Cost to Build a Floor

Floor Installation Costs

Building a new floor costs from $13,500 to $47,230 for a 1,500 square foot space. This includes the cost to build a foundation, as well as the price of the subfloor, baseboards and new flooring materials. The total price varies depending on the type of flooring material used. Exotic wood floors will cost more than carpet or laminate. Talk to a floor installation pro to get an accurate estimate for your space.

If you’re considering adding a new floor as part of the cost to build an addition on your home, you may find yourself paying less. A second story addition, for example, won’t require you to pay for a new foundation.

Average Cost to Install Flooring

There are several flooring material choices to choose from. Here is a quick breakdown of the different types and their costs.

Hardwood Flooring

The price of a hardwood flooring installation runs from $2,500 to $6,740 on average. Though pricier upfront than other options, a wood floor refinishing contractor can keep them in shape for years after the initial installation. The cost to refinish hardwood floors runs from $1,080 to $2,400.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring costs from $3 to $13 per square foot. It is made of three to four layers of wood glued together and is generally more durable and environmentally friendly than real wood.

The material costs are about the same as traditional hardwood, but the installs are faster and cheaper. A certified pro can help you compare traditional hardwood and engineered wood floors for your space.

Bamboo Flooring

The cost to install bamboo flooring in a 125 square foot space is $640 to $820 on average. This moisture resistant material is environmentally friendly and softer than traditional hardwoods. This product can be expensive and brittle and may be more susceptible to dings and scratches than other wood floors.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring installation prices run from $500 to $1,400 for a 100 square foot space. Like bamboo, cork represents an eco-friendly flooring alternative. This pricy material is softer than some options, which makes it susceptible to damage.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate wood flooring installation prices range from $1,400 to $4,240 on average. Synthetic layers with an inner core of fiber board or resin make up laminate floors. They can be difficult to repair. Pergo flooring costs from $2,000 to $3,000 to install in a 500 square foot space. This laminate product mimics the look of authentic wood floors.

Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring

The cost to install vinyl and linoleum flooring runs from $790 to $2,630 on average. Professional flooring installers in your area can roll this product or install it in squares. Vinyl and linoleum repair prices are fairly low and run from $220 to $960 on average.

For an all-natural, biodegradable type of linoleum, expect to pay the cost to install marmoleum flooring.

Carpeting

Installing carpeting costs from $760 to $2,540 for most projects. On average, you’ll pay $3.50 to $11 per square foot. Prices vary based on several factors, including the pile of the carpet, room size and cost of installation. The price to clean carpet ranges from $130 to $240 on average, and carpet repair costs from $130 to $270. Carpet removal costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot.

The cost to install Berber carpet ranges from $380 to $590 on average. Another specialty carpet, indoor-outdoor carpet, costs about $275 to cover a 144 square foot room. Don’t forget to consider the price of carpet padding installation in your estimate. Carpet padding is about $3.75 per square foot to install and adds a nice cushion beneath the carpet layer.

Tile Flooring

The price to install natural stone tile ranges from $890 to $2,760 on average. Slate flooring costs from $9 to $20 per square foot for professional installation. Installing marble tile prices are similar and range from $10 to $20 per square foot.

Installing ceramic or porcelain tile costs $860 to $2,700 on average, which is slightly less than natural stone tile. You can pay the cost to refinish ceramic tile for $150 to $2,000 on average.

Radiant Heated Floors

The price to install radiant floor heating in an individual room ranges from $1,770 to $5,900 on average. These under-floor heating systems warm flooring so that it is not cold on bare feet.

Playground Floors

Poured in place rubber playground surfacing costs about $2,200 on average. Pros can generally complete this project quickly assuming the ground is level and adequately prepped before pouring the rubber.

Rubber Floors

The price of rubber floors ranges from $800 to $2,300 for a 144 square foot surface. The rubber thickness, quality of materials, state of subfloor and area of installation all cause variations in the price.

Terrazzo

Installing Terrazzo flooring costs from $5,000 to $18,000 on average. You can expect to pay $25 to $90 per square foot on average. Pre-made tiles are less expensive, and glass aggregate costs less than marble.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete floors cost from $1,540 to $3,840 to install. This price can increase if the installation surface needs expensive surface repair. Elaborate concrete designs will also bump up the cost.

FAQ

Does new flooring improve my home ROI?

New flooring often bumps up the resale value of your home. Newly installed wood flooring offers the highest ROI. Carpet does not add much to the value.

How do I get the best flooring prices?

You can get the best flooring prices by doing your research upfront and making sure to choose the right flooring materials for your space. Talk to an interior designer to make an informed decision on your flooring project.

What’s the average markup on flooring?

Flooring manufacturers and service professionals all have different markups on flooring. At the end of the day, you’ll pay the cost of materials, shipping, labor and installation for your floors, in addition to contributing to a company’s bottom line.

How much does it cost to replace floorboards?

It costs from $7 to $28.50 per square foot to replace your floorboards. The price depends on the cost of the new materials, as well as labor, disposal and removal of old floorboards.