Last updated October 2026 · Reviewed by the CostWise Lab team
How much does new flooring cost in 2026?
Installed flooring (material and labor) typically runs from $2 to $20 per square foot. Carpet is the cheapest; engineered hardwood is the most expensive of the common options. For a 15 × 12 ft room (180 sq ft), expect roughly $720 to $2,160 for vinyl plank.
| Flooring | Installed, per sq ft | 180 sq ft room |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $2 – $9 | $360 – $1,620 |
| Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $4 – $12 | $720 – $2,160 |
| Laminate | $5 – $12 | $900 – $2,160 |
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | $7 – $15 | $1,260 – $2,700 |
| Engineered hardwood | $8 – $20 | $1,440 – $3,600 |
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Buy 10% more than the measured area for plank floors laid straight, and 15% for tile, herringbone or diagonal layouts. The extra covers cuts at walls and doorways, damaged pieces and future repairs. Keep a box or two from the same production lot.
What else changes the price
- Removing old flooring, especially glued-down tile or carpet pad.
- Subfloor prep: leveling, moisture barriers or replacing damaged plywood.
- Stairs, trim and transitions, which are priced per piece rather than per square foot.
- Moving furniture and appliances.
Methodology
The calculator multiplies the room area by a national installed price range for the flooring type, then scales it to your state. The waste allowance is applied only to the amount of material to buy.
material to buy = area × (1 + waste)
cost = area × price per sq ft × state price index ÷ 100
For L-shaped rooms, split the room into rectangles, calculate each one and add them up. Price ranges are national 2026 installed costs compiled from the guides below; the state adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Sources
- BuildDirect — How much does new flooring cost?
- Flooring Clarity — Flooring cost per square foot
- This Old House — Flooring cost (2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities by state (2024, via FRED)
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate square footage for flooring?
Multiply the room's length by its width in feet. For irregular rooms, divide the space into rectangles, calculate each one and add them together.
Is vinyl plank cheaper than laminate?
They overlap a lot: both usually cost about $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Vinyl plank handles water better, so it is preferred for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Can I install flooring myself?
Floating floors such as LVP and laminate are popular DIY projects and save the labor cost. Tile and nail-down hardwood need more skill and tools.
Does the price include removing the old floor?
No. Removal and subfloor repairs are usually quoted separately.