How Much Does It Cost to Install Linoleum Flooring?

Average Cost to Have Linoleum Flooring Installed

Linoleum Flooring Prices

You can expect to pay between $2 to $5.50 per square foot for materials. The costs of linoleum materials range from budget-friendly sheet options to higher-end tiles or commercial-grade flooring.

Linoleum Flooring Installation Cost

Generally, it will cost you $4 to $7 per square foot to install linoleum flooring, with the average at about $5.50 per square foot.

Linoleum Flooring Installation Cost by Type

Sheet linoleum flooring is a cheaper option, with prices usually hovering around $2 per square foot.

Click-lock planks or tiles come at a higher cost, ranging from $4 to $7 per square foot on average. Style, materials, colors and brand influence the cost.

Linoleum Flooring Cost Factors

Different factors make linoleum flooring costs vary widely. Depending on the style and whether or not it's a DIY project, the installation can run from fairly inexpensive to a significant investment. Here are the biggest cost factors to consider.

Style of Linoleum

Purchasing linoleum by the roll or sheet is the least expensive option, costing around $2 to $2.50 per square foot. Sheet linoleum has been around for decades and is exactly what it sounds like: a rolled-out sheet with no seams.

Tiles and click-lock linoleum planks are available in a wider range of design options and typically cost $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Tiles are available in many colors and patterns, while click-lock planks often come in a faux wood style.

Commercial grade linoleum flooring costs $3.50 to $5 per square foot. Manufacturers specifically design this type of linoleum for high-traffic areas, including offices, hospitals, and restaurants.

Tools Needed

If you opt to install the linoleum yourself, you will need several tools to get the job done. Note that in addition to the items listed below, you will also need to rent or buy a linoleum roller, which will tack on at least another $200.

To install 500 square feet of linoleum flooring, you will need:

• Hammer: $10

• Utility Knife: $5

• Notched Trowel (to spread embossing leveler): $20

• Carpenter's Square - measures right angles: $10

• Tape Measure: $15

• Goggles: $10

• Sponge: $5

• Pencil: $1

• Linoleum tiles average cost ($5 per square foot): $2,500

• Solvent (to remove old adhesive): $15

• Cleaner: $20 per gallon

• Underlayment: $27 per roll for 500 square feet

• Embossing leveler - to even out subfloor: $600 for 500 square feet

• Total Cost of Materials and Tools: around $3,300

Labor Costs

Labor costs differ depending on how difficult the project is, along with labor rates in your area. Linoleum installation labor costs around $35 per hour, although some contractors may opt to price their work by the job. Installing new linoleum will start with pulling up the old floor, removing leftover adhesive, putting down the underlayment, measuring, and caulking. This can add up to hours of labor that you may or may not want to take on yourself.

Cost to Install Linoleum Flooring Yourself

You can save around $2 per square foot by installing linoleum flooring yourself, bringing down the average cost by about $1,000 for a 500-square-foot space.

DIY vs. Hire a Linoleum Flooring Pro

Unless you have a completely blank, untouched subfloor, laminate flooring installation will likely need to include removing and disposing of the old floor, laying underlayment, measuring, and caulking. This may prove to be a bit more work than you’re hoping for, so hiring a professional may be your best bet.

Bringing in a professional contractor offers several benefits:

• You won’t need to purchase a batch of tools and supplies

• You can anticipate correct installation

• Adding the install costs will not increase the overall project price by a significant amount

Contact a linoleum flooring installer near you for a quote. It might be worth the extra cost to leave the labor to someone else.

FAQs

How much is linoleum flooring?

Linoleum flooring costs about $500 on average for a 500-square-foot space, but the range can be anywhere from $350 to $700, depending on where you live.

Is linoleum flooring waterproof?

Linoleum flooring is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. Because of this, it’s best to choose an alternate flooring, such as vinyl, for spaces like bathrooms.

What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?

People often use linoleum and vinyl interchangeably when referring to flooring, but they are very different. While linoleum comes from natural materials, synthetic components go into vinyl, such as PVC. Vinyl flooring does have the benefit of being completely waterproof, but it also has a shorter lifespan than linoleum. You can’t really go wrong with either option; it depends on where you install the flooring and how much foot traffic it will have. There is a cost difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring as well.

Is it hard to install linoleum flooring?

If you are fairly handy, have (or can invest in) the right tools, and can practice patience when completing a DIY project, linoleum is not terribly difficult to install. The interlocking plank styles are particularly novice-friendly. If you opt for roll-out sheets, or tiles that need to align perfectly, it’s likely worth paying the extra cost for a professional installation.

What are the benefits of linoleum flooring?

Linoleum flooring has many advantages, including:

• Made of natural components, including linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, and other renewable materials.

• Resilience and flexibility

• Antimicrobial properties

• Long-lasting