How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost in 2024?

Vinyl flooring installation costs an average of $2,120. Most homeowners pay between $865 and $3,330 to install vinyl flooring in a standard-sized room.

Vinyl flooring is a great way to give your home a new look while keeping costs within your budget. Vinyl flooring installation costs an average of $2,120, with most homeowners paying between $865 and $3,330.

Vinyl is durable, comfortable to stand on, and easy to clean. In addition, vinyl comes in an array of colors and patterns for just $1 to $6 per square foot for materials plus $1 to $5 per square foot for labor.

In this cost guide:

Average Vinyl Flooring Installation Costs in 2024

National Average Cost$2,120
Typical Price Range$865 – $3,330
Extreme Low-End Cost$370
Extreme High-End Cost$6,575

On average, it costs between $865 and $3,330 to install vinyl flooring in a home. However, the costs could go as low as $370 if you:

  • Install the flooring yourself
  • Keep the area small
  • Shop around for the best prices
  • Install vinyl sheets
  • Reuse the underlayment or install over an existing floor

The costs can go up to $6,575 if you hire a professional to install luxury vinyl tiles in your entire home.

Vinyl Flooring Cost Estimator by Area Size

The cost of vinyl flooring materials is typically between $1 and $6 per square foot, with labor costs falling within the range of $1 to $5 per square foot. In total, professionally installed vinyl floors cost between $2 and $11 per square foot.

While vinyl flooring is generally a budget-friendly option, it’s essential to keep in mind that the cost can add up quickly if you install new flooring in a large area. You can use the table below to get a rough estimate of the total cost of your project:

Project Size Average overall cost 
100 sq. ft.$200 – $1,100
200 sq. ft.$400 – $2,200
300 sq. ft.$600 – $3,300
400 sq. ft.$800 – $4,400
500 sq. ft.$1,000 – $5,500
600 sq. ft.$1,200 – $6,600

Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. The actual cost may vary depending on various factors, including the type of vinyl flooring you choose, the complexity of the installation, and other factors, as we’ll see next.

Vinyl Flooring Cost Estimator by Type

If you’re considering vinyl flooring for your home, one important factor is the type of vinyl. From traditional vinyl sheets to luxury vinyl planks, there are a few different styles to choose from:

TypeAverage Cost Per Square Foot (Materials Only)
Vinyl Sheet$1 – $2
Vinyl Plank$2 – $5
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)$1 – $5
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)$2 – $9
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)$2 – $9

Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl sheets are the most common and budget-friendly option, with costs between $1 and $2 per square foot. They are also resistant to moisture and wear, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens

Additionally, vinyl sheets are easy to clean and maintain, as they can be swept, mopped, or vacuumed to remove dirt and debris.

Vinyl Plank

Vinyl plank flooring is rectangular and can mimic natural wood planks’ look. They are usually designed to be installed as a floating floor, meaning they are not attached to the subfloor and are clicked together. One of the benefits of vinyl planks is that they are relatively easy to install, even for DIYers. 

Vinyl plank flooring costs $2 to $5 per square foot

Vinyl Composition Tile

Vinyl composition tiles, or VCTs, are made of various layers with a wood, plastic, or stone polymer core, giving them more durability than other types. VCTs are available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be used to create various design effects.

Vinyl composition tiles cost between $1 and $5 per square foot.

Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a top-of-the-line flooring choice that is perfect for areas with high moisture levels, like bathrooms. It is thicker than regular vinyl sheets and has a thick urethane wear layer.

It can look like wood or stone and even ceramic or marble. LVT costs from $2 to $9 per square foot.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are a luxury alternative to regular ones. Like LVT, LVP is thicker, with a wear layer that makes it more durable and resistant to high foot traffic and moisture. 

Luxury vinyl planks resemble hardwood flooring and can be installed as a floating floor or glued to the subfloor. It costs between $2 and $9 per square foot.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of vinyl flooring installation. Understanding these factors can help you better plan for and budget your vinyl flooring project. We’ll look at them next:

Labor

Labor costs for installing vinyl flooring range from $1 to $5 per square foot. However, many factors can cause these costs to be closer to the lower or higher end. 

For example, vinyl sheets may be the cheapest option to purchase, but they can be more labor-intensive and, therefore, cost more than vinyl planks. Typically, floating floors, which use a click-and-lock system, are easier to install and cost less in terms of labor than glue-down and peel-and-stick vinyl flooring.

Coloring Method

The costs for vinyl flooring can vary depending on the coloring method of the material. There are two methods to add color and patterns to vinyl sheets and planks: printed or inlaid.

Printed vinyl flooring is made by printing the color and pattern onto the surface layer of the material. This type of vinyl flooring is generally less expensive because it is easier to produce, at $1 to $5 per square foot. VCT and vinyl sheets are usually produced this way, and some vinyl planks, too.

On the other hand, inlaid vinyl flooring is created by embedding granules of colors through the material, which gives it more detail and texture than just printing it. Inlaid vinyl costs between $5 and $12 per square foot and most luxury options like LVT and LVP are made this way. 

Plank Thickness

Vinyl planks come in various thicknesses, with thicker options being more durable and costing more. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) tend to be thicker than other vinyl planks and can be a good choice for high-traffic areas. 

For these high-traffic areas, it is recommended to choose vinyl planks with a thickness of at least 8 millimeters and a wear layer of 12 mils. 

Core Type

One important aspect of vinyl flooring to consider is the type of core it has. There are two main types of cores for vinyl flooring: rigid and flexible. Flexible core vinyl costs slightly less than rigid core vinyl, but it is more prone to warping, bending, and tears and is not as comfortable to stand on.

On the other hand, rigid-core vinyl has a solid core that provides extra stability and support that can last for decades. There are two types of rigid core vinyl flooring: WPC (wood plastic composite) and SPC (stone plastic composite):

WPC

Wood polymer core (WPC) vinyl flooring is made with a wood and plastic composite core that is durable and waterproof, making it suitable for use in areas prone to moisture and high traffic. It is also resistant to scratches due to its thick wear layer. It costs between $4 and $12 per square foot.

SPC

As the name suggests, stone polymer core (SPC) vinyl flooring is made from a composition of stone and plastic. It can mimic the look of wood and stone while being durable and stable. It costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.

Subfloors and Underlayment Repairs

If your subfloor has become damaged by water, rot, or anything else, you might need to replace it with a new one. When the subfloors are not perfectly smooth, it can lead to unevenness in your finished vinyl floors, and fixing it after the installation will be tricky.

Replacing the subfloor costs between $2 and $7 per square foot.

However, suppose you’re looking to simultaneously reduce noise and create a smooth surface. In that case, consider installing an underlayment, which costs $2 to $5 per square foot. Keep in mind that underlayments are only necessary for thinner vinyl flooring and can be skipped when you’re using thick luxury vinyl planks.

Removal of Old Flooring

In some cases, contractors may need to remove the existing flooring before installing the new vinyl flooring because not all vinyl options can be installed directly over the existing surface.

Old flooring removal costs between $1 and $4 per square foot, with prices varying depending on the type of flooring material.

Home Layout

If your home has a different layout, contractors may charge more to install vinyl flooring. A complex layout involves more intricate design elements, such as walls at odd angles or multiple levels, which can be more time-consuming and involve more planning and cutting than an open floor plan.

Moving Furniture

If you are hiring someone to install vinyl flooring in your home, they may charge you per hour for moving your furniture out of the way. So it’s important to discuss this with the contractor beforehand so that you know any additional costs that may be involved and can budget accordingly.

Related Services 

If you’re still on the fence about whether vinyl flooring is the right choice for your home, you might want to consider the following flooring options:

Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is usually in the same category as vinyl, but although they look the same, they are very different. Linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork powder, wood flour, and other organic pigments. As a result, it can last longer than regular vinyl, is water resistant, eco-friendly, and does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when installed.

Linoleum flooring installation costs between $1,340 and $3,125, with most homeowners paying around $2,115.

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring adds timeless elegance and sophistication to any space and can significantly increase the value of your home. It is also a long-lasting and durable flooring option, so if you have a bigger budget, consider installing solid wood flooring.

Hardwood flooring installation costs from $2,245 to $6,110, with an average of $4,140, depending on the type of wood you choose.

Carpet

Carpet is an excellent option if you want to add warmth and coziness to your home. There’s a wide range of materials to choose from, from wool to polyester, so you can find a carpet that fits your style and budget.

Carpet installation costs $760 to $2,335, with an average price of $1,525.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

One of the best things about vinyl is that it is very easy to install, especially vinyl planks. With their simple click-together design, even someone with little or no experience in home improvement can easily install vinyl planks. 

However, the subfloors must be leveled and can’t contain any cracks, so you might need to use a self-leveler to even out the subfloor before installing the vinyl planks. You can also install vinyl over your existing floors, as long as they are clean and flat.

Here is the equipment you’ll need:

DIY Equipment for Vinyl PlanksAverage Cost
Chalk$1
Tape measure$18
Utility knife$12
Pull bar$18
Level$21
Framing square$8
Self-leveler$35 (50 lbs.)
Total cost:$113

With a DIY project, you’ll spend around $113 on equipment, or even less if you already have some of the equipment at home. In addition, you’ll be saving from $1 to $5 per square foot on labor costs.

Cost of Vinyl Flooring by Location

Labor costs for vinyl flooring installation vary significantly depending on where you live. In general, people in metropolitan areas tend to pay more for this type of installation due to the higher cost of living in these areas. This includes higher wages for skilled labor and the increased cost of doing business in a more densely populated area. 

In contrast, labor costs in rural areas may be lower due to a lower cost of living and less competition for skilled labor.

FAQ

Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper to Install Than Tile?

Yes, vinyl flooring is much cheaper to install than tile. Not only is vinyl flooring less expensive than typical tile flooring materials, like ceramic and porcelain, which can cost up to $30 per square foot, but the cost to install vinyl is also cheaper. 

Vinyl flooring costs between $1 and $5 per square foot to install, whereas tile costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.

How Much Does it Cost to Install 1000 Square Feet of Luxury Vinyl Floors?

The cost of luxury vinyl planks and tile ranges between $2 to $9 per square foot while labor costs range between $1 and $5 per square foot, totaling $3 to $14 per square foot. As such, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $14,000 to install luxury vinyl floors in a 1,000-square-foot area.

Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Add Value to Your Home?

Vinyl flooring does not typically add value to a home as hardwood flooring does. Still, suppose your old flooring is falling apart, and you replace it with luxury vinyl planks. In that case, it can increase your home’s overall appeal to potential buyers.

Final Thoughts 

Vinyl flooring is a popular and practical choice for many homeowners because it is durable, versatile, and affordable, at an average cost of $1 – $6 per square foot.
While it is possible to install vinyl flooring on your own, a flooring installation professional has the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to ensure a smooth and successful installation. Find a pro near you today.

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

Main Image Credit: msan10 / Canva Pro / License

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.