How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring?
Typical Range:
$1,011 - $4,121
Typical Range:
$1,011 - $4,121
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 5,621 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated December 14, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.The cost to install vinyl flooring ranges between $1,011 and $4,121, with the average homeowner paying $2,566 for vinyl or linoleum floors. Because room and project sizes can vary significantly, it’s helpful to consider vinyl flooring costs per square foot. Typically, the price of vinyl flooring ranges between $1 and $5 per square foot for materials and another $1 to $5 per square foot for labor, or about $2 to $10 per square foot total.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $2,566 |
Typical Range | $1,011 - $4,121 |
Low End - High End | $350 - $9,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 5,621 HomeAdvisor members.
Two major factors determine the overall cost of installing vinyl and linoleum flooring: materials and labor. You’ll choose between multiple types of vinyl (or linoleum) and may be able to cut costs with DIY installation. But labor costs can increase when contractors have to remove old flooring.
See the estimated average percentages your factors contribute to your total cost.
You can spend as little as $0.50 per square foot on vinyl sheet, but luxury vinyl flooring can cost 12 times as much. Linoleum is $2 per square foot on the low end but up to $6.50 per square foot for linoleum tile. Material costs will be higher when purchasing flooring for a large room or multiple rooms.
It’s possible to DIY vinyl and linoleum flooring installation if you have the skills, time, and tools, meaning your labor costs could be $0. However, most homeowners hire flooring contractors, whose rates vary depending on the type of flooring (sheet, tile, or plank). Expect higher labor costs for a larger space or if the pro needs to tear up old flooring or make repairs.
You can spend anywhere between $2 and $10 per square foot for vinyl or linoleum flooring installation, but projects will vary depending on the type of flooring you choose and the size of the project. Here’s what you can get at various budgets.
The largest factor that can impact the cost to install vinyl or linoleum flooring is the type of flooring you choose. Vinyl sheets are the most affordable option, costing as little as $0.50 per square foot for materials only, but you can spend as much as $6 per square foot on luxury vinyl planks and tiles and up to $6.50 per square foot for linoleum tiles.
Sheets are the most affordable option when installing vinyl. The average sheet vinyl flooring cost ranges between $0.50 and $1 per square foot.
Because it’s sold as a roll, usually 6 or 12 feet, you may have to purchase more square footage than you need. Some stores will allow you to purchase only what you need from the roll, but it will likely cost more per square foot.
It’s also good to have extra flooring in case you make mistakes during installation or need to make repairs down the road. That said, vinyl sheet flooring can be challenging for novices to install. It’s a good idea to hire a flooring professional for this type of work.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) offer a higher-quality, more durable option than vinyl sheets, but you’ll spend between $1 and $6 per square foot for the added thickness and luxury.
Standard non-luxury tiles and planks may be more affordable, but they’re still more expensive than vinyl sheets. Luxury options have realistic wood grain appearances on the surface and may be easier to DIY install than vinyl sheet flooring.
Commercial-grade vinyl flooring is more durable than vinyl sheet flooring and is designed for high-traffic areas of businesses. You can typically purchase commercial-grade vinyl for around $1 to $5 per square foot, but there may be a minimum order size.
A sheet of linoleum flooring costs between $2 and $3 per square foot, which makes sheet linoleum more expensive than vinyl, but it can last up to twice as long. Like vinyl flooring sheets, linoleum sheets can be challenging to install. If you don’t have extensive floor installation knowledge, it’s a good idea to find a local linoleum floor installer for the job.
As with vinyl, linoleum tile flooring is more expensive than linoleum sheets. Expect to spend between $3.50 and $6.50 per square foot. This higher price yields more durability. DIY-ers may have an easier time with linoleum tile installation than with linoleum sheets, but it’s still a tough job that’s likely better left to a professional.
You can typically order commercial-grade linoleum for between $2 and $5 per square foot. As with commercial-grade vinyl, you typically need to order a minimum amount.
How much does vinyl flooring cost? That depends on who’s doing the installation. While material costs for vinyl flooring can range between $0.50 and $6 per square foot but are generally between $1 and $5 per square foot, you’ve got to factor in labor as well. In general, expect to spend between $1 and $5 per square foot if you hire a professional flooring installer near you.
The labor cost to install vinyl flooring depends on the type of material you choose.
Type of Flooring | Average Labor Cost Range |
---|---|
Vinyl or linoleum sheet | $2 – $4 |
Vinyl or linoleum tile | $1 – $5 |
Vinyl or linoleum plank | $1 – $5 |
These prices only reflect flooring installation costs. If your contractor needs to remove and dispose of existing flooring, you can expect additional fees. For example, carpet removal costs approximately $1 to $1.50 per square foot.
If you have a set budget for your flooring, you can calculate how much flooring you can afford—with or without professional labor—based on the average $0.50 to $6.50 per square foot cost for materials and $1 to $5 per square foot cost for labor.
Budget | Flooring Sq. Ft. for DIY Installation | Flooring Sq. Ft. for Professional Installation |
---|---|---|
$200 | 30 – 400 | 15 – 135 |
$900 | 140 – 1,800 | 80 – 600 |
$2,200 | 340 – 4,400 | 190 – 1,465 |
$3,500 | 540 – 7,000 | 305 – 2,335 |
$5,000 | 770 – 10,000 | 435 – 3,335 |
For $200, you could afford up to 400 square feet of vinyl flooring materials and DIY the work yourself. Alternatively, you could purchase about 30 square feet of high-quality linoleum tile and DIY the installation. If you hire a professional flooring company, you can expect between 15 and 135 square feet of vinyl or linoleum flooring for $200, depending on the material you choose.
A $900 budget affords your much more flooring, especially if you opt for self-installed, low-budget vinyl sheets—up to 1,800 square feet. Because most homeowners might opt for a higher-quality floor that’s professionally installed, plan for between 80 and 600 square feet of flooring for $900.
At $2,200, you can get between 340 and 4,400 square feet of vinyl or linoleum flooring. But if you hire a local tile flooring contractor, your $2,200 budget will likely get you installed between 190 and 1,465 square feet of floors.
With $3,500, you can self-install 7,000 square feet of low-grade vinyl flooring or 500 square feet of higher-quality linoleum tile. If you enlist professional assistance, your range reduces to between 305 and 2,335 square feet since some of your budget goes to labor.
If you budget $5,000 for flooring upgrades, you can purchase 10,000 square feet of vinyl flooring rolls. But with that kind of budget, you’re more likely to enlist professional help and buy higher-quality materials, which could reduce the project size to as little as 435 square feet—perhaps a first-floor project.
Several factors can impact the cost to install vinyl or linoleum flooring beyond just the type of flooring you choose. The size of the space, for instance, can have a huge impact on your overall budget.
Size is the most significant cost factor since you’re purchasing flooring on a per-square-foot basis. Installing vinyl or linoleum flooring in a single room is much more affordable than buying for an entire house. However, you may be able to negotiate a discount if buying flooring in bulk.
In general, vinyl flooring is more affordable than linoleum flooring, but linoleum flooring lasts longer and is better for the environment. Even within each flooring type, costs can vary. For example, sheets are more budget-friendly than tiles and planks.
If a contractor discovers an issue during installation, your flooring installation may involve unexpected project costs, like the cost to replace subflooring. Other common costs include floor removal costs, water damage repair costs, and overall floor repair costs.
Installing vinyl or linoleum flooring yourself is a great way to save money, but it requires time, the proper tools, and the right skill set. If you’re calculating the cost to install vinyl flooring on your own, budget for the cost of the flooring materials, any other materials you might need (adhesive and sealant, for example), and any tools you need to buy or rent.
To ensure proper installation, most homeowners opt to hire a local vinyl flooring installer. They generally charge between $1 and $5 per square foot and can provide the proper fit and finish. A professional typically produces less wasted material and can install the floors more accurately.
If you’re confident you can handle the installation, expect to spend between $0.50 and $6.50 per square foot for vinyl or linoleum flooring installation, plus the cost of a few materials and tools. For a 200-square-foot room, that’s roughly $100 to $1,300.
The difference between vinyl and linoleum flooring comes down to how they’re made, how much they cost, and how long they last. While similar in look, vinyl and linoleum are quite different. Vinyl is made from synthetic materials, but it’s waterproof and comes in a multitude of colors. Linoleum is made from natural materials, including limestone dust and linseed oil. You’ll need to seal your linoleum floors to protect them from water damage, but when properly cared for, they can last much longer than vinyl floors.
Linoleum floors generally last longer than vinyl floors. When properly cared for, linoleum floors can last 20 to 40 years or longer. On the other hand, vinyl floors last an average of 10 to 15 years—20 if you’re lucky. However, the key to a long-lasting linoleum floor is regularly sealing it to prevent water damage. You don’t have to worry about sealing vinyl floors.
Vinyl floors are cost-effective and can look nice when properly installed. However, vinyl floors aren’t very durable. They may only last for 10 years before they need to be replaced. Vinyl floors also contain synthetic materials that make them less eco-friendly than linoleum or hardwood floors, but hardwood floors cost much more than vinyl. Overall, vinyl floors are a great short-term way to make your home look nice, but if you plan to live in your home for decades, it might be worth considering hardwood floors instead.
Vinyl flooring may increase your home value, especially if installed right before it’s listed. While it’s not as durable as hardwood flooring, it mimics hardwood flooring in aesthetics, meaning buyers might fall in love with how the floor looks. Even if they don’t increase the value of your home, vinyl floors may help your home to sell faster, saving you a few mortgage payments.