate can mimic the look of hardwood flooring at a much lower price point while still being durable, scratch, and water-resistant. 

Laminate flooring installation costs between $1,440 and $4,310, with most homeowners paying an average of $2,790.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a synthetic flooring material made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a popular home choice because it is durable, easy to maintain, and affordable. Like linoleum, vinyl is water-resistant and can give your home a warm wood look without the high price tag.

Vinyl flooring installation costs, on average, $2,120, with a price range of $865 to $3,330.  Below are the average costs per square foot of the different types of vinyl flooring available, not including installation:

TypeAverage Cost (Per Square Foot)
Sheet Vinyl$1 – $2
Vinyl Plank$2 – $5
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)$1 – $5
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)$2 – $8
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)$2 – $8

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is considered one of the most valuable flooring materials because it adds a natural and elegant look to any space and increases the home’s overall value. In addition, they can be refinished when looking worn out and will last for many decades with proper care.

Hardwood flooring costs between $2,245 and $6,110, depending on the type of wood, size of the space, and complexity of installation. Most homeowners pay around $4,140.

Here are the average costs for the most common wood flooring types (materials only): 

Wood TypeAverage Cost (Per Square Foot)
Pine$3 – $6
Cherry$4 – $7
Bamboo$4 – $8
Red Oak$5 – $9
Maple$5 – $10
White Oak$6 – $11
White Ash$7 – $10

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

Installing linoleum sheet flooring may seem like an easy task, but it actually requires a bit of preparation and attention to detail. Before you even begin the installation process, you must allow the linoleum sheets to acclimate to the room for at least 24 hours.

Additionally, you’ll want to use a plywood underlayment to protect your old flooring from getting adhesive if you change your mind and decide to return to it.

The table below displays the necessary tools and materials you’ll need for installing linoleum sheets DIY:

DIY EquipmentAverage Cost
Underlayment-grade plywood$2 per square foot
Stapler$25
Pry bar$15
Hammer$18
Tape measure$18
Utility knife$12
Flooring adhesive$50 per gallon
Notched trowel$7
Linoleum sealant$35 per gallon
Floor roller Hand roller: $25
Standing roller: $250
Total cost:$207 – $432

The DIY equipment will set you back between $207 and $432, depending if you use a hand floor roller or a standing roller. However, you’ll save $2 to $6 per square foot on labor costs.

Installing linoleum tiles can be more straightforward than installing linoleum sheets. Since the tiles are already cut to size, less cutting is needed during the installation process. 

Cost of Linoleum Flooring by Location

The price of hiring professionals to install linoleum flooring can vary greatly depending on the location. In general, people in urban areas will pay more due to higher expenses such as wages for skilled workers and the cost of operating a business in a more crowded area, contrary to rural areas.

However, people in rural areas may have to pay for transportation of the flooring material if they live far away from the supplier, which can increase the overall cost of the installation.

FAQ

Which is Cheaper, Vinyl or Linoleum?

Vinyl is slightly cheaper than linoleum. However, the cost difference between the two materials can vary depending on the type and quality of the vinyl or linoleum used. Still, on average, vinyl flooring costs $1 – $6 per square foot, while linoleum flooring costs $2 – $6 per square foot.

What are the Disadvantages of Using Linoleum Flooring?

Linoleum is durable, easy to clean, and overall an excellent option for flooring your home, but it has some cons to consider:

● It is susceptible to dents and scratches.

● Linoleum is not waterproof, so it can be damaged by moisture if it is exposed to standing water.

● It can become discolored or yellow if it is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.

Are Linoleum Floors Coming Back?

Linoleum has been used as a flooring material for decades, but it has largely been replaced by vinyl in recent years. However, linoleum is making a comeback due to being a sustainable option for flooring. 
Unlike vinyl, made from synthetic materials, linoleum is made from natural materials, making it environmentally friendly. All of that while still being long-lasting, attractive, and affordable.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, the costs for linoleum flooring installation can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the type of linoleum, labor costs, and the preparation work necessary. 

While it’s possible to install new flooring yourself, you may end up spending more on the equipment than you would in hiring a pro, so why bother breaking a sweat? Instead, hire a flooring installation professional with the tools and experience to get the job done right. 

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

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Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer, psychologist, and plant enthusiast. She is currently doing a PhD in Social Psychology; and can't help but play with every dog she sees walking down the street.